2014 goal: 5000 total miles.

And, a 15k, 13.1, 70.3, 26.2

Game on. 

Jingle Bell Run 2013

12.23.13

We're back!  For the 2nd year in a row, we are back for the Dallas Jingle Bell Run. We booked a room at the Anatole, invited some friends, and lined up Lela to watch the boys during the event.  This event is fun and festive. It will be a staple on the annual event calendar. This year we were joined by Craig and Lisa and Courtney and Kelly.  Gage was struggling with a stiff neck and wanted his mommy. As a result, Lindsi's run, once again, got derailed.  I was hoping to improve on my previous 5k times with this one, and did. Due to the crowd of people, or was difficult to get started, but, after a mile or so, I found a little space to move.  When it was done, I booked a 27.11, a PR, and 6.5 minutes faster than last year.  

Some Like it Cold 5k / 10k 2013

12.21.13

In an attempt to find another event for December, I stumbled upon this one.  Since it was hosted at Trinity Park, it would be an easy, convenient 10k, and would fit into my 70.3 training plan. 

My running had tapered off over the past few weeks due to a nagging knee injury, but, was beginning to feel better.  

When I went to pick up my packet on Friday, I was underwhelmed by race "office", but the race director seemed like a good guy. We talked about the forecast for the race and the Y a bit.  

As forecasted, this morning was in the mid 30's with a steady rain. Yuck. Of the 300 preregistered runners, only 128 showed up. 

The run was cold and wet, my shoes and socks were soaked, and much of the trail was underwater, leading to runners running in the grass for periods of time.  While I eventually warmed up, it took about 4 miles for my hands to stop hurting from the cold.  

At one point, I thought I could finish in a sub 1 hour time, but, the nasty conditions slowed me down a bit. I continued my steady pace, and finished in 1:03:30. A fairly standard time for me for a 10k. Due to the low partication, I placed in my age group and received a medal. That made the poor conditions and the wait for awards worth the effort.  

My knee was pretty sore after the event, and will need to improve quickly, as the jingle bell 5k is in 2 days.  

I suspect I may seek out a few events from this race group again, as they are local, and seem to be good people.  

Let the training begin!

In 2013 my wellness events evolved a bit, as I dipped my toe in the pool of multisport events.  As one might imagine, this has led to a desire to increase distances in said events. So, 1st challenge: ironman 70.3.  I asked Tarp, one of the local Tri gurus, which event to target as my 1st half ironman, and, Galveston was the recommendation.  (http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman-70.3/texas.aspx#axzz2nUJvL8lf). 

So, tomorrow, my journey begins.  I will follow this 16 week training plan: (http://triathlon.competitor.com/2010/09/training/super-simple-ironman-70-3-triathlon-training-plan_12364). 

I'm entering this training program a little out of shape and banged up, as I have not been diligent about my training in several months, and have a sore right knee. 

I'm hopeful that I can push through the knee pain. 

When training for my 1st sprint Tri last summer, I found great motivation in training for the event, and, saw good results as well. 

I suspect that the cycling will come easy, the improvement on the running will come, and the swimming will suck. It will also be a challenge to find time to "open water" swim between now and the event. 

Game on. 

Derailed.

A nagging knee pain has brought my running to a halt. I have only run a few times since the turkey trot.  I am registered for a 10k on the 21st, and scheduled to begin my 70.3 training on the 16th. Hoping for a good response from my right knee.  

here we go again!

Game on. 

FW Turkey Trot 2013

11.28.13

As a member of the FW Y team, this event will be a staple on my fitness calendar.  The 5k option of this event was my 2nd 5k last year, and, due to my newness to running, I was forced to walk a bit.  My 2012 time for the 5k was 35:13. What a difference a year makes. I opted for the 10k option this year, my 2nd event of that distance. Lindsi and the boys opted for the 5k, and, Griffin was excited about running with mommy.  We took separate cars, and, had a little trouble connecting pre-race.  As a result, I was nowhere near the starting corral when the horn sounded for the 10k.   As I worked my way to the start line, Butler was on the microphone chanting "go derek go".  I had some catching up to do.  The weather was in the 30's at the start, and I had layered my clothing.  About 2 miles in, I realized that I needed to shed some clothing, or, I would overheat.  So, gloves off, fleece jacket around waist, and continue running.  I found a steady pace, and for as hilly of a course as it was, felt good about my rhythm.  My goal is to be under 1 hour in 10k's.  I recognized that I wouldn't quite be there, but, would be close.  As I rounded the corner towards the finish line, I picked up the pace, and, finished in 1:04:40. Not bad, but, a long way to go to be competitive.   As expected, the boys were challenging for Lindsi. Gobbler Trot 1k it is next year.  

Bronda's Duathlon 2013

11.10.13

I registered for this event several months ago, as I figured it would be a good event on a fast course (TMS).   And, it would be my first Du.  As mentioned in a few of my recent posts, I had not been training much, and had spent very little time on the bike, but, figured I could manage.  The day was a little cold for my liking, and the crowd was small, with less than 100 participants.   Race coordination had been turned over to a new management group, as iron head productions had recently disbanded.  

The format was 2 mile run, 15+ mile bike, 2 mile run.  

I got off to a fast start (for me), and ran sub nine minute miles.  Off to transition and the bike. Having ridden this course many times before, I was quite comfortable.  I did notice, however, how slow I am compared to more skilled cyclists on better bikes.  Several times I was blown past as if I was standing still.  While my cycling legs are certainly not with me due to lack of saddle time, my bike is a factor too. I pushed hard and made "ok" time 16.32 miles in 58:17 (16.8 mph per MMR).  The course was intended to be only 15 miles, so my mph shows slower on results.  The last run was much slower, as my legs were gone. 

All in all, a good event.  I'll be back in 14.  

Toro Dash 10k 2013

11.2.13

On a whim, I signed up for this race. The nice thing about living so close to Trinity Park is that races are frequent and close.  I literally signed up for the race the day before the event.  Having recently completed a 5 mile event, I decided to register for the 10k, my first.  My running had decreased drastically over the past few weeks, but, I felt like I could finish the 6.2.  

As usual, I got off to a quicker start than desired, but quickly slowed down to a nice, easy pace.  I was pacing a little slower than I would have liked, but, having never completed this distance before, wanted to make sure that I didn't run out of gas.  I ran the entire time, and feel confident that I can improve my time.  

Goals are becoming clearer for my distances. I need to work my 5k down to 25 minutes, and, 10k's, for now, should be under an hour and improving.  

The stats: 6.23 miles in 1:03:02. 

Monster Tri Keller 2013

10.27.13

Here we go again!  This event was to be my 2nd Tri of the year (and ever!). I went into this event pretty anxious, for a number of reasons. 1) this swim would take place in a 50m pool. I was concerned about fewer chances to rest, the inability to touch ground if needed, etc.  2) my lack of training.  While I spent quite a bit of time training over the summer for The Mayors Tri, I spent little time training for this event. As a matter if fact, I'd only been in the pool twice since my last Tri.  Over the past 90 days, most of my training had been running.  

Leading up to the event, I'd considered dropping out several times. But, my stubbornness kicked in, and I went. 

I moved back in the swim line, and when it was my time, I was in.  The swim, while challenging, was not too bad. I swam mostly freestyle, but mixed in a little breast stroke and even about 25m of sidestroke at the end. 9:18 for 300m. Slow. 

I walked to transition, slipped on cycling gear, and off to the bike. I felt like I was making decent time, but, once stats came in, I was slower than hoped. 

Off to the run.  I ran the entire time, and paced about how I thought I would a just under 10 minutes per mile.  

When it was over, I was glad I went, and pleased that, like last year, I completed an event the day after my birthday.  

Trinity Bright 5k 2013

10.19.13

In an effort to complete another event for October, I stumbled upon this event, taking place at trinity park. This was a last minute decision, as I registered the Tuesday  before the event. But, it was an easy distance, close to home, etc.  This quick and easy 5k ran along the trail and was an "out and back" route.  

I have found that my speed is improving, as I matched my speed for the Rahr 5k (although, this was a flatter, easier course). 

The stats: 3.17 miles in 27.49. 

Depot Day 5 mile run 2013

10.13.13

In what was kind of a "last minute" decision, I registered for this run. Last year, there was a depot day cycling event on this weekend, but due to low registration, it was canceled this year. This run would be a test, as this would be the longest distance that I had completed at an organized event. Recognizing that I had already registered for the 10k distance at the Turkey Trot and the 13.1 at the Cowtown in February, it seemed like a good time to begin to increase my distances.

My running had decreased over the past few weeks, as I fought a nasty cold leading up to this event.

When I went to pick up my packet, the race coordinator mentioned that the number of runners would be light, and, even commented on the likelihood of me placing in my age group. I chuckled, as I was just getting over my cold, and knew that the longer distance could be challenging.

This event had 3 distance options: 5k, 5 mile, and 10 mile.

When it was time to line up for the 5 mile run, I looked around and realized that there were not many of us. A new thought entered my mind: don't be last.

The horn sounded and I got off to a decent start. I remembered my mistake in starting off too quickly at the Rahr run, and intentionally slowed down a bit. I found a good rhythm, and finished strong. And, sure enough, placed in my age group.

I was pleased to finish a distance of this length, and feel good about the upcoming 10k.

The after event included free beer, which is always a bonus. Also, medals for all runners.

I suspect that I will do this one again.

The stats: 5.02 miles in 49.26. A 9.53 minute mile and 858 calories burned.







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Rahr 5k 2013

9.28.13

A year ago, my 1st 5k in years was the Rahr 5k. While I was pleased to have finished,  I walked a bit of the course, and finished in a slow 32:51. What a difference a year makes!  Leading up to this event, I encouraged several friends and colleagues to participate.  A few showed, a few skipped, but, it was fun to see a few friends.  I was determined to not only beat the friends that attended, but, to also finish in sub-30 minute time.  I moved towards the front of the pack at the starting line, and, when the horn sounded, got off to a fast start.  I was concerned that I'd started too quickly and would run out of gas.  Frustratingly, there were no mile markers, so, I did my best to gauge my progress with my watch and GPS app.  Late in the run, I realized that I was making good time, and, would achieve  my sub-30 minute time.  When I was all done, I'd booked a 27:50 time.  A full 5 minutes faster than last year, and a PR for a 5k.  3.36 miles in 27:50. Not bad!   Looking forward to this event again next year!

   

 

HHH 2013

8.24.13

For Texas Cyclists, the Hotter 'N Hell 100 is a rite of passage. For 32 years, avid cyclists have converged on Wichita Falls to participate in this event. Unlike many of the smaller cycling events, this is a 4 day event, with races, runs, MB events, and the HHH 100. The event has grown to nearly 15,000 participants.  I targeted this event several months ago. My cycling training had tapered drastically leading up to the event, but, I'd completed 2 rides of more than 65 miles in the weeks prior to this event, so felt as if I could finish the 100.  As a matter of fact, I completed a really difficult 75 mile ride 3 weeks prior, that was touted to be tougher than HHH. I had quite a bit of anxiety heading I to this ride, a I'd never completed a ride of more than 75 miles before, I was concerned about congestion at the start, etc.  I stayed the night prior in Lawton (about 40' away). I attended the expo on Friday night, picked up a few new items, and headed to the hotel.  I awoke at 4 am with no alarm, packed up, and headed out.  My plan was to arrive around 5:30, figure out parking, get the bike ready (I'd stored it at the event overnight), find some food and fill my water bottles. Much to my chagrin, food and water were nowhere to be found.  As a a result, I started he ride with an empty stomach and empty water bottles.  Not good.  The start was much better than I'd expected, and we were off.  I stopped at the1st rest stop to get some food and fill my bottles. I was amazed at he number of cyclists at each stop.  The 1st 20 miles or so were a bit dicey, as the number of cyclist made for crowded conditions.  We saw 2 major wrecks in the 1st 15 miles, including one that forced all cyclists to carry their bikes around an ambulance.  After the 1st 20 miles, things thinned out nicely.  I continued to stop at rest stops, as I was still struggling to get enough fuel.  The rest stops were the best I'd ever seen. Well stocked, fun, etc. The "trick" to HHH is to pass "Hell's Gate" by a certain time (12:30 this year). If you do not, your route is cut short. Hell's Gate is at the 60 mile mark.  I made it by about 15'. At that point, I was committed.  I continued my slow pace, hitting every rest stop. It was interesting to see the number of cyclists having to SAG back,  at one rest stop, the SAG wagon passed with at least 30 bikes on it. I must admit, after 70 miles or so, sagging back didn't seem like a bad idea.  6:39 later, I crossed the finish line. Including rest stops, it had been 9 hours since I'd started.  I left the event questioning whether or not I'd ever do it again.  2 days later, I was ready to register for next year.  Next year, I will be much better prepared. The stats:  100.57 miles (GPS died with 3 to go) in 6:38:59. 15.1 mph and 6656 calories burned. 

Hot Rocks 2013

8.10.13

Well, the monthly fitness events have come full circle, as I completed Hot Rocks again today. My 1st event last year was this event, and, it was my 1st cycling event ever. What a difference a year brings! This year's course was modified and extended a bit, to allow for the completion of a true 100k. I suspect that this event will be a staple on my cycling schedule, as its a great event, and it is great to see familiar faces along the way. The weather this morning was beautiful, leading to a good ride.  It was fun to ride a "familiar" course. The first several minutes of this event are a little weird, as 1000 cyclists navigate narrow roads and a series of turns, so, I hung back a bit to allow for adequate riding space.  I had forgotten how nice this ride is, as it starts out with a series of easy rolling hills, and has hard fast riding surfaces for most of the ride.  The surfaces were far better than what I'd experienced last week.  I was making great time for the 1st 50 miles, and then, I hit the wall. It was due to total ride mismanagement on my part.  Because I was feeling so good and moving so fast, I skipped most of the rest stops, and over the 1st 50, had consumed only water and two gels.  My normal intake of bananas, pickles, etc, would have come in handy.  I was pacing at about 17.5 mph until the 50 mile mark, and then slowed drastically.  As I crossed under the bridge towards the stadium, I was ready to be done, and then, reality set in. The route had been extended several more miles to allow for the true 100k. The trip down and back on John King was tough, as hills, wind, and heat made for a hard finish.  Even with the tough finish, my mph average was still the best yet for any of the organized rides over the past year.  Stats: 65.03 miles in 3:55:12. 16.6 mph and 4379 calories burned.  I'll be back for this one next year.  

Blazin Saddle 75 2013

8.3.13

When I joined the Fort Worth Y in March, Lisa quickly mentioned a cycling event in Granbury that takes place each August.  I quickly signed up for the event. A few months later, I met the race director, Scott, at the Y.  Through a series of conversations, Scott and I discussed the possibility of the Y getting involved in the event. While we have not yet determined what that partnership might be, I was looking forward to the ride.  Scott mentioned that he believed that this was the toughest ride in North Texas, and, if a cyclist could complete the 75 mile route, the HHH would be "easy". The HHH takes place just 3 weeks later, and is a 100 mile route.  Blazin Saddle has more than 3900 feet of vertical climbing,  including 3 signature climbs: Skull's Crossing, Mongo's Mountain, and The Peak. 

It was destined to be a hot day, with temperatures climbing to near 104. I arrived a little later than normal, but, was ready to go when the ride started.  

I must admit, that leading up to this ride, I was a bit anxious, as I had not had much time in the saddle lately, and this ride was reportedly difficult.  Additionally, this would be my longest ride to date.  

I got off to a decent start, but, quickly realized that this ride would be challenging. Climbing, rough chip-seal and wind made for a challenging ride. I found my buddy Ross at the 1st rest stop, and spent much of the day riding with him.  

When I arrived to the turn for Mongo's Mountain, I was riding alone. Mongo's Mountain is a 2.2 mile 3% climb.  Typically, I attack short, steep hills, but, this was something entirely different. I will admit that it was tough, but, also very rewarding to complete.  The kicker: another 1 mile climb after Mongo's  Mountain!  The top of "The Peak" was beautiful, as you could see for miles.  

This was a tough ride indeed.  My average speed was a full 2 mph slower than my last 2 rides.  

The stats:  76.21 miles in 5:12:39. 14.6 mph and 4970 calories burned.  

Peach Pedal 2013

7.13.13

Just 6 days after the Mayor's Tri was the Peach Pedal.  This ride was held in Weatherford and had a max distance of 70 miles.  

Prior to this ride, I had been contemplating new wheels for the bike.  I pulled the trigger on a set of Bontrager X Lite wheels the day before the ride, and was eager to test them out. 

I arrived early, and quickly realized that it was going to be a hot day. 

I got off to a relatively fast start, and averaged about 19mph for the first 20 miles+. The new wheels were rolling great!  As expected, it began to get hot, and the course had some hills on the last half of the ride, which slowed my pace drastically.  However, no cramping and only slight leg fatigue. 

I stopped at the last rest stop to fill up my water bottles and was told that we were 9.2 miles from the finish. Not long after leaving the rest stop, I experienced a rear tire flat.  I pulled over in the shade and began to change tubes.  The RBM van pulled up and helped me complete the job.  Soon, I was on my way to the finish. 

Here's the stats:  71.3 miles in 4:23:21. 16.2 mph and 4782 calories burned. 

The Mayor's Tri 2013

7.7.13

As mentioned in a previous post, the 1st annual Mayor's Triathlon was held at my Y on July 7.  I committed to participating, and, as outlined in previous posts, have been training.  My weakest area, by far, was the swimming portion. However, with lots of encouragement, some practice, and a competitive spirit, I knew I was ready.  Because this event was at my Y, I worked closely with the race coordinator and the mayor's office leading up to the event. This included 2 television appearances, numerous meetings, etc. When race day came, I knew it would be a great event. 

Having never completed a sprint Tri before, I was unsure what to expect related to completion time, transitions, etc.  Initially, I estimated that I needed to finish in less than 2 hours. The week prior to the event, I whittled that down to 1:45.  Just a few days before the event, I set a target time of 1:30. Ambitious for a 1st timer.  

I was excited about this event for a number of reasons, including the anticipation of my 1st Tri, the fact that it was a highly visible event due to the Mayor's presence and the location, and that several of my friends and colleagues were also participating. 

I arrived early to make sure that the Y was ready to go, and set up my transition area.  After a quick TV interview, it was time to get ready for the swim.  

I had friends on either side of me in the swim line, which was fun.  As expected, the swim was tough. After my 1st 100m, I was winded.  The pool was really congested, and I found myself walking much of the "swim" as it was too crowded to swim.  Total swim time was 7:12, which was faster than I expected.  

Off to transition. One of my friends mentioned that I may be a bit disoriented in transition. She was right.  I ran right past my bike and had to double back. My 1st transition time was slow (>3 minutes), but, then, I was off to the bike. I expected the cycling to be the most comfortable portion for me, and, I was right.  While my bike kept me from being one of the faster cyclists, I made good time, and finished the 15 miles in 47 minutes. My 2nd transition was a bit faster, and, off to the run.  By this point, I was pretty wiped.  I hoped for 9 minute miles, but, my tired legs were not having it.  I did get a chance to run with a couple of friends briefly, which was nice.  

I pushed hard towards the finished and completed the course in 1:31. Not bad!  

Immediately, I began to think about ways that I could shave time for the next one.  If I can get down to about 1:20, I will be pleased.  A few things that must improve: my swim time (lots of practice needed), my run time,  my bike (will need a carbon Tri bike eventually). 

I'm looking at some fall events, and suspect that I will complete 1-2 more Tri's by the end of the calendar year.