Benbrook Sprint Tri 2014

4.27.14

One year ago, Griffin and I went to this event to see a real live Tri take place.  Prior to that day, I had no idea about transitions, the sequence of events, etc. 

A year later, I was in. I participated for a few reasons: it is a Trident coordinated event, it takes place at Butler's Y, and, it was time to begin my season. 

I had not been training leading up to this event, but knew I could get through it, even if it was ugly.  

It did not help that I had been out WAY too late on Friday, and was still feeling the effects on Sunday. 

swim: ugly and slow. While faster than my previous Tri swims, I still have a long way to go, and felt fatigue quickly. 

Bike: while this should be my strong suit, my lack of saddle time showed.  I caught a calf cramp on "nice hill". Also, riding into a strong wind made the ride tough.  

Run: slow and steady.  But, ran the whole way. 

Overall: slow.  Only 2 minutes slower than previous tri's but, a slightly shorter route.  A good wake up call for the season. Time to train. 

Stockyards Easter 10k 2014

4.19.14

At the last minute, I signed up for this race, as several Y friends were participating.  I had not raced at this distance since January, and figured I would try to run for speed. My previous 10k PR was 57:22. I was aiming for 55 on this one.  I had a little trouble getting out of the crowd at the start, but, finally did, and took off.  I found a good, fast pace, and kept Sheri in my sights, as I knew she would hold a fast pace.  I felt good for the first 5k, made the turn, and headed back...with a bit of a tailwind.  I saw Erica, Summer, and Melody just after the turn.  It was fun to cheer each other on.  Fatigue set in at about the 5 mile mark, but, even though my pace slowed, I was determined to push through.  As I turned onto the finishing street, Erica caught up to me.  Just the motivation I needed to push hard through the finish.  I posted a 56:04. While a little shy of my goal, a PR nonetheless.  I found it interesting that I finished only 90 seconds behind Sheri.  For me, that meant 7th in my AG. 1st for her AG.  

My speed is definitely improving.  With increased training, I suspect it will improve even more, as I have done no speed work as part of my training routine.  

Good run with good friends! 

Big D Half Marathon 2014

4.6.14

This would be my 3rd half marathon in 6 weeks.  Because one of our board members was running, I figured I'd give it a go.  As mentioned in my last post, I'd struggled thru my last half, and was looking forward to a better showing.  However, I'd trained very little over the past two weeks, with only a 3.8 mile run and a 14 mile ride in the books. 

I'd eaten a little smarter prior to the event, and hoped the stomach issues I'd encountered 2 weeks ago were a "one time thing". 

I arrived of a cold and rainy morning...48 and raining.   A mess.  I ate some cliff chews and took a few endurolytes.  Ready to go.  

I got off to a good start and was keeping a 9:40 ish pace through about 7 miles.  I was tracking with the 2:10 pacer, and thought I would set a PR at under the 2:10 mark.  

About 8 miles in, my stomach went sour.  Cramping,  gas, etc, made for a slow, tough run.   Just after the 10 mile mark, I realized I was going to need to stop before the finish line.  Finally, around mile 11, a portalet.  An unfortunate, poorly timed stop.  I need to determine what the issue is. I suspect it is the cliff chews.  I'll go without next time.  

Based on my garmin, a ran a 2:14, which would have been a PR, even with the slow 3 miles, but, my chip time was 2:18.  My stomach had cost me a decent time.  I didn't stay around the post event soon, as I still felt pretty sick, and wanted to head home.  

The "goods" on this event was that it ran through much of East Dallas, around part of White Rock Lake, etc.  It was fun to run some of the areas I used to cycle, see the old hood, and, even see a familiar face in Vitale.  I'll do this one again.  Hopefully with better weather and a better result.  

Final time: 13.2 in 2:18:00.