Thankful Tuesday (is that allowed?)

December 1, 2009 by · 20 Comments

I hope everyone had an awesome Thanksgiving! I certainly enjoyed having 4 days off!

BJ and I decided to host Thanksgiving this year and we had a blast. I made my first turkey, ever, and it was a success. BJ can’t stop raving about how delicious he was (maybe it’s because we bought an organic turkey and maybe it has nothing to do with my cooking skills…). Either way, I’m documenting this one in the books – 1st Thanksgiving = success.

We wanted to run a local Turkey Trot but it sold out before we could register. Since we decided to host at the last minute, I didn’t want to sign up earlier if we weren’t going to be in town (in years past, we’ve had Thanksgiving dinner at his mom’s house). By the time I realized we were going to have dinner in Arlington, the race was sold out. So, BJ and I decided to host our own Turkey Trot. We ran the 4.5 mile loop were we met. It was also our 1 month engagement anniversary, so we were extra sentimental on Thanksgiving.

Things I’m thankful for everyday (and not just on Thanksgiving):
1) My amazing family. I seriously have the coolest parents and the best (2) sisters e-v-e-r. I miss them like crazy! My mom and sisters are coming to DC this weekend to go wedding dress shopping with me – I can’t wait.
2) A fiancé!! BJ rocks my world – and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him. Being engaged is seriously the coolest thing.
3) Awesome friends, a great job and being able to run (aka my health). I am so lucky to be blessed with such great things in my life.

In wedding news, we are this close to picking a place. I have called over 40 places in the DC metro area – and am not having much success. Although I have a feeling that we will be picking a place soon!!! I can’t wait to have a date and place. I know this is a terrible excuse but I have been slacking in the workout department due to wedding venue shopping. I feel like BJ and I go look at a place every other day. Soon, it will be over very soon.

PS – once I have a date and place, I promise to be a better blogging friend to everyone!

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Suntrust Richmond Marathon – 8k

November 16, 2009 by · 31 Comments

I have a confession to make:

1) I have not run since the engagement. Yes, I got engaged 17 days ago.

2) I have not properly trained since my last triathlon in September.

Trust me, I have my excuses:

1) I got really sick 4 days after the engagement and was out of commission for 3 days.

2) I have been wedding planning like crazy (it’s practically all I think about right now)! We want to get married in May – June of 2010 but I’m running in to some problems:

a. Since it’s a short (7-8 months) engagement, most places are booked.

b. We can’t do 5 of the 9 weekends in May or June (due to previous commitments including my little sister’s high school graduation and our half-ironman in June)

c. I live in DC – things here are so expensive (and it’s depressing).

Okay, so I’m telling you this for a reason: I ran an 8k today. Originally I had signed up for the half-marathon but due to said confessions and a foot problem, I decide to switch to the 8k. I’m glad I did. (I’m sore as hell!)

The race went better than expected – and I’m glad I decided to run. Since 8k’s are fairly uneventful I don’t have a ton to report. It was a nice, flat (and slightly downhill on the way back), out and back course. Like most of the races I run, many people started when they weren’t suppose to – so I spent the 1st mile running in and out of people. Around mile 1.5, I finally got into a groove. Literally. There were bands and DJ’s playing awesome music along the run – which is fun and motivating since I don’t run with an iPod when racing. At mile 3, I started to feel tired – and this old time runner who was about to pass me (he was probably 50) said: “Come on – don’t let up now”. Okay, okay. So, I picked up the pace and ran the last 2 miles with him. I really needed him and am thankful that he didn’t let me “let up”! The last half mile he said: “This is it – let’s push it in”. And that’s exactly what we did! Glad to be finished, I turned around to give my new running partner a high-five – and he brought it in for a hug. I love runners!



Stats:

Overall: 134/3542

Age Group: 5/559

Gender: 19/???

Time: 35:23 (7:07 pace) – shocking, but a new 8k PR, too!



PS – the race shirts were awesome: long sleeve, wicking and gender specific. Hint to all other race directors: get good shirts!

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A Running Engagement (literally)

November 5, 2009 by · 56 Comments

Two years ago, BJ and I met at Pacers, our local running store. Pacers is home to a Tuesday/Thursday night fun run group, ranging anywhere from 10 to 100 people. It’s a great group of locals, all levels of ability and one common theme: we like (or in my case, love) to run!

I especially love that BJ and I met running because for anyone who reads I RUN LIKE A GIRL, I think it’s pretty obvious that I am obsessed with running. I mean, I was born to run! But, other than my love for running – BJ met me when a) I was running faster than him and b) I was hot and sweaty. Anyone that can fall in love with a sweaty woman who is faster than him = true love. One week after meeting, I claimed BJ all to myself.

Fast forward to October 29, 2009.

BJ and I had plans to run our favorite long run after work, appropriately named “long run”. It’s an 8 mile loop and we run it once every 2-3 weeks. (note: we always pack my hot pink CamelBak for hydration) It was a gorgeous night, not too hot, not too cold – perfect running weather. We were talking about our days, the weather, how we were feeling – normal running talk. Around mile 5, we run past this great park – it has tennis courts, a big open field, an old train caboose and a few picnic tables. BJ asked if we could “stop to stretch”. Of course – I was in no hurry (and feeling a little rickety myself).

So, we stopped. And then BJ started saying some really nice things to me, I mean really nice (I’ll leave all of the little details to us)….I started to think: “What’s going on here? Is he being an extra sweet boyfriend? Or, is he about to propose?” Around the same time I started thinking those things – BJ got down on one knee, pulled out a (gorgeous) ring from the CamelBak and asked me to marry him.

I said: YES!!!!

Unfortunately we had 3 miles left – so we practically had to sprint home because I could not wait to tell everyone our wonderful news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Even more fun – BJ made reservations at our favorite restaurant and had told them we were getting engaged. When we arrived, there was champagne and a delicious bottle of wine waiting for us – and personal “congratulations” menus. We had wonderful food and wine and dessert. It was absolutely perfect! And I could not be happier!

So, we met running, we both love to run and BJ proposed on a run – I could not think of a more perfect way for us to get engaged!

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inVigorators Compression Socks: Review

October 29, 2009 by · 10 Comments

I’m not joking when I say that I begged inVigorators to send me a pair of their patented graduated medical-grade compression socks. I was in the middle of a very busy race season, had 4 races in 4 weekends and my legs were feeling the torture. Compression-everything was gaining popularity and I wanted to be one of the cool kids, too. After hundreds of tweets @inVigorators I finally won a pair of socks. 3 words: inVigorators are awesome! They fit really well (note: they come in “Tall” sizes) and while they are tight, they are not restrictive. Not only are these socks super comfortable but they improve my circulation and make my legs feel great.

I tested these socks for the month of September – I pretty much lived in my compression socks for 4 weeks straight. I wore them at home, after a long run and around town (I am a proud wearer). Like I mentioned before, I could tell that some-sort-of-compression was going on but I never felt uncomfortable. My experience was always the same: my legs felt great. I wore the socks a days before each race and slept in them the night before [every race]. Four weeks later, I still felt as strong, if not stronger, at Race #1 as I did at Race #4 (I had major PR’s at all 4 races). inVigorators – yes I will!

Let’s just say that BJ is totally jealous and can’t wait to score a pair, too.


I definitely recommend inVigorators – you can buy them from Amazon and are totally worth the $25! You may want to follow inVigorators on Twitter and Facebook for a random chance to win a pair.

Filed Under: Reviews & Go-To's, Uncategorized ·

Famous?

October 22, 2009 by · 14 Comments

I’m pretty much famous. Well, not really, I just wish I were famous.

But, I was featured on the Fitness Anywhere website for winning a TRX at the Army 10 Miler. (I’ll take it…)

Female Winner at Army 10 Miler

So, TRX training starts soon. Do any of you have a TRX? If yes, what’s your favorite workout? If no, you should buy one!

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Winners and Trail Running Shoes

October 20, 2009 by · 12 Comments

Sorry I’m late picking the winners.
Thanks to everyone who entered my Drymax Socks giveaway – and to all of my new followers! Since everyone can’t win (I know, sorry!), I highly suggest buying a pair at your local running store. I am a huge, huge fan of these socks!

So, without further adeiu, the winners are:

Carly – who just ran her first 10k, blister free
Mel – Tall Mom on the Run – who LOVES the blister free promise and the odor control

Please email me your address: melody.parry@gmail.com

In other (fun) running news: I have been dying to start trail running but dragging my feet on actually buying a pair of trail shoes. Last week I saw these bad boys at Hudson Trail Outfitters – it was pretty much love-at-first-sight:

Yes, they are hot pink (and awesome)! Trail running starts this week – and I can’t wait.

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Drymax Sport Socks – GIVEAWAY

October 13, 2009 by · 52 Comments

A few weeks ago I did some MAJOR Blog stalking! It started out very innocently: it was a Monday morning; I was reading blog posts and race reports from the weekend and just happened to find a post about Drymax Socks, written by an Ultra runner who swears by them (no blisters for her after a 100 miler). Well, then I just happened to spend the next few hours (yes, more than one) blog stalking everyone who runs, blogs and swears by Drymax. From that moment on, I knew I needed a pair. ASAP.

Bob, at Drymax Socks, is awesome – and the reason why I am hosting this awesome giveaway! After said stalking, he sent me 8 pairs of socks: a few for my blog readers, and a few for me (I’ve already given a pair to my mom). I haven’t stopped wearing them since they came in the mail. These socks are wonderful – and totally keep my feet dry and blister free. As an avid runner (and running for almost 20 years) my feet are NOT pretty. I had finally accepted my long term relationship with blisters and realized that not even the most expensive pedicure would make my feet look good – until my feet met Drymax Socks. It seems, that blisters and my feet, are breaking up (and the foot modeling business may be in my future).

Seriously, though, one of the best things about these socks is their versatility – they are made for different activities and weather conditions: hot weather running, trail running, cold weather running, tennis, walking, maximum protection, etc. Finally a sock that is made for everything that I do!

And, in case you don’t believe me – here’s website proof:

Drymax Socks Actively Prevent Blisters
Drymax technology socks were designed to actively prevent blisters.

1) Drymax socks fit because they come in 5 sizes, and were developed on special 3D foot shaped models which accurately represent the human foot.
2) Drymax socks do not irritate skin because they are soft and seamlessly smooth on the inside.
3) The inner layer of Drymax fibers, along with vents built into the socks, allow liquid & vaporized sweat to pass through to the separate outer layer of the sock, then to the shoe lining. Blisters caused by sweat vapor or liquid sweat are prevented because Drymax fibers stay dry, breaking the Blister Cycle.

So, if you are as excited as me about living BLISTER FREE – you are in luck!! 2 lucky winners will win Drymax Socks (2 pairs/each – size Medium)!!

Here’s how to enter:

1) Go to the Drymax website and blog. Read some of the incredible stories about runners and Drymax socks (one Drymax lover got MARRIED in her socks!!). Leave a comment about your favorite sock and why you want and need to live blister free.
2) Become a I RUN LIKE A GIRL follower
3) Link to this giveaway on your blog…or tell others about the giveaway.

I will announce a winner on Monday, October 19.

Happy Running!

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Army 10 Miler (ATM)

October 7, 2009 by · 27 Comments

Race 4 of 4, in 4 weekends

Every year since I have lived in the DC area, my mom has come up from Florida for a Girl’s/Army 10 Miler weekend. My favorite part about the weekend (besides running 10 miles) is that I get my mom all to myself! When I go home to Florida, I have to share her with my dad and sisters – Army 10 Miler weekend, it’s 100% uninterrupted Mom/MP time – and I love it! Since my mom is the reason that I am a runner, it seems fitting that our girl’s weekend would include a 10 mile run. No shopping sprees or mani/pedi’s for us – we are all about the Army 10 Miler!

Expo: One statement – I love Expo’s! I love getting 20% off running shorts. I love discounted running shoes. I love One More Mile slogans, like “One Bad Mother Runner” and “Toenails are for Sissies”. I love to people watch.

And this year, I love TRX. Since the website says it better than me, TRX Suspension Training gives athletes, military personnel and fitness pros a complete total-body training tool and the cutting-edge training programs they need to take their performance to the next level (yes, I will) . The main reason I love TRX: I won one – for free – by winning the “low row” contest. My new friend Shawn (see picture below), told me that he would give me one, on the spot, if I could do 30. I made it to 24 and had to call it quits. However, 24 placed me #1 for most female rows. So, I still won (awesome, right?!)! I seriously think that TRX will take my workout routine to a whole new level – and I can not wait to start using it! (Thanks Shawn!)
After we left the expo, with new shorts, a pair of running shoes and 3 running tops, we headed to my favorite pre-race restaurant – Faccia Luna – and ordered a delicious pizza. Since high school, I have eaten pizza before every road race – it’s the one routine superstition that I can not give up. Delish dinner with mom and BJ, wine, dessert – and off to bed. I needed as much “dreaming-of-a-PR” sleep as possible.

Race Day: We woke up to awesome weather – it was a little chilly but I knew it would warm up, so I wasn’t concerned. The forecast: 72 and partly sunny. I love awesome running weather! Mom, BJ and I got to the race about 1 hour before the 8am start. We got to see the beautiful sunrise, the Golden Knight parachute team and cheer on the Military Veterans and amputees who started at 7:45am. 8am race start – I was ready to rock the ATM!

Since the 2009 Army 10 Miler marked the 25th Anniversary of racing, they opened the race to 30,000 runners! Since there were 30,000 runners, they had specific waves for specific race numbers (all color coordinated by having same-color race numbers and balloon arches indicating the wave). Since I was bib number 2245, I was in the wave (#2) behind the elite runners. However, like any big race, with 30,000 runners, 96 year old, Grandma Betty, with bib number 29,987, thought she could start in wave #2, too. Sorry, grandma – you can’t! My biggest frustration (besides not enough water) is runners who think that they can start whenever they want. There are wave starts, bib numbers and timing chips FOR A REASON! If you’re not in my wave, don’t start running with me!

Miles 1 – 1.5: I spent the entire first mile (and next half mile) running in and out of people that started in the wrong wave. I had to slow down, break my pace and actually walk around people. I had to yell: “on your right”, “or your left” and “in the middle” too many times to remember. Seriously, people, you think that’s acceptable?! Now, please don’t get my wrong, I am not an elite athlete nor do I think that I am “so awesome” that I’m not human, but I just don’t understand why people start in the wrong wave. It is clearly marked, there are a million color-coordinated balloons to help you, should you get confused, AND, for the love of God, you know you are not running that fast!

Surprisingly, I crossed Mile 1 in 7 minutes (it should have been faster but honestly, I’m surprised it was that fast).

By mile 4 I realized that I was consistently running 7 minute miles and wondered if I could keep that pace for 6 more miles. I felt really strong – plus, my mom gave me some awesome advice the night before. Awesome mom advice: it doesn’t hurt any more to run a 7 minute/mile than it does to run a 7:15/mile or a 7:36/mile (my pace from last year). What the hell – I’ll keep running a 7 minute mile – and I’ll be done sooner! I love mom advice, especially because moms are generally right.

I saw BJ around Mile 7 (for me – and Mile 5.5 for him). We always get excited to see each other and I love when he tells me that I look strong, or yells: “Go Melly go!” Since he knew that I was a faster runner than him, even before we started dating, he is the most supportive and awesome boyfriend on race days!

Approaching Mile 8, I still felt really strong, continued to pass people and knew I only had 2 miles left. A little blister started to form (I really need some blister advice – how do I make them stop??) – but with 2 miles left, I knew that I could run through the annoyance and deal with it later. Still on a 7-ish pace, I tried to pick up the pace, even if just a little tiny bit. I hit Mile 9, only 4 laps around a track left, and started to pass runners one by one. I think I’ve mentioned this before, but as a former 400m runner, I still feel really strong at the end – and am usually able to find a little extra kick somewhere deep down!

With (probably) half a mile left, I looked down at my watch and realized that if I kept running hard (and fast), I would:
A) Shatter my time from last year (2008: 1:16:01)
B) Run under 1:10:00 – which means my pace would less than 7 minute/mile.

I sprinted to the finish line – and crossed in 1:09:58!! Even, if just barely, that’s a sub 7 minute/mile pace – and 6 minutes and 2 seconds faster than last year!! (YAY!!)

Overall Time: 1:09:58 (6:59 pace)!!!!
Overall: 1,016/21,289
Sex: 95/9566
Age Group: 32/1966

I am so thankful for:
A) Awesome weather!!!
B) My best ATM ever (this was my 3rd year running) – I ran 10 miles at a 6:59 pace!
C) My mom being able to run the whole race – and not stop (It’s a LONG story but my mom had a terrible horse accident less than one month before the race and she wasn’t even sure she would be able to run)!!!
D) A PR for BJ, too!

Awesome things about this race:
1) Location – close to home, the race starts and finishes at the Pentagon
2) Supporting our Troops! I’m an Army Brat, so I have a special place in my heart for the men and women that serve our country! I clapped and thanked every amputee I saw on the run (and after) – they deserve it.
3) Washington D.C. – shit happens here. It’s cool to run 10 miles in and around our Nation’s Capitol!
4) Hundreds of AWESOME volunteers – some civilians, some Military personnel.
5) The ATM is beyond organized – probably one of the best organized races in the U.S.
6) Awesome expo – see 3rd paragraph, above.
7) The after party is so much fun! There are tents everywhere, good food and everyone is having a good time.

Not so awesome things about this race:
1) Very, very crowded. Because this race is so well organized, 30,000 runners just barely works – however, I am NOT happy about the “laissez faire-ness” of the bib numbers and wave starts. There are HUNDREDS of [handsome] military guys working this race – you need to enforce it, fellas.
2) 30,000 runners – YOU ALWAYS NEED MORE PORT-A-JOHNS. Yes, trust me, you do! (I almost missed the start of the race but thankfully a very kind man (who was obeying his later wave start/time) allowed me to cut in front of him – I just barely made it in time.)

Verdict: I love this race for a number of reasons, including my mother/daughter weekend, great weather and another reason to support our troops! I’m 3 years strong – and I hope I can run this for (at least) another 25 years. We will be there in 2010 for round #4!

Overall Score: 9

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Inaugural Clarendon Day 10k

September 29, 2009 by · 13 Comments

Race 3 of 4, in 4 weekends

I have two statements that I can not wait to share:

1) I got 3rd overall (women)
2) I won prize money
YAYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!

Almost 1,500 runners gathered to run the Inaugural Clarendon Day 10k. Since this was my 3rd race, in 3 weekends, I was ready for a no frills, no travel, close to home, easy race. I could not have asked for anything more perfect. The race started at 9am; BJ and I left the place at 8:50am and walked to the start, 2 blocks away. The weather was great: a little overcast with a nice, cool breeze – it was perfect running weather.

BJ and I got to the start (I like to be as close to the start as possible to avoid running around everyone), saw a couple of people we knew and casually chatted to the runners around us. Since this was such a casual race and I had no expectations, I was really able to enjoy myself (sometimes my competitive side gets in the way of me having fun). My only goal: beat my 10k PR time, which was 45:33.

The first mile was flat, fast and downhill. I hit Mile 1 in 6:06. I was running toward the front of the group but felt strong and didn’t want to let up. Since the 5k and 10k races started at the same time and shared the first 2.5 miles, I couldn’t tell which runners were my competition or 5k runners. At the 2.5 mile mark, 5k runners split and 2 women that were in front me went the 5k direction. Okay, cool! At this point, I was not sure where I “stood” among the 10k runners but I knew that I needed to keep running strong and not worry about the runners behind me. Mile 3: 19:00. Mile 3.5 – Turnaround point: I’M IN THIRD!! Now, I definitely felt strong! I did see one girl, who I “know” from the local running community, that might have been able to catch me – and I did not want that to happen. Must.Run.Faster! As I was running back I saw BJ – he was so excited to see me and yelled: “I think you are in third – get it Mel”. I yelled back: “I am…!!!” (now, that’s a good feeling!!!) I hit Mile 5 and for the first time the entire race I thought, I’m tired – but I knew I was so close to the finish that I could push through any pain that I felt. Mile 5.5 – back in the game. Less than 1 mile to go – and still in 3rd – I picked up the pace, and sprinted it in.

Finish Line: 3rd place!!!! (WaHoo!!)

Ok, so I never win anything – I’m always right on the verge – and always 4th. But I got 3rd! Overall! And I CAN NOT believe it!

BJ was so proud of me – and it was just really fun to have my favorite running partner cheering me on when I got my 3rd place prize money!

Overall: 37/884
Women: 3/ I can’t figure out how many women ran the race but I promise it was more than 3!
Time: 41:37 (6:42 pace and new PR!!)

Verdict: This was a great inaugural race – and really well organized. I love Pacers – it’s a family (of runners) owned business and they put on great races (plus, it’s where I met BJ)!! The volunteers were great, the after party was fun and the rain just held off. My only suggestion would be more water – but that’s only because I always think there can be more!

I’ll be there next year, I have to try to defend my title. ha!

Score: 9.5

Filed Under: Race Report, Uncategorized ·

SavageMan Triathlon 2009

September 22, 2009 by · 19 Comments
Race 2 of 4, in 4 weekendsSavage – barbarous: (of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering; ie: cruel tortures; fierce, ferocious, or cruel Man – the human individual as representing the species

Are You Savage Enough?

BJ and I end our triathlon season with SavageMan – pretty much the hardest triathlon in triathlon history. While it is, hands down, the hardest race of the season, it is also the most fun!

If the name alone doesn’t scare you, just wait until climb the first huge hill….less than 0.5 miles into the bike. It’s uphill from there. Literally.

I had 2 goals for the race:
A) Beat my time from last year (2008: 3:06:06)
B) Finish under 3 hours

I knew that #1 would be easy – all I needed to do was shave a few seconds off of my transition times. I was skeptical about #2 – the course is brutal and I had less than 1 week to recover from The Nation’s Triathlon.

Rematch: SavageMan 2009 vs. SavageMan 2008

Here we go:

SavageMan takes place at the Deep Creek Lake State Park in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains in Western Maryland (yes, mountains!). Deep Creek Lake is so beautiful – the lake is crystal clear, the leaves are changing colors and the weather in September is perfect for a race. It’s hard not to look around and enjoy the sights, even while grinding it up a mountain and cursing Kyle Yost, the course architect, for creating a race that brutal! Simply put: it’s the perfect place for the hardest race.

Pre- Race: Race day morning was a little chilly but warmer than last year so I knew that by my 9:30am start, I would be fine (no long sleeves for me). BJ competes in the Half-Ironman distance and starts 1 hour before me, so I was there extra early (compared to the other Olympic distance triathletes). I had the place to myself – and set up a pretty legit transition area. Transition closed 15 minutes before race start, so I was able to go-in-and-out accordingly. I love how laid back it is.

Start: 9:30am – All Females (excluding Elite)

Swim: The water temperature was 69 degrees and wetsuits were “strongly encouraged”. The water still felt cold even with my full body wetsuit so I can’t imagine what it felt like without one! Once I was comfortable in the water, I positioned myself front and center. I felt really strong in the water (that doesn’t happen very often) and was totally rocking the navigation! The lake is great – the water is clear and you can actually see the bottom. My friends cringe at the thought of me swimming in the Potomac River [for Nation’s Tri], so there is something surprisingly refreshing about being able to see the bottom for a mile. For once, I enjoyed the swim (shhh, don’t tell anyone). Fastest swim of the season – Time: 28:39!!! (YAYYYYY!!!)

T1: Long, slight up hill run to T1 (but way easier than last year). I had a hard time getting my wetsuit off – I really need to figure out a better strategy for getting that sucker off. Time: 2:28 (#2 fastest T1 time)

Bike: The bike starts off with a hill – and it only gets worse from there! Let’s just say I didn’t plan on setting any records on the bike. The hills are long and hard only to be followed by an extremely curvy downhill, a sharp right [or left] turn at the bottom and immediately back up a hill mountain. It. is. hard. I couldn’t wait to be off the bike. Time: 1:27:25

T2: I slipped when I tried to rack my back and it scared me a little – but I was in and out – and ready to run. Time: 1:11 (#2 fastest T2 time)

Run: The run course is hard, especially after biking through the Alleghany Mountains – but I’m a runner and I know that this is my strongest part of the tri. The course is completely shaded and perfect for running. No one passed me on the run – instead, I passed people like crazy (I love that feeling). I felt really strong and was on course to run a major PR! Must. keep. pushing. through. pain. and. up hills. With about 600m to go, I sprinted to the finish – and the announcer said, “MP from Arlington, VA – that’s the biggest and prettiest smile I’ve ever seen”. Duh, Mr. Announcer – I just shattered my time from last year!! Time: 51:40 (8:19 pace).

Overall Time: 2:51:21 (15 minute improvement)

Overall: 43/230
Division Place: 10/87
Age Group Place: 4/14 (missed 3rd place by 14 seconds!)
Swim: 28:39
T1: 2:28
Bike: 1:27:25
T2: 1:11
Run: 51:40

Awesome things about this race, besides EVERYTHING:

1) The venue is amazing – unparallel to any place we race all season.
2) Everyone is having a good time. No jerks, no super serious (Type A) triathletes. Even the pros are friendly. (Bjorn Anderson apologized after the race for not saying “thanks” when I said “good job” to him; he was really suffering on the run)
3) Awesome volunteers (!!)
4) PLENTY of water stations
5) Really well organized – the race director is genuinely concerned about the safety of the athletes; the bike course is clearly and very well marked
6) A PR for me and BJ!!! BJ beat his 2008 Half-Ironman time by 45 minutes.

Not so awesome things:

I, seriously, can not think of one thing I would change about this race!

Verdict: This race is awesome and probably my favorite of the season. The weather is perfect this time of year and everyone is having a good time. I made new friends, chatted with the race director, got to see BJ a number of times throughout the run portion and cheered everyone on. It’s like an unwritten rule but everyone says “good job” to everyone, even if you are passing them. I think that’s cool – and totally reflects the vibe of this race. I’m sad that SavageMan is our last triathlon of the season – but that just makes me want the 2010 season to start already!

Overall: 10 – can’t wait for 2010!!!!

P.S. In true Half-Ironman training (my 1st is in June 2010) I ran the first 6.5 miles with BJ. It hurt! Like Hell!

Filed Under: Race Report, Uncategorized ·
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