Saturday, July 26, 2008
Triathlon Jellyfish Update
After the triathlon i knew the memories from the race would stay with me for a long time to come. I never thought that my jellyfish stings would too! I woke up this morning with a crazy rash/reaction from exactly where the jellyfish got me on my left arm and right elbow. Some quick internet research explained that this is a common experience. The reaction can last 5-30 days after the initial bite! OUCH. Anyone have suggestions on how to treat my arm?
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The Tri- Part 2...THE FINISH LINE!
We arrived to transition when it was still dark and set up our areas. I laid out my bike and running shoes on my little towel. I put out my extra water bottles- one to wash my feet after the run and one to carry with me for the start of the run that i could toss. We grabbed out wetsuits and headed to the swim start. Along the way we were body marked and received chips that would record our splits and our overall time. We slid into wetsuits and lined up for the start by 6:00. I waved goodbye to my mom and LW and I headed out onto the dock with all the other pink swim caps.
The SWIM: We were instructed to get into the water and we grabbed hold of a rope. There were so many of us holding on that the rope started to go down. I felt like I was holding on for my life- i knew if i let go, I'd be washed away with the current. I heard people on land start to scream and cheer- i looked at LW and asked if that was the gun- she laughed and screamed Go and I did and so did everyone else. Bodies were all around me. Girls swam over me and elbowed me. I was kicked and grabbed. I fought for a bit then just let a few get ahead of me-- what's a couple of seconds? My swim was smooth and I spotted regularly until i felt the first sting on my left arm. Then another. What was that? I stopped to stare at my arms. I realized I was far from the finish. THe crowd was cheering on the side. I put my head back into the water, raised my right hand and felt the sting- a rake across my arm. JELLYFISH! I was stung and my arm felt numb. I lifted it over my head to stare at it- nothing. Ok. Deep Breath. Swim. A few more strokes and the sting took over my arm. I looked for the lifeguards in the kayaks. I kept them in my view and I swam. Every few strokes I looked at my arm to check out the sting. The one thing i feared all summer with the swim in the ocean was jelly fish. Everyone seemed to think there wouldn't be any in the Hudson. I guess if anyone told me there would be I would have been more scared about getting in. I kept thinking don't panic- don't go into shock. I started to think it was a mind over matter thing and I could control any reaction that might take over my body- which I know by now I can't. I've gone into shock so many times and I'm so aware of the feeling that I knew I had to get out of the water as quickly as I could. So i put my head down and I swam faster than ever. 22 minutes in all for a 1 mile swim.
Transition 1: I got out of the water and examined my arm while I ran .5 mile back to transition. Hives started to appear. My panic grew- I saw medics on the path but knew I just needed to get to my bag. I had my packed my bag carefully and had plenty of Zyrtec and Benedryl - just in case. The first thing I did was pop a pill. I slid out of the rest of my wetsuit. Buckled my helmet. Wiped the Hudson dirt off my face. Grabbed sunglasses. Washed off my feet- put on my bike shoes and ran to the exit with my bike. I hopped on and pedaled to Hot Corner.
The BIKE: Crowds were lining the path. I saw my mom and screamed her name. I made it to the top of the hill as girls around me fell like dominoes. I screamed at one to fall left- not on me! I have gone up that hill so many times I wasn't about to be taken out on my turf! Around the traffic circle and onto the highway I went. I pedaled hard while keeping my hand in view, watching as the hives began to disappear. Thank goodness for Zyrtec-i can only imagine what would have happened had I not taken an antihistamine. The ride was gorgeous. I pushed myself hard but took in the views. It doesn't happen often that the highway is closed to traffic and opened to riders. Speed demons screamed "on your left" as they flew by. I passed a few people but kept a good pace all the while. I loved the bike. Towards the end I had to keep myself focus- i repeated You Can Do It over and over again. I prayed I wouldn't get a flat. I studied the road signs. 235th street. 125th. 56th street. A U-turn and back to 72nd street. 1:44:40. Not so bad for a 25 mile ride.
Transition 2: I quickly changed shoes, took off my helmet, grabbed a water bottle and was off!
The RUN: I ran across 72nd street to the park with a smile on my face. I couldn't believe this was happening. The crowds were cheering. People were sitting in the middle of the street. People saw my TNT Jersey and screamed louder. I approached Central Park West. I saw blue shirts and could see my friends and family. they screamed and clapped. I blew them a kiss and smiled more. No, I didn't cry but I was ecstatic to see them. It gave me the push I need. Up the West side of the park- I ran - slowly- I ran. I saw J. he gave me a high five and I ran up the hill. Harlem Hill. I pushed myself- do not walk. I ran. I was tired. I saw water and slowed as I went through the station. Around the bend, I ran and ran. Just get to the finish. I ran! I saw Coach T. Keep going. You can do it. I grabbed more water and ran. Saw Coach M and she jogged alongside me- go, go, go. Down the East side. Then there was Coach M. Focus K he screamed. Look at me! You can do this- now GO. And off I went to the finish. I ran so hard. The crowd cheered. People screamed go Team and I ran. The crowd thickened. Again, I saw my family. My friends in their blue shirts. I ran across the finish, I felt my knees give out and a man on the right caught me as I collapsed into his arms. He was a catcher. yes, he was there to catch people and he caught me. A woman put a wet towel around my neck. Another person gave me water. The man propped me up. E came over and pulled me away. Someone put a medal around me. I was in a daze but I knew it was over. I started to smile. 3 hours and 25 minutes. My first triathlon!
I met up with the fam and friends. I showed off my jellyfish stings. I could hardly walk. I was amazed. I loved every second of it. I'm a triathlete. Months of training paid off. I swam in the hudson, i biked on the highway, i ran through the park and I crossed the finish. I put my mind to this incredible challenge and it happened. I'm still in shock when I think about it. We hung out in the park. I got a massage. We ate and drank. I came home and passed out... then we went to the victory party.
On a sadder note, one of the athletes was not so lucky. A 32 year old man didn't make it out of the water. They still aren't sure if he died from an allergic reaction to the jelly fish or if he had a heart problem. Either way, the joy of the day is darkened by a young father's death. I know how awful my allergies are- how close I've come before. I feel truly blessed that I didn't have more of an extreme reaction to the stings. I can't imagine the incredible sadness his family is experiencing. The day was bitter-sweet.
Overall the New York Triathlon was an incredible experience. I did my best and I know next time I can do even better. With the help of family and friends I raised over $2700 for Cancer Research. I made new friends I'll have for years and many more tris to come. I tested myself and I learned that when I set a goal I can accomplish it- 5 minutes faster than I thought!
The SWIM: We were instructed to get into the water and we grabbed hold of a rope. There were so many of us holding on that the rope started to go down. I felt like I was holding on for my life- i knew if i let go, I'd be washed away with the current. I heard people on land start to scream and cheer- i looked at LW and asked if that was the gun- she laughed and screamed Go and I did and so did everyone else. Bodies were all around me. Girls swam over me and elbowed me. I was kicked and grabbed. I fought for a bit then just let a few get ahead of me-- what's a couple of seconds? My swim was smooth and I spotted regularly until i felt the first sting on my left arm. Then another. What was that? I stopped to stare at my arms. I realized I was far from the finish. THe crowd was cheering on the side. I put my head back into the water, raised my right hand and felt the sting- a rake across my arm. JELLYFISH! I was stung and my arm felt numb. I lifted it over my head to stare at it- nothing. Ok. Deep Breath. Swim. A few more strokes and the sting took over my arm. I looked for the lifeguards in the kayaks. I kept them in my view and I swam. Every few strokes I looked at my arm to check out the sting. The one thing i feared all summer with the swim in the ocean was jelly fish. Everyone seemed to think there wouldn't be any in the Hudson. I guess if anyone told me there would be I would have been more scared about getting in. I kept thinking don't panic- don't go into shock. I started to think it was a mind over matter thing and I could control any reaction that might take over my body- which I know by now I can't. I've gone into shock so many times and I'm so aware of the feeling that I knew I had to get out of the water as quickly as I could. So i put my head down and I swam faster than ever. 22 minutes in all for a 1 mile swim.
Transition 1: I got out of the water and examined my arm while I ran .5 mile back to transition. Hives started to appear. My panic grew- I saw medics on the path but knew I just needed to get to my bag. I had my packed my bag carefully and had plenty of Zyrtec and Benedryl - just in case. The first thing I did was pop a pill. I slid out of the rest of my wetsuit. Buckled my helmet. Wiped the Hudson dirt off my face. Grabbed sunglasses. Washed off my feet- put on my bike shoes and ran to the exit with my bike. I hopped on and pedaled to Hot Corner.
The BIKE: Crowds were lining the path. I saw my mom and screamed her name. I made it to the top of the hill as girls around me fell like dominoes. I screamed at one to fall left- not on me! I have gone up that hill so many times I wasn't about to be taken out on my turf! Around the traffic circle and onto the highway I went. I pedaled hard while keeping my hand in view, watching as the hives began to disappear. Thank goodness for Zyrtec-i can only imagine what would have happened had I not taken an antihistamine. The ride was gorgeous. I pushed myself hard but took in the views. It doesn't happen often that the highway is closed to traffic and opened to riders. Speed demons screamed "on your left" as they flew by. I passed a few people but kept a good pace all the while. I loved the bike. Towards the end I had to keep myself focus- i repeated You Can Do It over and over again. I prayed I wouldn't get a flat. I studied the road signs. 235th street. 125th. 56th street. A U-turn and back to 72nd street. 1:44:40. Not so bad for a 25 mile ride.
Transition 2: I quickly changed shoes, took off my helmet, grabbed a water bottle and was off!
The RUN: I ran across 72nd street to the park with a smile on my face. I couldn't believe this was happening. The crowds were cheering. People were sitting in the middle of the street. People saw my TNT Jersey and screamed louder. I approached Central Park West. I saw blue shirts and could see my friends and family. they screamed and clapped. I blew them a kiss and smiled more. No, I didn't cry but I was ecstatic to see them. It gave me the push I need. Up the West side of the park- I ran - slowly- I ran. I saw J. he gave me a high five and I ran up the hill. Harlem Hill. I pushed myself- do not walk. I ran. I was tired. I saw water and slowed as I went through the station. Around the bend, I ran and ran. Just get to the finish. I ran! I saw Coach T. Keep going. You can do it. I grabbed more water and ran. Saw Coach M and she jogged alongside me- go, go, go. Down the East side. Then there was Coach M. Focus K he screamed. Look at me! You can do this- now GO. And off I went to the finish. I ran so hard. The crowd cheered. People screamed go Team and I ran. The crowd thickened. Again, I saw my family. My friends in their blue shirts. I ran across the finish, I felt my knees give out and a man on the right caught me as I collapsed into his arms. He was a catcher. yes, he was there to catch people and he caught me. A woman put a wet towel around my neck. Another person gave me water. The man propped me up. E came over and pulled me away. Someone put a medal around me. I was in a daze but I knew it was over. I started to smile. 3 hours and 25 minutes. My first triathlon!
I met up with the fam and friends. I showed off my jellyfish stings. I could hardly walk. I was amazed. I loved every second of it. I'm a triathlete. Months of training paid off. I swam in the hudson, i biked on the highway, i ran through the park and I crossed the finish. I put my mind to this incredible challenge and it happened. I'm still in shock when I think about it. We hung out in the park. I got a massage. We ate and drank. I came home and passed out... then we went to the victory party.
On a sadder note, one of the athletes was not so lucky. A 32 year old man didn't make it out of the water. They still aren't sure if he died from an allergic reaction to the jelly fish or if he had a heart problem. Either way, the joy of the day is darkened by a young father's death. I know how awful my allergies are- how close I've come before. I feel truly blessed that I didn't have more of an extreme reaction to the stings. I can't imagine the incredible sadness his family is experiencing. The day was bitter-sweet.
Overall the New York Triathlon was an incredible experience. I did my best and I know next time I can do even better. With the help of family and friends I raised over $2700 for Cancer Research. I made new friends I'll have for years and many more tris to come. I tested myself and I learned that when I set a goal I can accomplish it- 5 minutes faster than I thought!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Tri - Part 1
Five months of perfecting my swim, five months of picking up my pace on the hills in the park, and five months of learning to bike distances all paid off when I jumped into the Hudson River at 6:23 AM and raced to the finish line of the 8th Annual Nautica New York City Triathlon on July 20, 2008. The day was amazing. I pushed myself harder than I ever have in my life. It was an incredible day that I doubt I'll ever forget. I realized as I crossed the finish line, that if I really put my mind to something, I can make it happen. 5 months ago I could hardly run 1 mile. Today, I'm a triathlete!
There's so much to tell- so to get through it all- I'll break it down.
Friday afternoon I headed to the Racers Expo at the Hilton on 5th Avenue with my Mom who came in for the weekend. I attended a mandatory participant's meeting. In the thirty minute meeting a race official went through the race day, the important things to note, and rules of USAT. He answered questions and calmed nerves. Afterwards Mom and I walked around the expo and I purchased The Stick. The best item I could have bought. I've been using this incredible massage tool regularly and the pain in my calf all but vanished before race morning.
From the Expo we headed to Central Park for the Chipotle Underwear Run. Check out pics below. The run was hot and sweaty but fun and light. A great way to forget about my nerves and just relax with tri friends.
Saturday I biked up the Westside Highway to the transition area to check in the Contessa. It was a nice ride, I stretched my legs and got my bike into the easy gears I needed to start the race. All bikes had to be in transition the day before the race. Most women, the pros and some men were in Yellow Transition. The majority of the men were in the Red. The different transition areas had pros and cons. Yellow was further from the swim which meant a longer, barefoot run. But it was closer to the run out. The red was closer to the bike start but less time to get going before the first big hill. The red however was much closer to the swim exit- so less time running on the concrete. Based on my race number, I found the spot to rack my bike. It was right in the middle- so I had easy access to both exits. Each race number had a quote below it. Some were inspirational. Others, like mine, just made me laugh. Very fitting, right?!
Toga Bikes had a tent set up in the transition area. They were pumping tires and looking over the bikes. I had a guy check mine out. Even though I had taken the Contessa in for a tune-up the weekend before, my brakes, still didn't look right. With a quick pull the bike guy was able to adjust them properly so the pad didn't rub along the tire.
After I wrapped the Contessa up in plastic bags (in case of rain) LW and I walked around the area and checked out the scene. It was crazy to really look into the water and now that we would be swimming in it. Everything was set up and as we stood at the exit and looked down to the swim start I got nervous- I could hardly see the dock 1 mile away.
Saturday night was a fun Pasta Dinner for our team. We chowed down, decorated jerseys and encouraged each other about the big race. A few friends mentioned they weren't going to wear wet suits because of how hot the water was. JS tattooed my right arm (temporary tat) with the TNT logo. I put one on the back of his neck. Why not, right?! We were all excited and nervous-- by 8 I was home. By 10 I was in bed. By 4 am my mom and I were up and on our way to pick up LW and RB and head to the race! To be continued....
There's so much to tell- so to get through it all- I'll break it down.
Friday afternoon I headed to the Racers Expo at the Hilton on 5th Avenue with my Mom who came in for the weekend. I attended a mandatory participant's meeting. In the thirty minute meeting a race official went through the race day, the important things to note, and rules of USAT. He answered questions and calmed nerves. Afterwards Mom and I walked around the expo and I purchased The Stick. The best item I could have bought. I've been using this incredible massage tool regularly and the pain in my calf all but vanished before race morning.
From the Expo we headed to Central Park for the Chipotle Underwear Run. Check out pics below. The run was hot and sweaty but fun and light. A great way to forget about my nerves and just relax with tri friends.
Saturday I biked up the Westside Highway to the transition area to check in the Contessa. It was a nice ride, I stretched my legs and got my bike into the easy gears I needed to start the race. All bikes had to be in transition the day before the race. Most women, the pros and some men were in Yellow Transition. The majority of the men were in the Red. The different transition areas had pros and cons. Yellow was further from the swim which meant a longer, barefoot run. But it was closer to the run out. The red was closer to the bike start but less time to get going before the first big hill. The red however was much closer to the swim exit- so less time running on the concrete. Based on my race number, I found the spot to rack my bike. It was right in the middle- so I had easy access to both exits. Each race number had a quote below it. Some were inspirational. Others, like mine, just made me laugh. Very fitting, right?!
Toga Bikes had a tent set up in the transition area. They were pumping tires and looking over the bikes. I had a guy check mine out. Even though I had taken the Contessa in for a tune-up the weekend before, my brakes, still didn't look right. With a quick pull the bike guy was able to adjust them properly so the pad didn't rub along the tire.
After I wrapped the Contessa up in plastic bags (in case of rain) LW and I walked around the area and checked out the scene. It was crazy to really look into the water and now that we would be swimming in it. Everything was set up and as we stood at the exit and looked down to the swim start I got nervous- I could hardly see the dock 1 mile away.
Saturday night was a fun Pasta Dinner for our team. We chowed down, decorated jerseys and encouraged each other about the big race. A few friends mentioned they weren't going to wear wet suits because of how hot the water was. JS tattooed my right arm (temporary tat) with the TNT logo. I put one on the back of his neck. Why not, right?! We were all excited and nervous-- by 8 I was home. By 10 I was in bed. By 4 am my mom and I were up and on our way to pick up LW and RB and head to the race! To be continued....
Friday, July 18, 2008
The Underwear Run!
Tonight we celebrated the start of race weekend with the Underwear Run in Central Park. The Naked Cowboy served as Grand Marshall and 350 Triathletes followed behind. I ran with a few friends from the team and we took it nice and slow around the lower loop of the park- 1.8 miles. It was good to get out and stretch my legs a bit. We ran through the actual finish for the Tri which is already set up on Dead Man's road across from Cherry Hill. It was fun- but super hot! Race day is almost here!!!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Race Day Info!!!
The amazingly talented and very fabulous ST, designed this cool Site for the race. If you are coming to watch the race, check it out for all necessary info!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Tapering down....
Monday Monday, la la la laaaa la. I can't believe its Monday and tomorrow is Tuesday and Sunday is just days away. How is this possible? How did the race come up so quickly? I'm not ready!!! I need more time! Last night I met up with JS and LW +1 for a ride in the park. We took it easy and just did a couple of loops. After spending way too long at the bike shop getting a tune up I was still having problems with my gears. I'm hoping to wake up early tomorrow to go for an easy ride along the river and to test out my shifting... I don't want any problems on Sunday! After our ride in the par JS and I made our way down to the village for dinner at Tortilla Flats. We detoured for a bit on one of the piers to watch salsa dancing-I love NY! It was funny to eat dinner in my bike shoes and my lovely (hot) spandex outfit (kit). We even made it to yogurtland (thanks LW) for dessert! By the time I arrived home with the COntessa it was close to 10 and I was exhausted and stuffed and covered in grease. Seriously, why am I always such a mess when I ride?!
Today after work I headed back across the street for a light and easy swim at the Rec Center. This week is all about tapering so everything I am doing is easy on the body- especially my very sore right calf. I love that the pool is so close and outside. I just wish the center were a bit cleaner and the lifeguards weren't sleeping- but it is free, I can't complain- all I can do is swim and work on relaxing and not exerting too much energy.
On another note I've started to give friends tshirts to wear to the race and though I ordered 24- yes 24, I'm running out! Turns out the NYC Tri is the place to be and everyone wants a cool blue shirt. Ok, maybe not everyone but just about everyone from work and all of my close friends. I am so happy everyone is coming to watch! I just hope I don't disappoint them and that I make it across the finish line in one piece!
Today after work I headed back across the street for a light and easy swim at the Rec Center. This week is all about tapering so everything I am doing is easy on the body- especially my very sore right calf. I love that the pool is so close and outside. I just wish the center were a bit cleaner and the lifeguards weren't sleeping- but it is free, I can't complain- all I can do is swim and work on relaxing and not exerting too much energy.
On another note I've started to give friends tshirts to wear to the race and though I ordered 24- yes 24, I'm running out! Turns out the NYC Tri is the place to be and everyone wants a cool blue shirt. Ok, maybe not everyone but just about everyone from work and all of my close friends. I am so happy everyone is coming to watch! I just hope I don't disappoint them and that I make it across the finish line in one piece!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
One Week and Counting
Today is Sunday, July 13. In exactly one week from today I will be racing in the NYC Tri. These last few months of training and preparation will be tested. While there is a time I'd like to finish the race under, I know that I'm doing this to finish not to win - as my big brother Gerry reminds me (quite often).
Yesterday was our second and final swim at Coney Island to test our abilities in open water and in our wetsuits. The day started bright and early as usual. The swim was good but after about 20 minutes I felt something sting my fingers and Allergy Girl took over- I knew I had to get out of the water... when i emerged i saw countless jellyfish and lots of other teammates hanging out on the beach- all had been stung too. I raced to take an allergy pill- after all my times of going into shock from my allergies I was not about to risk dying at Coney Island. So i sat the rest of the swim out and just stepped my training up during the run on the boardwalk. My swim overall was much better than last time- I feel much more comfortable in the salt water. I'm glad we had this last session. I still haven't figured out my new quick laces on my sneakers- they are always too loose or too tight. Coach suggested using my original laces with the quick release thingie so I get the best of both worlds.
A few of us stayed on the beach after the race to soak in the rays and to just rest. We needed it. We are all clearly exhausted. After nap time we headed back to Nathan;s for hot dogs and cheese fries and then to the games and rides. Yes, the Cyclone! LW won a stuffed dog playing some horse race game and JS and RB flew upside down on the Top Spin ride. We headed back to the city in the late afternoon, raced home to change clothes and then headed to the historical Bon Jovi concert in Central Park. It was a fabulous day with great people... and now we are one week away from the big race. I couldn't be more excited or more nervous....
Yesterday was our second and final swim at Coney Island to test our abilities in open water and in our wetsuits. The day started bright and early as usual. The swim was good but after about 20 minutes I felt something sting my fingers and Allergy Girl took over- I knew I had to get out of the water... when i emerged i saw countless jellyfish and lots of other teammates hanging out on the beach- all had been stung too. I raced to take an allergy pill- after all my times of going into shock from my allergies I was not about to risk dying at Coney Island. So i sat the rest of the swim out and just stepped my training up during the run on the boardwalk. My swim overall was much better than last time- I feel much more comfortable in the salt water. I'm glad we had this last session. I still haven't figured out my new quick laces on my sneakers- they are always too loose or too tight. Coach suggested using my original laces with the quick release thingie so I get the best of both worlds.
A few of us stayed on the beach after the race to soak in the rays and to just rest. We needed it. We are all clearly exhausted. After nap time we headed back to Nathan;s for hot dogs and cheese fries and then to the games and rides. Yes, the Cyclone! LW won a stuffed dog playing some horse race game and JS and RB flew upside down on the Top Spin ride. We headed back to the city in the late afternoon, raced home to change clothes and then headed to the historical Bon Jovi concert in Central Park. It was a fabulous day with great people... and now we are one week away from the big race. I couldn't be more excited or more nervous....
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Tees are Here!
The incredibly talented MO designed this tee for YOU to wear when you come cheer me on Sunday, July 20th!!!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
My First Flat!
Saturday was our last BRick- yes, lots of LASTS this week! My ride was hard- really hard. It had just rained, the roads were slick and everyone was getting flats. Towards the end of my second loop I stopped on the side to watch a fellow teammate change her tire. I hadn't had one yet and wanted to learn first hand what to do just in case. I got back on my bike after she pumped up her new inner tube and I headed back for the run. After the run a mentor looked at my tire and noticed it was flat! Yup, I had a flat. So Coach Mike came over and with an audience of a few other teammates, helped me change the tire. It was the back tire which I guess is harder because of the gears. I also had replacement tubes with short valves and for my wire rim tires I need longer valves. THere is so much to learn with all of this. Who even knew there was a difference? An inner tube is an inner tube, or so I thought. My Co2 cartridge was a waste and instead we used a hand pump to put air back in the tire- the pump could reach the shorter valve. I rode home just fine but something still felt off. THe next night I met LW for a ride around the park. I made the very stupid mistake of riding up 8th ave in the bike lane instead of taking the path along the WSH. The city is bike friendly and has special lanes, but honestly i've never been so scared. It was a total nightmare near 34th street and again by Port Authority. Taxis veer in every direction. Pedestrians walk out into the street without looking. Cars make sharp left turns. It was hellish and I'll never do it again. By the time I made it to the park I was completely freaked out. It took me awhile to fully relax. The park was crowded but riding with LW was great. I love riding and gossiping and riding and talking. Its the perfect workout. I was still having a hard time going at a good, strong pace... finally LW noticed a noise coming from my bike - a noise i had been ignoring not knowing the source. We stopped and tried to figure it out- my front break pad was tight on my wheel. No wonder why it was so hard to pedal, i was constantly breaking! We thought we fixed it and got back on our bikes to finish our ride. The noise came back and we pulled over near Cat Hill and then again after Harlem Hill. Another cyclist stopped and showed me where to fix the breaks and like magic everything was fine and away we went! The noise is gone, I can pedal at a good, steady state and I can keep up... I guess i've just been getting a really good workout!
The Last Run
Last night marked our last real run before the race. We ran the course- all 6 miles of it. The run was good but i haven't found a happy place for my new quick laces so they annoyed me the majority of the way- i tied them way too tight! Yes, I'm finally regaining feeling in my toes. It was also incredibly hot out so I stopped a few times from water and to get some pointers from the coaches- but my run was consistent and felt good overall. I paid attention to my time and realized i just hit the harlem hill at 30 minutes- I want to remember this so on race day i can push myself those last few miles to get through the hills and sail smoothly to the finish. I love running with TNT because no matter where I am there's someone around to talk to, to get encouragement from or to give it to. I really love this group and I'm actually sad the training is ending next week, I'd love to have another month... though, i'd like to have my social life back! We have a short run Saturday morning after our open water swim and then another quick run next wednesday- but last night was the last 6 miler until the race... feel the nerves?!!!
Sunrise Swim
This morning I ventured across the street to meet RB for a morning swim. I've always wanted to swim in the morning but making my way to CP before work is hard. For the months of July and August NYC Rec Centers with outdoor pools open their doors to anyone for free! So the center in my hood has lap swimming in the twice a day and I've made it my mission to take full advantage of the pool. We swam for thirty minutes- not that amazing but it was just nice to stretch my body and loosen up a bit. Since this weekend's brick and then sunday's ride i've felt tight. With the race just over a week away, I want to keep exercising but I know I need to taper. So this morning's swim was refreshing and got my day off to a good start. I'm thinking of switching tomorrow's bike to a swim as well- its so convenient!
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