Friday, May 30, 2008

Race Report: Lathom Tri



Racer: Angela Lauria
Race: Marilyn Lathom "Homegrown" Triathlon
Date: Sunday, May 18, 2008
Location: Reston, VA
Race Type: Triathlon - Sprint
Age Group: Female 35 - 39
Time: 2:19:20
Overall Place: 35 / 47
Gender Group Place: 21 / 30
URL: http://www.homegrowntriathlon.com/scores2008.asp
Comment: Virgin No More

--------------
Race Report: Last November an idea came into my head: “I’m going to do a triathlon.” It was a silly idea because I hadn’t been swimming in about 4 years, I did not run, and I had never ridden a bike in my life. I decided though it was a good 5 year goal. I asked myself, what would I be doing today – in November 2007 – if I was going to do a triathlon in the summer of 2011.

I talked to a marathon runner and a triathlete at work, one of them loaned me the book Triathloning for Mere Mortals. I took a look at that book and decided I was lower than a mere mortal because the book was way over my head. I took a fitness test with Susan Hefler at Spokes who looked as surprised as I was when she assessed my good aerobic conditioning (especially considering I tested while I had pneumonia). I went to a Triathalon clinic conducted by Sharon Adams. I starting training with Brian Crow twice a week. What all these folks had in common was each of them told me I would be able to complete a sprint distance triathlon – not in May 2011, but in May 2007. I could move my goal up 4 ½ years. And so I did – mostly on blind faith in my work friends, the author of that book, Susan, Sharon, and Brian, and of course, in myself.

I worked hard for 6 months, learning the most basics about fitness and especially about biking which was a complete pandora’s box for me. I push myself hard and now it was race morning. I showed up at the Reston Community Center feeling fantastic and 100% ready despite a sprained ankle which was a week old and almost pulled me out of the race completely. Thanks to great advice from the Tri-RATS and the medical care of Dr. Bihn at Dr. Su’s acupuncture practice, I was able to nurse my ankle back to race-ready health.

Swim :25:33 (Goal :28) I trained for my swim at the Reston Community Center and so I thought the swim would be easy but my nerves were all over the place. I split the lane with a woman named Sue (hi if you are out there) and we both agreed we’d complete the swim in about 27 minutes. I don’t know if she was trying to psych me out or what but no sooner did the whistle blow than Sue had lapped me. I thought we’d be at the same pace and here she was blowing me away. Or wait – maybe she wasn’t – maybe I’d been counting wrong all these weeks. I wasn’t going to do the swim in 27 minutes, it was going to be 34. Wait, how long is my 50 again? My monkey brain got the best of me. I was doing fuzzy math, beating myself up, and swimming Sue’s event instead of my own.

Heading into the second length of lap 9, I was tapped on the shoulder… by a ghost. Yes this is the supernatural part of my race report so bear with me. This event is named after Marilyn Lathom who died 15 years ago I believe and whom I never met, but she tapped me on the right shoulder just as I was about to touch the wall. She was laughing and said, “oh relax! Have fun would you! No need to be so serious” and with that, the race finally began for me. I stopped swimming for Sue and started swimming for me. I enjoyed every stroke after that and felt I had an angel with me – I guess we all did. I PRed the swim by almost a minute.

T1 :03:55 (Goal :05)
When I was deciding if I could do a triathlon, I read some things Jaime Roberson had written. I started Google-Stalking her so I could suck up anything she’d ever said, as if her confidence and commitment could bleed off the page and into my heart. I was lucky enough to meet her at the Worldgate Sprint and when I saw her the morning of the Lathom Tri she suggested I take the transition easy. I could have tightened the time up here but the time I took helped me keep my head on for the bike which was hands down my biggest concern.

Bike 1:01:57 (Goal 1:05)
I got on the bike feeling great and much calmer now that I had Marilyn with me. I road onto Colts Neck and turned on South Lakes without a problem, I was feeling strong and had made my decision to stay on South Lakes even wit the milled surface. The road was quiet and I felt confident. Turning onto Twin Branches I was getting in my zone. Half way down glad my marathon-running friend from work, Fred Krazeise drove by with his wife – both of them cheering out the window of their car. The uphill on Glade about killed me but I kept pedaling pulling into my core and rounded back onto Colts Neck. I fueled at one hour into my event as per the plan – 1 bottle of water and 3 Cliff Shot blocks. This time when I turned onto Twin Branches I had a surprised 3 of my best friends were standing in front of Lake Audobon, with pompoms. (god I’ve got the best friends!) Finishing the bike was becoming a more and more likely prospect though I was cold and my left ham string was cramping up. I kept pedaling anyway but by this big uphill on Glade I was ready to quit. I didn’t though. I just kept pedaling all the way to T2.

T2 :02:25 (Goal :03:00) HYDRATE. I knew I had to drink no matter how much I didn’t want to. So, this time I gulped down 16 oz of an energy drink and tried to stretch out my left ham. I threw on a t-shirt with my number on it and started out on the run.

Run 45:30 (Goal :44) The run felt great. I was back on my own two feet, my hamstrings were relaxing, I was warmer and man, I was moving! Maybe it was the endorphins but I felt great and was totally in the moment high fiving other runners smiling at every man, woman child, and dog out on South Lakes at that hour and hoping the rain would continue to hold off. It wasn’t until I got to the turn around point on Ridge Road that I realized my problem….the run out was mostly downhill. The way back killed me. The first half was okay but by the time I hit Soapstone I had decided I would walk, that was all there was to it. And then, shining in this distance were Fred and his wife Jody. Fred ran the last half mile with me complaining the whole time and then, just 200 yards or so from the finish, I sprinted. I still missed my goal for the run by a minute and a half, but the sprint at the end was a hopeful sign I still had more in me even though I felt beat.
21/30 women
35/47 overall


Conclusion
I am a triathlon virgin no more. I met my goal to complete the event and exceeded my time goal, which was 2 ½ hours. This was a great way to start. I was mentally and physically prepared and preserved even when my sprained ankle made it seem impossible. Best of all almost two weeks later I am still floating and picking up the pace on my training so I’ll be ready for the Reston Tri in September!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Did I say 9 minutes faster than my goal? I meant 11!


Well, the numbers are in and there is no denying it. I am a goal exceeding machine! My final time was 2:19:20!

Based on some goal setting advice from the lovely and talented Sharon Adams of Rising Sun Fitness, I set 3 goals for myself for this event - I accomplished Tier 3 without a problem - that alone would have been a success. I checked off Tier 2 as well - in fact, I exceeded it - which was amazing. I missed Tier 1 but that was a my reach goal and with an sprained ankle and it being my first time I felt okay about that too.

Here were my goals.

Tier 3 Goal – Finish the race! And to hold my head high across the finish line – no negative self-talk about what I could or couldn’t have done differently. [This was my tier 3 goal but it was not the easiest. I executed this one brilliantly and it's the goal I am most proud of.]

Tier 2 – Complete in 2:30 minutes – that’s a little stretch but also very achievable. (30 swim; 60 bike; 45 run; 15 transitions). [Actuals were 25:33 swim; 61:57 bike; 45:30 run; 6:20 transitions - total: 2:19:20]

Tier 1 – Be on target to complete the Reston Tri on Sept. 7th in 4 hours (22:30 swim; 59:20 bike; 37:45 run - total: 2:05:55 with transitions) - I felt short of this by about 13 1/2 minutes. I could find 3 of that in transitions which leaves me with 10 minutes I need to find in 4 months. Doable!!

Monday, May 19, 2008

Feeling the Post-Race Love


One of the surprising side-effects of completing your first triathlon is a lot of folks in your life will say a lot of very nice things to you. If you are the type of person who is motivated by this it might be a reason to do a tri. For me, doing this triathlon was all about setting a “Wildly Improbable Goal” and actually reaching it. That said, the words of praise and appreciation from my co-workers, friends, family, coaches, and fellow followers of the Brooke Castillo Church of Self-Love have been overwhelming and I wanted to share them with you here. This will be a long post but it will give you a sense of how you might feel when you complete a goal that is in line with your North Star.


Congrats from Co-Workers


------ Forwarded Message
From: Fred
Date: Sun, 18 May 2008 12:47:10 -0400
To: voxant_staff
Subject: Congratulations to Angela

Hey everyone,

I just want you all to know that our Angela completed her first triathalon this morning. Angela was one of about 50 athletes competing in the Marilyn Lathom "Homegrown" Triathalon in Reston. Angela successfully complete a 1K swim, 20K bike run and 5K run. She even beat her goal time by 9-minutes!

She may be just a little sore when you see her tomorrow. But not to worry . . . pain is temporary, pride lasts a lifetime. Congratulations Angela. You're a rock star! :)

Fred

------ Forwarded Message
From: Carisa
Date: Mon, 19 May 2008 09:50:07 -0400
To: Angela
Subject: RE: Congratulations to Angela

Congratulations Angela! What an accomplishment. J

------ Forwarded Message
From: Catherine
Date: Mon, 19 May 2008 09:54:46 -0400
To: Angela
Subject: FW: Congratulations to Angela

So very cool!

I didn’t think the event was till the fall, you have a lot to be proud of !!!

------ Forwarded Message
From: Courtenay
Date: Mon, 19 May 2008 09:04:47 -0400
To: Angela
Subject: FW: Congratulations to Angela

As Dick Vitale would say, “Awesome Baby!!’

Congrats!

- CC

------ Forwarded Message
From: Steve
Date: Sun, 18 May 2008 12:49:01 -0400
To: Angela
Subject: RE: Congratulations to Angela

Congrats Angela! That is really impressive!

------ Forwarded Message
From: Sienna
Date: Mon, 19 May 2008 09:34:48 -0400
To: Angela
Subject: RE: Congratulations to Angela

This is really an awesome achievement Angela! Makes me want to go for the same! (I think it’s beyond me but your doing it makes me feel I can too! One day…)

Congratulations!

Sienna J

------ Forwarded Message
From: Ricky
Date: Mon, 19 May 2008 09:47:22 -0400
To: Angela
Subject: RE: Congratulations to Angela

Congratulations, Angela!

You accomplished an amazing feat. I know I couldn’t do a triathlon. Running a mile knocks me out.

------ Forwarded Message
From: Stephanie
Date: Mon, 19 May 2008 10:34:44 -0400
To: Angela
Subject: RE: Congratulations to Angela

You Rock! I’m so happy for you and as a fellow mommy (and, uhum, 30-something), so proud!

------ Forwarded Message
From: Michael
Date: Mon, 19 May 2008 10:12:33 -0400
To: Angela
Subject: FW: Congratulations to Angela

Who knew?

****************************

Love from Friends

-----Original Message-----
From: Dara
To: Angela
Sent: Sun, 18 May 2008 8:01 pm
Subject: RE: I did it!

SO exciting!!! Wish I could have been there – didn’t get back into town until 2:00. BIG CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

------ Forwarded Message
From: Heidi
Date: Mon, 19 May 2008 09:34:48 -0400
To: 'Angela Lauria'
Subject: RE: pedal until you're tired...

You’ve got to be just bursting with pleasure.

Ah, that impulse to sprint, it’s such a great one, and such a sign of your body and your mind being lined up together. And once you do it, it has the added advantage of pumping endorphins into a system that was already feeling pretty damned great. Ah.

That kind of thing doesn’t happen to everybody, and I’m so glad you got yourself there. I hope the Shenandoah thing works out, that could be so fun. Keep training!

What did you eat? If it was biking alone, I could have predicted ravenous hunger precisely 2 hours after your stopped, but I don’t know what happens with THREE lunacies.

Lovelove,

Heidi

-----Original Message-----
From: Sally
To: Angela
Sent: Sun, 18 May 2008 12:21 pm
Subject: I was there

In Spirit!!!

This morning I had to literally say to myself "Sally, prioritize, time with family or be at the finish line for Ang?" Of course it was not easy because I wanted to be there for you, then I remembered that just the idea of me and the others being there was going to help you get through to the finish, so I relaxed knowing that you would understand and that you are definitely not alone. I love you and I am proud of you and I knew you could do it!!!

Love you!
Sally

-----Original Message-----
From: Kortney
To: Angela
Sent: Mon, 19 May 2008 10:48 am
Subject: Re: I did it!

What a wonderful accomplishment. I am so proud of you : )
Kortney

-----Original Message-----
From: Daphne
To: Angela
Sent: Mon, 19 May 2008 9:03 am
Subject: Re: I did it!

Congrats! SOOOOO very proud of you! Girl Power.

Let's catch up soon.

Love you
Daph

-----Original Message-----
From: Rachael
To: Angela
Sent: Mon, 19 May 2008 8:56 am
Subject: RE: I did it!

That is so awesome! Quite and accomplishment. You are glowing in the picture (rightly so).

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob
To: Angela
Sent: Mon, 19 May 2008 8:57 am
Subject: Re: I did it!

wow...that's INCREDIBLE

------ Forwarded Message
From: Laureen
Date: Sun, 18 May 2008 18:39:13 -0700
To: Angela
Subject: RE: I did it!

I am so proud of you, I could just bust!! Just got off the phone w. Ker who gave me scoop from the cheering section! My god, what an achievement, Girl!!! You just bust balls!!! Such big congrats…

I love you!!!!

L



****************************

Praise from Dragon-Slayers & Other Disciples of Brooke

-----Original Message-----
From: Loreen
To: Angela
Sent: Mon, 19 May 2008 11:36 am
Subject: RE: Message on Race Morning

CONGRATULATIONS ANGELA!!!!! I am so proud of you! What an awesome achievement this is – on so many levels! I really admire your determination and commitment! Way to Slay! I get goosebumps just thinking of you sprinting across that finish line with the cheering of the crowd J I am so happy for you!

Love, Loreen

-----Original Message-----
From: karen
To: Angela
Sent: Mon, 19 May 2008 9:47 am
Subject: WOW!!! Way to go!

Way to go, Angela! I am so very proud of you! What a great personal achievement!
You are my "Today's Hero". I am going to smile all day thinking about your pictures and the look of pride in your face. Love to you and Jesse, Karen T.

-----Original Message-----
From: Jamie
To: Angela
Sent: Mon, 19 May 2008 2:30 am
Subject: RE: I did it!

I have to just say…….YOU ROCK!!!! I am so impressed and amazed at you. Talk about a 180 with exercise!!! I am sure you are still either A.) high as a kite or B.) dead in bed. Either way you should be so proud of yourself! I know I am!!



Take care,

Jamie

P.S. NO ONE CAN EVER TAKE THE FEELINGS YOU FELT WHEN YOU CROSSED THAT FINISH LINE…….That is forever!!!!

-----Original Message-----
From: Ellen
To: Angela
Sent: Sun, 18 May 2008 11:43 pm
Subject: Re: I did it!


Ur AWESOME!! CONGRATS!!

-----Original Message-----
From: Suzanne Hansen
To: Angela
Sent: Sun, 18 May 2008 11:06 pm
Subject: Re: I did it!

WAY TO GO love the pictures, you look fabulous and are radiant!!
You are inspiring me to set a goal!
Love ya,
Suzanne

-----Original Message-----
From: Heidi
To: Angela
Sent: Sun, 18 May 2008 9:13 pm
Subject: RE: I did it!

WAY TO GO!!!! I am soooooo proud of you, Angela-you rock!!
Love,
Heidi

-----Original Message-----
From: Jennifer
To: Angela
Sent: Sun, 18 May 2008 7:57 pm
Subject: RE: I did it!

I am so so so so so proud of you! You looked beautiful and strong and fabulous. :)

Jennifer

-----Original Message-----
From: Kim
To: Angela
Sent: Sun, 18 May 2008 7:41 pm
Subject: Re: Message on Race Morning

I have always known what a powerful woman you are Angela, and this will prove it to yourself. What power to know you have participated in a TRIATHALON. You will carry this with you as you accomplish ANYTHING else in your life you want. Mostly, (of course you are done now) have fun. All the work of the training is done and today is for basking in the accomplishment because the race itself is not the accomplishment--all the work that you faithfully did to prepare is the big prize. So proud of you Miss "I hate exercise" KIM

-----Original Message-----
From: KATHY
To: Angela
Sent: Sun, 18 May 2008 7:47 am
Subject: Re: Message on Race Morning

Wow, Angela. I'm so excited for you! To accomplish something like that when just last summer you were not too excited about exercising, is really amazing. I can't wait to hear about your adventure. I hope there are pictures of you over the finish line too! Here's to you, Angela! Kathy


-----Original Message-----
From: Irene
To: Angela
Sent: Mon, 19 May 2008 7:38 pm
Subject: Re: I did it!

Oh My Gosh Angela - YOU ROCK!!!! Thank you so much for sharing this amazing achievement and making me a feel a part of it even though I wasn't there - physically, that is. Unbelievable that this came from the same woman who swore up and down that she hated to exercise when we were on a walk in Tahoe.....You are an inspiration! Love you tons, Irene

-----Original Message-----
From: Coach Lisa
To: Angela
Sent: Sun, 18 May 2008 10:01 am
Subject: Re: Message on Race Morning

I've been thinking of you this weekend, my friend, too... remembering its your big day... What you've been working toward for months.

Can't tell you how friggin proud I am to know you. You are an incredible inspiration to so many... But most to yourself!

I'm thinking of you today as you show yourself more of what you're made of... And can't wait to hear about it!

Rock on girl!

Xoxoxo
Lisa

****************************

Pride and Joy from Family

-----Original Message-----
From: Mom
To: Angela
Sent: Sun, 18 May 2008 11:20 pm
Subject: Re: I did it!

I am extremely proud of you and your accomplishment. Sorry I didn't get to talk to you, but I hope you got the message I sent. You had great support and you never fail to amaze me. Love you with all my heart, Mom

-----Original Message-----
From: Dad
To: Angela
Sent: Mon, 19 May 2008 8:01 am
Subject: Re: I did it!

Congratulations: What a month for you. Purchase a new home and run a marathon....THAT'S MY KIND OF A MOMMY. You did great something you will remember for ever. We are so proud of you.

We Love You
Dad and Barb

-----Original Message-----
From: Gina
To: Angela
Sent: Sun, 18 May 2008 9:19 pm
Subject: RE: I did it!

Congrats from Toby, Cleo and me! We are sooooo proud of you. You rock. No, really. YOU ROCK! Wow! Now, that is inspirational. And, it's getting to be that time...I need to read a book, go to a conference, make a video board. Something.

Good for You!

------ Forwarded Message
From: Toby
Date: Mon, 19 May 2008 09:09:03 -0400
To:
Subject: Congrats

Ang,

I know Gina told you I said congrats, but I wanted to say it myself… CONGRATS!!!

Love ya!

Toby

****************************

Empowerment from My Dream Team

------ Forwarded Message
From: Brian (Personal Trainer)
Date: Sun, 18 May 2008 04:18:43 -0700
To:
Subject: your race

You Rock! How’s the ankle? Time now for reston and open water! Congrats. U did great!

BRIAN

------ Forwarded Message
From: Sharon (Running Coach)
Date: Mon, 19 May 2008 09:33:27 -0700
To: Angela
Subject: RE: FW: I did it!

congrats angela!

-----Original Message-----
From: Brooke (Weight Loss Coach)
To: Angela
Sent: Sun, 18 May 2008 9:45 pm
Subject: Re: I did it!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

I AM SOOO PROUD OF YOU.

Brooke

(You look amazing by the way.)

Sunday, May 18, 2008

I Did It!

Well - it's official. I am a triathlete! I completed my first tri in 2 hours and 21 minutes - which was 9 minutes under my goal. I haven't received all the official split times yet but I know I set a personal record with the swim which came in at 25:30 - my best in training was 26 (usually more like 28!) I felt strong on the bike even though I just learned how to ride in MARCH!!! My left hamstring was a bit tight but I stretched out before the run and tackled the 5K with gusto. The best part was all the high fives I got from other runners on the course! The last half mile I decided I couldn't run anymore and I was going to walk. Just then I saw my friend Fred (with the beard in the picture). He's a marathon runner and came to meet me for the final stretch. We ran together and I SO did not quit. In fact - I sprinted the last 100 yards. The crowd went WILD!!! So wild we didn't get the picture crossing the finish line (sorry about that). Apparently I was the only one to sprint to the finish. Once things calmed down we took this great shot with my friends who came to cheer me on. They followed me along the race course and made their presence felt so I kept pedaling harder. I'll post a full race once I have my times. I've put up a small collection of pictures in case you want to see what I looked like on race day.

Good Day Sunshine


It's Race morning. 5am. I've got all the transition bags packed. I am pretty confident I haven't forgotten anything. I did a test run and bike yesterday and I am feeling strong. I am going to run my race in the present moment. I found an email from November 28th when I signed up for this event. It felt crazy then but now it feels 100% authentic no craziness about it. It was my friend Marcy who helped me see I was making the idea crazy by calling it that.

I'm not as nervous as I thought I'd be. I ate great yesterday and slept great last night. Hopefully those are good signs for the race. I need to go eat though - it's 2 hours before I get in the pool and start my quest to become a triathlete. If you want to see the results or details about the event you can find it at the Lathom Tri Website!

Amazing friends are coming to support me - Kerric, Jenny, Rachan - thank you guys!

Friday, May 16, 2008

I'm an athlete

Last Saturday I went for a bike ride in beautiful Rock Creek Park with my friend Heidi. I was trying out new pedals and I fell. I had a grade 1 ankle sprain just 7 days before my first triathlon. I spent a lot of time this week asking myself what that sprain meant to me. And a lot of time nursing the sprain with physical therapy and ice so I might be race ready. I'm proud to say I will be suiting up on Sunday for my first ever triathlon. It's a long way from I HATE EXERCISE in August. Just 9 months later I'm doing a tri. And maybe more importantly, I am an athlete.

My sprain was the most amazing gift because it taught me something about people who love and take care of their bodies. Having never been in that category, I had spent a lot of my life thinking I wasn't worth nice clothes, or expensive gym memberships, or that I didn't have the time to go to physical therapy every day for a week. But when you put yourself first, it's clear how to take care of yourself. Just like I know what my son needs to be taken care of, I know what my ankle needs. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation and.... self-love. I am an athlete and I took care of my ankle as well as an athlete deserves, as well as I deserve.

I've learned, not only, how to bike and run in these last nine months, but how to listen to my body and give my body the love and attention it deserves.

Now, my ankle and I are going for some last minute training right now - an easy swim and a light jog.

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Eleven days until my first triathlon - wanna come?



My amazing friend Jenny has arranged a bit of a support team to cheer me on at my first tri. I know you can't come, but take a look at this sweet evite she put together.