Race Recap 5: Age Group Nationals 2013

 

Age group nationals was my hands down favorite race experience to date.  The course was beautiful, the weather was perfect, fans were cheering, and I clocked a 20 minute PR!! Couldn’t get any better!

Now that I’m back in the swing of things (I miss vacation!), here’s a glimpse of how race day went down…

Pre-Race

Normally I like to be at transition as soon as it opens.  At AG Nationals, transition was open from 5:30-7:30…however, my wave wasn’t scheduled to start until 9:50!  Since my bike was already racked from the night before, I knew I didn’t have much to do in transition so I gave myself permission to “sleep in.”  Which basically meant that I still woke up before my 5:30 alarm.  I stuck with my tried and true peanut butter and honey sandwich, grabbed my pre-packed bag of transition stuff, and was out the door by 6:30 to walk to the race.  *Travel note…the Marriott Residence Inn in Milwaukee is in the PERFECT location*

Official Tat's - it's big time here!

My dad and I got to transition in no time.  I laid out my bike and run gear, pumped some air in my tires, and crossed my fingers that I wasn’t forgetting anything.  Then it was time to hurry up and wait…and wait…and wait!  My dad and I found a great spot to post up and watch the swim start, along the railing of the Milwaukee Art Museum.  It was exciting to see the 40-44 men line up…an wait…  Apparently, the highway closure took longer than planned and the start was delayed about 15 minutes.  

The calm before the storm - viewing deck was behind the red TYR signs.

While we were waiting, I was able to connect with my friend Erin, which made the waiting game much more manageable!  We caught up on life and chatted a bit about the race before I drank my bottle of Osmo Pre-load Hydration, took my last chance bathroom trip and squeezed into my wetsuit.

Swim: 27:47, 1:45/100 yds.

Prior to the race, I was concerned about the water temperature being too warm, and with the fact that my shoulders often tire out during the swim.  I attempted to rent a sleeveless wetsuit at Sports Basement on Monday before I left, but luckily (for my wallet), they didn’t have any in my size.  Well, it worked out perfectly.  The water was a perfect 68 degrees…just cold enough to feel perfect in my  long sleeved Xterra Vortex wetsuit.  

Warming up

Our silver capped wave was able to hop in the water for some warm up lengths about 10 minutes prior to our start.  The other ladies were super friendly, but as soon as the bullhorn went off, it was every woman for herself.  I knew that my swimming in training had drastically improved, but I wasn’t sure how it was going to translate to the open water.  I just tried to keep myself in a straight line and keep my heart rate under control.

And we're off!!!

I was able to get in a rhythm, but instead of breathing every 4 strokes, I was breathing every two.  I just kept repeating “relax, Allison, relax!”  My whole goal on the swim (and pretty much the entire race) was to not be the last one out of the water.  When we reached the last yellow turn buoy, I saw that I wasn’t…yay!  Turns out I was 91/157.  I’ll take it!  

T1: 3:02

Not an awesome transition.  It was a long run from the swim exit to the transition area, and I was struggling with getting my wetsuit over my Garmin 910xt the whole way.  Then, once I reached my row, I couldn’t find my bike!  Because of the way the bikes were racked, the numbers for the bikes on the other side were showing on my side of the rack, so I got completely discombobulated!  I figured it out though, and off to the bike!

Bike: 1:16:38, 19.5 mph

This is the area where I was hoping to make the most improvement, and I did!  I shaved 9 minutes off my previous best!  But even with that improvement, I was still towards that bottom of my age group in this leg -  122/157.  Still lots of work to do.  I fueled with 1.5 bottles of Osmo Active Hydration - Orange and a sleeve of Citrus Clif Shot Bloks.

Even though the bike course was flatter than the majority of my rides around the bay area, there were still some pretty consistent rollers, and a pretty darn big bridge that we had to ride up and over.  Nothing too overwhelming, but enough to keep you guessing.  As I rode along, girl after girl passed me L  Boo.  I started to get a little demoralized at this point, thinking “how on earth are they dropping me so easily?”  I just kept at it and tried to enjoy the scenery.  

This was on the side of the Lululemon store in the Historic Third Ward - talk about fitting!

But as I went along and kept track of my speed, I realized that this was the fastest that I had ever ridden in a race and from there on out, my whole mindset changed.  Instead of thinking how crappy I was compared to the other girls, I reminded myself that I wasn’t there to win…I was there to PR!  That became my new mantra, and stuck with me for the rest of the race.

Happy Camper!

**One of the good things about the delayed start was the change in weather – during the bike, it was mostly overcast and decently cool.  My ideal racing weather!

T2: 1:57

This one was a little quicker, but still had trouble finding my spot.  Shoes and visor went on without a hitch.

Run: 49:04, 7:53/mile

Ahhhh…my favorite part.  After watching so many ladies spin past me on the bike, I am proud to say I reeled a whole lot of them in on the run!!  The run went followed the Oak Leaf Trail along Lake Michigan.  My calves felt like they were going to explode (unfortunately, as usual) for the first 2 – 3 miles, but then loosened up enough that I didn’t notice them for the rest of the run.  I’m going to try out compression sleeves or socks on my upcoming training runs to see if that helps.  Any other suggestions are most welcome!

Working Hard!

The sun broke while I was in transition, so the run was hot.  I grabbed water at each aid station, and sucked down a Chocolate Outrage Gu just before mile 2.  Mile 3-4 felt like it would never end, but as soon as I hit the last aid turnaround, I left everything I had on the course.  Even though I didn’t know where any of the timing mats were, my estimates were pretty darn close to the final results, and as soon as I crossed the finish line, I knew that I accomplished my goal to PR.

Total Time: 2:38:29 – 18min (and change) PR!!

Age Group: 108/157

Goals achieved - done and done!

I had an absolute blast running this race and am extremely grateful that I got to run it after only 8 months in the sport.  The caliber of athletes racing was top notch and I’m glad that I was able to hold my own.  Later that day, my dad and I celebrated with beer and burgers at the Milwaukee Ale House along the riverwalk.  I kept repeating that I couldn’t believe that the race was over and that I couldn’t wait to race again.  That’s always a good sign – to already be stoked on another race.  Hopefully I’ll qualify to race in Age Group Nationals next year, because I have records to break.  

After celebrating with what seemed like gallons of beer, I suffered through a recovery week upon returning home…light training weeks are so frustrating!  But as the saying goes, “be careful what you wish for…”  Tomorrow starts a big training week, with some of my longest swim sets ever.  

Happy Training!!!

And the Tri-Sherpa Award Goes to...MY DAD!!

This week, I had the absolute best race sherpa/travel partner around…my dad!  9 years ago, when I was studying abroad in Spain, I was lucky enough to travel to Barcelona and Paris with my dad at the end of my study abroad session.  Since then, life has been busy for both of us, so visits are usually weekends, or him visiting during the week which means that actual visiting hours are squeezed in around business and training hours.  Also, since his retirement, my dad has become quite the world traveler and is gone for months at a time.

When I first found out that I would be competing in Age Group Nationals, I though I’d be making the trip solo.  The BF works weekends and couldn’t get the time off…my mom was teaching summer school and couldn’t find a flight that worked.  My dad was supposed to leave for Aman, Jordan on August 8, so he originally couldn’t make the trip either.  But travel gods were shining down on us and his trip was pushed back to August 14.  So I got a travel buddy!!!!

Seriously, it was such an awesome surprise, and we have had an amazing trip.  I could not give enough thanks for the selfless Tri-Sherpa role my dad took on.  From waiting around the hotel room while I squeezed in a swim and a run, to traipsing all around the expo and race grounds, he was up for everything. 

 

On Friday, I had to pick up my bike, ride my bike, go for a run, go for a swim, listen to the rules briefing, check my bike into transition, rest my legs, eat my pasta, and go to bed early!!  Phew! As stressful of a day as it was for me, I can only imagine how boring it must have been for my dad…to be sitting around, guarding my bike and waiting for me to be done with my training.  But he couldn’t have been more supportive and selfless throughout the day.  He guarded my bag while I was on my run, and babysat my bike while I was running.  And he walked back and forth with me from the hotel to the race site multiple times, to get my packet, to do my final training, and finally to check my bike into transition.

As for Friday night and Saturday morning, I know that I was quiet and sometimes short with him because I was so nervous, but my dad took it in stride and did nothing but offer to help and do anything I needed.  He repeatedly told me how proud he was, and offered encouraging words to no end.

On Saturday, my dad was a champion photog.  He was all over the course and was able to cheer me on in so many different spots.  He was up at the crack of dawn, foraged some extra bananas, followed me around for my bathroom stops and my transition set up.  He sat around while I chatted with my friend Erin.  He scoped out the best place to see the swim start.  He kept track of me on the swim in the mass of silver swim caps, and he caught the absolute greatest shot of me crossing the finish line with my arms held high.

Throughout my life, I have been so incredibly lucky to have the unwavering support of my dad in everything I did.  From the Panda Bears t-ball team, Baldy View Gymnastics, UHS Track and Field and now to my triathlon races, he has been the world’s best cheerleader.  He has encouraged me to achieve all the goals I have set and has never doubted that I would achieve them.  I couldn’t imagine going through my first experience at Age Group Nationals without him and I am so very thankful that I have had the past 6 days with him. 

Dad, I love you more than anything and I am truly the luckiest girl!  Thank you for your unwavering support and unending love.  I am so very grateful for the amazing father-daughter week we had!

Countdown to Race Day!

Wow…what an experience!! I honestly don’t even know where to begin.  Racing in the Age Group Nationals is definitely an experience I’ll never forget, and hopefully one I’ll get to repeat in the future!

This year, AGNC were held in Milwaukee, and my dad and I arrived 3 days ahead of race day to get adjusted to the time change and experience the city.  Having never been to Wisconsin, I didn’t really know what to expect. But  I have been pleasantly surprised by this city!  The historic buildings, incredibly friendly people, and the beautiful lake and river have been great to explore.  I’ll definitely post about the non-triathlon aspects of our trip, but I don’t want to forget the feelings and experiences of the race!

Friday – Prep Day!!

Although dad and I had been in town since Wednesday, things didn’t start getting real until Friday.  Throughout the day, I honestly just felt like I wanted to vomit.  I don’t remember being as nervous for anything in my life!  Triathletes had taken over the town, and the perfect calves, expensive bikes, and aero helmets definitely started to intimidate me!  I know that I qualified to race, but I started to question how I’d measure up.  All I kept thinking was, I hope I don’t finish last!!!

Friday was a big day of prep.  I had shipped my bike to the race via Race Day Transport, so at 10am, that was the first stop.  The guys at the booth were super helpful, put my pedals back on, and were really encouraging.  After putting all of my goodies on my bike (bike bag, bento box, HC aero water bottle cage), a ride on the run course was in order.  The course was flat, right along the lake on the Oak Leaf Trail.  The road was really bumpy and had lots of cracks, so I was grateful that wasn’t the actual ride course.  

I’ve been to the great lakes once before, so I knew that they are basically like oceans, not lakes since they are so huge.  But they have beaches too!!! Like with volleyball courts, cabanas, and a bar!  You pass this section of the lake right before the run turn around…I knew that would be tough to see on race day.  The weather was beautiful, and I’m surprised to say that the beach was better than some in Cali (mainly the freezing cold ones in SF, but still).

After the bike, I had a 10 minute transition run on the docket.  My legs felt good, which was a relief.  And I ran into one of Coach Muddy’s other athletes, Tony, who was doing his own ride of the run course.  Definitely a small world…I was glad to see a familiar face in the thousands of athletes.

Next, the swim course was open from 11-1 for a practice session.  The water was 69.5* according to the race officials…perfect temperature  in my long sleeve Xterra Vector wetsuit.  Before I left home, I contemplated renting a sleeveless wetsuit, but I’m actually glad that Sports Basement was out of my size!  I took my time getting accustomed to the water and getting my sight lines.  The swim exit was a bit nerve racking, though.  It was a steep, wet ramp that was super narrow.  There were race volunteers lining the sides to grab your hand and help you out because it was so steep.  It seemed like there might be a few issues on race day if a swarm of athletes got there at the same time (luckily that wasn’t the case).

Next up was the Rules Briefing with the head USAT official.  He was a very crabby man, but it was nice to just get a review of all the rules so there wouldn’t be any issues during the race.  I checked my bike back in with Race Day Transport until transition opened, then we headed back to the hotel to relax and get off my feet.  I half napped, half watched the Monk marathon, ate my leftover turkey wrap, and rested my legs in my new compression socks.

Around 5pm, we walked back over to the race venue to rack my bike in transition.  We had assigned spots, and mine was pretty easy to find, second to last row and a straight shot to the bike and run exit.  I got my bike racked, then headed back to the hotel for some pasta, salad, and a trigger point session.  Since I didn’t bring my block, I improvised with the pots and pans in our hotel room.  I watched some more of the Monk marathon, went through my whole race from swim to finish in my head, tossed and turned for a tiny bit, then drifted off to dreamland…

Race Week!!

Before I ever started swim-bike-running, I creeped a few blogs of triathletes.  It was fun to see what they were training for, what they had accomplished, and how they went about fitting in the training.  One of the first blogs that I followed was my friend Erin.  She was a runner turned triathlete, like me.  So I was always excited to see her new posts to see what races she was doing and watch her progress.  Well, in her very first season of racing, she qualified for Age Group Nationals!  Such an accomplishment.  I was intrigued and went about trying to find out how one actually qualifies for said event.

After doing my research, I discovered that you qualify for Age Group Nationals if you win, or are in the top 10% of any USAT sanctioned race…and with that, my goal was set.  Mind you, this was before I had a bike, or tucked my hair into a swim cap.  But I have high standards for myself, so thought nothing of it.  In January, Age Group Nationals was front and center on my vision board, and every training session was geared towards that goal.

Well…the week is here!  Race day is Saturday, August 10 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  I said goodbye to my bike last Tuesday as I cautiously left it in the care of Mike’s Bikes for Race Day Transport to ship my bike to the race venue.  Unfortunately, that was my only bike, but luckily I borrowed my friend Merriam’s road bike to squeeze in my last two training rides.  I don’t get to pick my bike up until Friday at the race expo, and am already having withdrawals!

I am tapering this week, which is a very weird feeling.  As much as I know my body needs rest, I hate feeling like I haven’t done anything!  I have swims and runs on tap until I pick up my bike on Friday.  Then, I’ll ride the run course before checking it into transition on Friday night.  I also have a flow session at FNS planned for tonight before I hop on the plane at 12:45 AM.  Trigger pointing and some serious stretching are definitely in order before a red eye flight to the Midwest!

On Wednesday morning, I’ll meet up with my dad at the airport and get started adjusting to the time change and the humidity.  According to weather reports, it’s predicted to be 75 degrees with 56% humidity on race day…hopefully that is accurate and not the 75% it originally said!  56% sounds like a lot, but when I looked at the humidity report for San Jose, CA for today, it says it’s 62%.  Totally surprised me...I thought the humidity percentage would be way lower here.  This bodes well and I'm crossing my fingers that the weather in Wisconsin feels like home and that I’ll handle it ok!

I’ve studied the course and it looks to be flat and fast…I’m hoping that all of my rides on rolling hills and my Tuesday morning track sessions will result in a PR on this type of course, especially with this coming taper week and fresh legs on Saturday.  It’s weird going into the race without any specific expectation.  I know that I’m going to be racing some of the fastest ladies in the country, and being a tri-newbie, I have no idea how I’ll measure up.  Also, this will only be my third Olympic Distance race!  First was Wildflower, which, aside from being my first Oly, was also crazy windy and super hilly.  Second with the California International Race, where I was super fatigued and the heat was unbearable.

So my main goal in the race is to have a PR in all 3 legs, and just to race my heart out!  I just read Iron War, and keep reflecting on the fact that the mind gives out before the body, so I’ll be repeating that to myself as I push the pace on Saturday!  But in addition to the race, I can’t wait to explore the city of Milwaukee with my dad who is my one man fan club for the week!  If you have any must see, must do, or must eat places in Milwaukee, make sure to give me a shout out!  I’ll be there bright and early Wednesday morning!