It is hard to believe that this was the 5th time I had participated in this event. This was however the first event I was able to use my TT bike. 'Hope' is her name. She was adopted from a fellow friend/triathlete whom I met through Race Tucson and Tucson Endurance Performance Center. After getting Hope and a proper fitting by TEPC Hope and I became fast friends on the road. I am not sure I could have picked out a more comfortable ride. This event also marked the first official event I participated in wearing my new Tri Team's kit. Ride Tri Team out of California is where I landed thanks to my friend Tracy. There is something about being a part of a group of amazing triathletes, wearing an amazing kit from Wattie Ink, having amazing sponsors to support you, and having the right gear to make you feel like a superhero and want to go fast! After learning this sport and just trying my best each time, hoping to just finish and feel good, this was the first time I caught myself actually racing. I wasn't racing anyone in particular except myself. My goal each event is to do better than the last and to always walk away proud of my efforts and not complain about the little things should my race day now work out. There are no excuses. You either have a good day or you don't...most of the time they are great days! It was this event in 2015 where I saw a photo of me after the finish and the smile on my face let me know that this is my happy place, this is where I feel connected to something and others. I finally figured it out. This is a well organized event that is nestled in the heart of Oro Valley, AZ . The swim is at the local aquatic center and participants swim in a serpentine fashion. Ill admin I had not done much practice with my swimming since Austin but I was able to get through this swim with much more ease than before. So much so that I thought I still had another 100 yards to go but I was actually done. I had even passed three swimmers and was not passed this time. That was energetic. My transitions were much faster in this Sprint. I used Pjur Active on my feet before th swim and this allowed me to go sock free on the bike, cutting down some precious transition time. In the swim I wore my tri shorts and sports bra and in transition I put on my aero jersey. This proved to be a great tactic as the sports bra was minimal what was wet against my chest going into the first couple of fast mile. That first section can be so chilling when your top and hair are dripping wet. I hate being cold on the bike so this worked out beautifully. I remember for the first time on the bike I was passing several people and the pace seemed much easier than before. As I neared the finish I thought I would be clever and start to pull my feet out of the shoes in preparation for my dismount. I was so nervous that i did one side like a champ, the second side not so much. I had to unclip and run into transition with one shoe one and one shoe on. My T2 went really quick, I learned to not worry about brining water with me as it was a 5 k and there was water on the course . In the past I had always brought it with me and my hands are not as free. II found myself running the entire time, which I had never done before. I guess all that training for Austin and the following Half Marathon gave me the right training to get through the run portion of the race. Tracy was there to Sherpa me in the morning with coffee in hand and a sweatshirt to wear until I went in the water and there to wish me a congrats at the finish. I think I found the best race buddy!
0 Comments
It had been a while since Austin 70.3 and it was time to get my self moving again. What a better way to jump star the year than a half-marathon right? This one was the first Women's Half-Marathon event in Tucson. Held in Marana, AZ in Continental Ranch area along The Loop path. Not a heavily attended event but there were many familiar faces that I saw. I went with my girlfriends who are badass runners. In my running journey I use to beat myself up over the fact that I was not as fast as most of my running friends and found myself making excuses for my runs on a regular basis I have learned over the years that this is ridiculous. The sayings "My race, my pace" and " A 12 min mile is just as far as a 6 min mile" were the two things I continued to say to myself. With some track workouts and more consistent running, I have been finally able to bring my pace down. The morning was bit chilly, I had on my long sleeve running pullover I received at Ragnar as a SWAT team member for the Del Sol race, just previously the day before. I was up there for the night managing one of the race exchanges. It was a about 10 hours on my feet. What wasI thinking? Driving up to PHX, standing on my feet for 10 hours and then driving home only to have a half-marathon the next day. Crazy is what I am! Somehow I find these types of challenges exciting. I think I can always changes into I know I can which changes to a Hooray, I did it! You will never know what your are capable of doing if you do not try. Race day..yes..back on track here... My nutrition: Hammer of course. I had my Fully Charge in the tank and ate my morning bagel. My race belt held HEED in two bottles and water in one. I have learned to always carry my nutrition with me and only take water on the course.
My music was in and I was just enjoying the day. I did not have my Garmin with me and choses to not run my running app in order out save my phone battery so I had music. I had no idea what mile I was on but I remember at one point thinking I was near the finish only to discover that the Half-Marathon runners had to go out past he finish and loop the same area that we started in. When you think you are getting ready to finish and you don't is sure makes those last miles long. The song I wake up to every morning is American Authors "Best Day of my Life" this is the song that came up on my playlist as I was nearing the finish line. This was only the second half0-marathon that I can say I ran the whole thing so going into the finish, I was full of elation. As I came in the finish, turned off my music I could hear the DJ for the event playing the same song! How crazy is that ...that day was pretty amazing. I PR'd my run even after being on my legs for so long the day before, I finished with good friends there to hug and celebrate with at the end. |
Victoria "Torie" GrammarJust your average Mom and Friend who found a love for the swim, bike, and run. Archives
January 2023
Categories |