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Home>Triathlon>Race Report |
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"Wisdom
Begins in Wonder"Socrates
I
did not have the flexibility to train for my
triathlon anytime I wanted to, so the first things I
worked on was time management, staying focused, and
developing a plan. I
decided that I was going to dedicate four Sundays
before the race to open water swim at the Aquatic park
in San Francisco and also practice parts of the bike
course for the Treasure Island race. I was not
concerned about the run leg since I put conditioning
in through my track and basketball workouts. Preparation |
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I borrowed a wetsuit from a good friend and hit the open water. That was a thrill on its own. Although I have swam many times in open water in Greece, the water temperature in the San Francisco bay was by far lower. Currents come into place as well. Aquatic park is also home to many seals so here and there, we would see one close by (no sharks though!). A couple of times we swam to the mouth of the Park where it enters the San Francisco bay and you feel like you are out in the Ocean. The swim can be challenging especially if the currents are strong. My first time out there, I think I swam in the same spot for 15 min. until I finally got out of it. The feeling when you get to the mouth is unbelievable. You feel you are in the middle of the ocean...overlooking the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge on your left and really savoring this unique moment!
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The bike course consisted of climbing for about a mile and then a very steep and dangerous descent. I got a road bike recently so I had to learn how to ride it and use my gears as well as getting stronger on the climbs and comfortable on the descent in a fairly short period of time. I decided the best way to do this is to practice it. I started with 1 1/2 times around the loop just to get a feel for it. The following week I focused on 2 loops, the week after on 3 loops (during the race we had to do 4 of these). Each time I felt my legs getting stronger. I also learned the hard way that the better your tires are inflated the easier the ride will be. I now have a hand pump and plans to get a gauge pump too! I attended a cycling clinic and learned more about cornering and descending, good things to know when you are a rookie! | |
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The week before my race, I slowed things down and focused on getting some rest and enough sleep (in general, I do not sleep much). I continued with my weight lifting workouts and track...the rest was mental preparation, hydration, and good nutrition. The day before my race I was excited and anxious. I left work a few hours early (good move, cuz I could not focus anymore) to pick up my registration packet, and do a last minute maintenance on my bike. Got my pre-race, race, and post-race items together in my transition bag. I visualized my race, especially the parts that I was concerned about and I went to bed early. I also made sure to focus on recovery by planning ahead with replenishing carbohydrates and minerals lost during the race. Race Day |
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| I woke up the day of the race rested and relaxed. Put my things in the car and recalled an email from Pedro Ordenes the day before, open water swim coach, who said to carry a tune with you. I chose two songs: Flashdance song "What a Feeling" was playing on the radio. I love the part where it says "Take your passion and make it happen", this is true with everything in life. Various thoughts crossed my mind. Less than a year ago, I had no clue what a triathlon was and now I was about to complete an Olympic distance....I was about to make it happen! | 
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The second song was the latest by Madonna, "Die Another Day". I was nervous that I might crash at the steep descent...so kept "singing" along " I guess I'll die another day, it is NOT my time to go!" I think that worked cuz I was more relaxed. |
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As I rode my car to Treasure Island, I rolled down the windows and involved my senses. It looked like it was going to be a gorgeous day and I wanted to be present in each moment. You could slowly feel the City wake up and witness the breathtaking colors on the sky at dawn. The view overlooking the City from Treasure Island is unreal! As I drove to the parking lot, I appreciated the opportunities I have had in life so far! | |
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The horn blows...we are in the water. It is cold but I am determined to finish it. Used freestyle for most part of the race and a little bit of backstroke when I got tired. When my body got tired and my mind started wondering, I focused on coming back to the present and think positive thoughts. Overall, I felt much more comfortable in the water. As we exited from the ramp to the transition area, race officials helped us get out of the water. I am glad they do that because it is an awkward feeling to get out of the water and suddenly run. I got a little dizzy for a few seconds but got over it fairly quickly. I ran to my bike, took off the wetsuit, and wore my shoes. My toes were numb. I could not feel anything. In general, I hate it when my feet and hands are cold. I told myself they will recover on the bike and departed for my 40k bike ride. The bike ride was actually more fun than I thought it would be. Cheered a bunch of GGTCers that were on the bike and run course and vice-versa. I was having a good time!
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| I took one loop at at time and paying a lot of attention to my body in the process. I stayed very well hydrated throughout the course, alternating between water and a hydration drink (carried two water bottles, one plain water, and one with hydration drink) with me, and consumed two packets of Gu at loop 3 and 4 (and one at the transition area after the swim). After the first loop which I considered my warm up loop, I would pass people on the climb comfortably (legs felt good), but then they passed me on the downhill as I slowed down and still did not know how to use my gears on a downhill (still spinning air). During the climb I changed my strategy from slow and steady to spin faster and maintain. This seemed to work much better for me. | 
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I also played mind games such as counting my pedaling to take my mind away from getting tired. By the end of the 3rd loop, my toes were still very numb which concerned me. I began stretching them as I was pedaling to get the blood flowing again. I was about to enter the toughest transition, from bike to run and was interested in seeing how my legs would react (altough they felt fine on the bike.) I had not practiced bricks before. As I get off my bike in the transition, and I start jogging, my legs felt shaky and unstable. I thought I was going to fall on my face and be all embarrassed. I stopped running for a second and walked and as I gained more awareness of my body I began jogging again. I put my bike back on the rack, had a quick pottie break and a chance to let my legs recover and then began my 6.2 mile run.
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In the beginning I felt I was running very slowly. I caught myself thinking "what? 6.2 miles on legs like these??? Yeah, good luck!" but then again, I quickly shifted my focus back on the present and reminded myself that I was here to finish no matter what. I looked around me and everyone seemed to be in the same amount of "pain." The stiffness on my legs carried throughout the run leg of the course. However, I was able to run much faster on the 2nd part. I stopped for a few seconds at the aid station to stretch my sore achilles and tight hamstrings. That seemed to help! | |
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I also felt slightly dehydrated during the run, I believe for two reasons. First, I did not carry a water bottle with me and chose to hydrate at the two aid stations mixing water with Gatorade (more H20 than Gatorade). Second, the weather had gotten warmer increasing the need for fluids. One thing I promised myself to carry at all times was a smile on my face and an appreciation of having the opportunity to do something I did not know I could. |
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The finish was great! When you see the finish line, the pain and tiredness seem to fade away. I put all my energy and effort to build a strong, comfortable pace right before the end. I got my medal and smiled because I did it! I made it happen...Perhaps next time, I will finish carrying the Greek flag in my hands! Immediately after the race my focus was on replenishment. So, I focused on carbohydrate and protein intake as well as hydration with water...and stretching of course to avoid next day's tightness. Finishing a race is great...but it is also one point in time which reminds you of things. I value a lot what brought me to finish, what made this all start, the people I met, and the person I have become in the process of working toward this goal. |
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Many thanks go to: |
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My good friend Nikki Galvan who through our workouts I saw what an incredible athlete and individual she is and from whom I learned a great deal about triathlons. My coach, Michael McCormack and a two-time Ironman winner himself, from whom I learned a lot from during spinning, track, and TBT (total body training) sessions. Michael is a great coach and a great person and has made our training a lot of fun. Izumi Couch, who I met during the time I was looking to buy a bike, and we became good friends since. Izumi was kind enough to lend me her wetsuit and give me lots of advice for my race. She is also a stud and recently finished Ironman Canada supporting a great cause with Team in Training. Walter Lee, a fellow GGTCer and one of the first people I met who gave me an introduction to triathlons. Walter also gave me a book for beginner triathletes. I have referred to it multiple times. Walter is a great athlete and a proud Ironman Canada finisher. Cathy Morgan, who was my mentor at my first unofficial sprint race, and taught me the basics such as where to put the bike, how to set-up my things, and what body marking is. Cathy has a ton of experience racing and a wealth of knowledge that has helped me a lot. Chuck Morganson, who is the reason I learned about TBT and GGTC. He responded to an email I had sent about running groups. Chuck is a cool guy who not only likes to compete but also gives back to the triathlon community by volunteering during events. All my new friends at GGTC and beyond who have so far made this journey so much fun! These guys are the coolest!!! They are all incredible individuals and continue to amaze and inspire me by their determination and love for life! From all of you, I have learned not to put any limits on myself! Thank you for that... November 2002 |
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