My First 26.2 Mile Run

At the finish line: post race!

MARATHON DATE: February 16, 2014

LOCATION: Birmingham, AL

 WEATHER: 37 degrees F at the 7am start of the race, warming to near 53 degrees at the finish

CLOTHING: Visor, ear warmer, sunglasses, 1 t-shirt, arm warmers, capri's and compression sleeves, with smart-wool socks and my Hoka one one's--the clothing selection was perfect for the temperatures

 RACE GOAL: Stay consistent the entire race and feel strong at the finish, not completely exhausted, targeting 9:45/mile pace (4 hours 15 min)

ACTUAL RACE FINISH: 4:15:05
                                               (9:45 average pace/mile)

Hoka Club

                                     (28th of 72 in age group, 424 out of over 1000 people, 114 out of the women)
                                      10k: 56:29  (9:21 pace)
                                      15k: 1:24:46 (9:26 pace)
                                      25k: 2:22:17 (9:28 pace)
                                      30k: 2:47:18 (9:47 pace)

HEART RATE: Average was 156, consistently 150-160 when I would check.

NUTRITION: I wore a belt with three 7oz bottles of Cytomax (electrolyte drink) and one 7-ounce bottle of water.  I also had one pack of Honey Stinger chews.  I took Gu Gels approx. mile 4, 8, 11,14,18,22.  My First gu was strawberry banana, third was salted carmel and all others were vanilla bean w caffeine.  I would take gel and follow that with a shot of water.  I didn't have a set plan before the race, but a general idea of what I might do--essentially a gel every 3-4 miles and cytomax or honey stinger chews in-between.  I didn't have any issues, but could have had a better plan.

TRAINING: Hal Higdon's Novice 1 plan (HERE)  This was the 'easiest' plan I could find.  I pretty much stuck to the plan, I never did much speed work in this training.  I swam for cross training.

MARATHON TALES

Travel companions and wonderful friends

Almost 10 years ago, I put running a marathon on my to-do list in life.  About a year ago, I was ready to take it off my list, there was no need for me to do that, it was crazy to put your body through that.  This past fall, after signing up for an Ironman, I began to wonder if I should do a marathon, so I would 'know what it feels like'.  After some persuasion from friends, on October 31, 2013, Rob and I signed up for the Mercedes Marathon in Birmingham, AL.  Rob and I enjoyed our long runs together and had many friends join us along the way... training over the winter was a little rough, with the cold weather, but we did it! Let's go to the race.

Pre-race photo

We traveled with our wonderful friends, Ed and Britta and we arrived the day before the race to check in. We stayed at the Sheraton Hotel, which was a 5 minute walk from the race start, I highly suggest that for future races.  I never had to use the nasty porta-potties before the race, because we stayed in the warm hotel until the last minute.  The night before the race we went to a hole in the wall Italian restaurant called Giuseppe's Cafe.  Thanks to my wonderful friend Marcia and her husband for calling ahead to make reservations at this restaurant that had like 8 tables!  Carbo-load--I had a caesar salad and chicken fettuccine alfredo, which I didn't eat a ton of the sauce and that was a smart choice.

My view before the start

RACE DAY
Note: This might be boring, because everything went well!  
Surprisingly, I had a great night sleep, woke up on my own a little before 5am.  As my usual race routine, I sat in bed and ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (that I made before going to bed), I had a banana and downed some water--pre-race meal at its finest.  We left the hotel around 6:40am for the 7:03am race start--this was plenty of time!  We started the race around the 9 minute pace and of course, we passed many people in the first few miles.  Since my longest training run was 20 miles, I realized that I didn't really have a nutrition plan in place for the last 6 miles, but I made it work fine.

The course is set-up as a 2 loop course--with the majority of the race being people who are running the 1/2 marathon, which is one loop.  The first loop was crowded, but not unbearable.  Rob and I ran together and saw the 4:15 pacers and so we decided that we would try and run with that group. Turns out that pacer was inconsistent and was running an 8:45/mile pace so they could walk through aid stations--sounds like a terrible idea to me... if I'm going to run that fast, I'd want to finish closer to 4 hours.  We decided not to run with that group and Rob and I ran together the first 8 miles and then he went on ahead, which turns out, we were within about a minute of each other the whole race.

The 2nd loop was less crowded and fairly quiet, a number of the spectators left, I was thankful for my head phones and only had one bathroom stop around mile 14.  I felt great after the 1st loop from miles 13 to 17, until the hills began.  I slowed down more than I should have, but wasn't really thinking about pace.  Some of my favorite signs I saw along side the road were, "Your running better than congress" and "smile if you aren't wearing underwear" and many folks were cheer, "Go random stranger!"

I looked at my garmin around mile 20.2, and almost felt emotional as I realized I was going where I hadn't gone before--my longest training run was 20 miles.  I saw a sign that said, "There are doors in walls that you can push through," and I did.  My play listed ended around Mile 23--no more music, just silence, again, I didn't realize that my playlist had an end to it, since I've never ran longer than 20 miles. My lack of music turned out okay--the last song was "It is well" and so my mantra to the finish line became, "It is well with my soul..."and I was full of joy the final miles!  The BUTS (Birmingham Ultra Trail Society) had a cheering station at mile 23, which I knew from my first loop that I could look forward to them. Oh my, did they step it up that second loop!!?  I felt like I was at the finish line there was so much encouragement, cheering, dancing and fun people!  I think they were serving beer and pancakes that day.  They have inspired me to try and do the same at local races in Chattanooga--they were a huge blessing.

Celebration together at the finish!

The course flattened out a little after mile 23, but I couldn't see to dig deep, I was consistently hitting about 10 minute/mile pace.  At mile 25.2, I rounded the corner for the final mile and I felt strong, I dug in to finish with a final 9:23 min/mile, finishing in 4:15:05... right on target of my goal--without a pacer!

I really enjoyed this race, I never had a point where I hurt bad, and that was my goal, I wanted to finish the race feel good and not blowing up.  With this mentality, I was running again about 7 days later without any problems.  I have learned to believe in myself, I've learned that I can do more than I ever imagined and I'm so thankful that I have the desire in me to go where I've never been.  I believe that if you set a goal, if you stay healthy, focused and determined, you can get there.  People often see me as someone who is physically fit, which I am thankful for, but it is only because I set goals and I stay committed.  I encourage you to find that goal within and go for it, I believe in you, and it's time for you to believe in yourself and your abilities to reach your goals.

My post-race reward

Should have, could have, would have?  Yah, I totally thing I could have pushed myself more and had a better time, but I wanted a great first marathon experience and I definitely enjoyed every mile, my motto was, "smile every mile!"

When is my next marathon?  Ironman Chattanooga...2014, I wonder how that marathon will go, I'm sure it will be different, and I'm sure it will be something I've never experienced before and I'm excited.  I plan to eat donuts afterwards too.

Stranded in the Southern Snow

The day before snowmageddon

Two weeks ago I was with a group of campus ministers for a network and collaboration event near Charleston, SC.  I was traveling from Houston, TX, where I attended a meeting for Disciple Project, which is a faith leadership camp I help lead each summer.  I was excited to be in Charleston, staying a block from the beach and networking with other campus ministry folks.

This was the beginning...

I arrived Charleston Sunday evening January 26, the next day, I enjoyed a run on the beach and lovely sunshine, even though it wasn't warm.  Monday evening I received word that my Wednesday flight was cancelled, so I worked to re-book  for Tuesday night, which was later cancelled, so I was moved up to Tuesday at noon, and then I finally caught the last flight out of Charleston on Tuesday at 8:45am, at this point I was excited and confident that I would beat the winter storm, I didn't even pack my carry on bag to be stranded--BIG MISTAKE.  I always pack my carry on in case I'm stranded--except this time.

My Charleston to Atlanta flight was less than an hour long and right on time, I had enough time in Atlanta to grab coffee and a little breakfast, I made it to my gate and boarded my plane to Chattanooga, all on time--I called Rob to let him know we were on our way.  We were cleared to land in Chattanooga, I was excited.  After a few minutes, I knew something wasn't right.  Our pilot then put the nose up and head back into the clouds.   He came on the intercom and said, "Folks, I'm afraid to tell you, we are on our way to Atlanta, the runway in Chattanooga is short and they can't seem to keep the snow off of it."

My view of Chattanooga from the plane

We returned to the gate in Atlanta around 2pm, after waiting around for 30 minutes, we were told our flight was cancelled.  I started calling hotels at this point--knowing I was going to be stranded, everything with an airport shuttle was sold out.  I hadn't eaten any lunch at this point, and I was fairly hungry so I went to find food and decided I would figure out what to do.  Of course because I have a lot of friends who travel often, I resort to making a post on facebook to see if anyone else was going to be stranded in the Atlanta airport overnight.  Not long after that post, a friend responded that her husband would be traveling home from a work trip--he would be on the 9:45pm flight to Chattanooga that I was on stand-by for.

Atlanta Airplanes in the snow

  Since I wouldn't be leaving the Atlanta airport, I decided to hunker down--I saw a few guys getting a stack of Delta blankets, I thought, what a great idea! I asked if they could get one extra--I later found out they were a group from Augustana College in South Dakota (where I went to college!)--I totally found the folks I could hang out with, if need-be.

I made my way to the gate around 8:30pm to see if I could get on the standby flight.  I met my friend's husband and we had a nice conversation--even though we hadn't really ever met, it was great to have someone familiar around.  9:45pm comes and goes, we haven't boarded, 10:30 comes, it was close to 11pm before they began boarding--I didn't even know if I would get a seat.  Sure enough, I got the last seat on the plane!  Super tired at this point but boy I WAS EXCITED!

Rob and I decided that I wouldn't call him until we land in Chattanooga--there had been too many false alarms of him leaving to pick me up that day.  No sleeping in the airport for this girl!  We go through the safety talks, get in line for de-icing and then eventually we were told that there were electrical issues in the plane, so we had to go back to the gate, we are pushing 1:00am at this point.  After standing around a few minutes, they find us a different plane--we re-board once again!  Safety talks happen, It's after 2am, but we are in the de-icing process--this was seaming to take longer than normal.  I decided that I hadn't eating in about 9 hours, so I enjoyed a bowl of lucky charms I had stashed away.  It's now almost 3am and the pilot comes on overhead and says, "The de-icing process took longer than we expected, and I'm not at my limit and no longer able to fly without the FAA taking away my pilots license, we will be going back to the gate."  By this point I was TIRED!  I had been up since 6am the previous day--we were later told that we had to leave the gate area to re-book our tickets since there were no employees left at the airport to handle our ticketing issue.

My friends husband and I stuck together--it's now about 3:30am, we went to rebook our tickets, which we were both rebooked for Wednesday night. We called groome shuttle (a shuttle that runs from Atlanta to Chattanooga) and booked a seat on the shuttle later in the afternoon.  It was also coffee time--I'm pushing staying up for 24 hours.... I haven't done this since my last church lock-in.

We started to research our options of trying to get home, my new friend secured a SUV rental car, we research road continues, planned a route and eventually we decided to attempt to drive back to Chattanooga.  This would be my 2nd road trip from an airport to a destination with people I just met--though this time it was a friend's spouse... but nonetheless... someone I just met.  A couple years ago it was a car with 5 strangers...

The interstate was all ice

We begin our journey with the iPad map and google maps on my phone in hand--I was the navigator extrodinaire.  Of course, upon reaching 285N, there was an accident so we immediately had to go to plan B, which was to navigate the side roads that paralleled the freeway, whatever roads we could find that looked drivable.  It worked.... it took time, but we eventually made it to 285N where there were no cars going north and all the lanes going south were filled with cars, semi trucks and school buses---that didn't have any people in them--it was slightly erie.  We'd occasionally see people walking--but I've never seen anything like this.

Abandon cars were everywhere

Eventually we saw a tanker truck and a couple cars, driving towards us on the Interstate, we assume that this is not good and we follow suite, turning around--this would be the first time in my life that I've rode the wrong way on the freeway.  As we go up the exit ramp, (the wrong way of course) the tanker truck starts to slide backwards... slightly terrifying, but my partner-in-crime had ninja driving skills and as the truck driver told us to come along in between the sliding truck and a cement wall---I'm thankful for ninja driving skills and the fact that he grew up in the Northern part of the country.

Stopped traffic for miles on I-75 South 

Once we hit I-75, we saw miles and miles of people backed up in traffic going the other direction that was not moving at all.  I have seriously never seen anything like this--not moving at all.  Needless to say it was 4 hours later, we arrived Chattanooga, for this I was grateful.

It's one thing to be stranded and have cancelled flights, it's another things to be strung along for hours, changing planes, and then ending up with exhaustion no sleep.

This was a fairly terrible experience, but I chose to keep smiling and make the most of it.  I was thankful to find community with others around me, eating with random strangers at Buffalo Wild Wings, running into the group from Augustana College-- I enjoyed many stories and laughter along the way.  I experienced wonderful hospitality and generosity from others--if you open yourself up to others, you will be amazed at the stories you hear and the joy you'll experience.

After full day travel adventure with a stranger, I'm thankful to have a new friend--If I had been by myself I would have had 2 full days in the Atlanta airport... unprepared to be stranded.  Sure, unfortunate experiences might happen in life, you have a choice in how you respond and you have a choice to make the most of it--in the end, you have stories to tell and you can rejoice that it's over.  To my travel adventure amigo, I say many thanks for the adventures and your generosity!

May my mantra in life continue to drive me as I strive to impact the lives of others by how I life my life.  I've really never had an experience like this, but I'm thankful for safety--staying up for 36 hours was not enjoyable and it took a few days to recharge.  After this experience, I won't get lazy in how I travel, and I will always pack to be stranded.

Step up and Show up with Determination

Two years ago I was excited that I could finally swim 300 yards without stopping.  Two weeks ago I did a 50 yard breath-holder.  What is that?  You swim in a pool for 50 yards without taking a breath.  Today I swam 3800 yards, which is just over 2 miles.  To me, this is mind blowing, two years ago, I never imagined that I could do any of that, I always knew other people who could swim far and hold their breath a long time.

The most I ever swam growing up, was taking advanced beginner swim lessons back when I was under the age of 10.  I played golf in high school and through college.  I was never a runner; and in elementary school I would cry because I had to run in P.E. class.  Growing up I rode my bike around the farm, on the dirt roads and on the ramps we would create out of cement blocks and two by fours.

July 2011

Two years ago, I thought I would TRY and learn to swim, so I showed up at the master swim class at the University of Tennessee Allen Jones Aquatic Center, which I would argue  is one of the nicest swimming pool in the area--olympic athletes have swam there.  When I showed up for my first class, I could barley swim one length of the pool--I thought I had no business being there.  After showing up, what I found was amazing swimmers of all level who were complete strangers, but so supportive of me being there and making improvements on being able to swim one pool length to two pool lengths.  I always feared the days when we had to swim the 50 meter pool set-up, wondering if I could make the whole length without stopping.  I showed up with determination to swim--two years later, here I am, still a work in progress and not overly fast, but I can go the distance, I can swim.

Lately, I have heard too many people say, "I'll work up to it", or "maybe someday".   Let me say, NOW IS THE TIME to believe in yourself that you do have courage, to step up to your goal and THEN work up to it.  Two years ago, I stepped up to a master swim class, when I had minimal ability to actually swim but I had determination.  I finally decided that I shouldn't work up on my own to try and swim, I'm just gonna show up and figure out how I can get better.  Because I stepped up with determination, I was able to work up to my goal of learning to swim.

Through all this, I have found that the best way to work up to some goal or dream, is to be surrounded by people who support you, walk with you and teach you along the way.  Looking towards 2014, don't worry about working up to something or being good enough to do something, step up with determination and believe in yourself, change your mindset from 'I can't' or 'sometime day I will' to NOW IS THE TIME because with determination and commitment, YOU CAN!

Once you step up to your goal, don't lose your discipline and determination and do all that you do with a purpose.  "The conscious practice of routines leads to the unconscious habits of success," (Book: Mind Gym pg. 166).

Two years ago, I was struggling to swim 300 yards, today I swam 3800 yards.  It wasn't my olympic swimming abilities or speed that got me there, it was my determination and commitment that got me there.  Step up, show up and work up to your goal with determination--don't wait until you feel qualified or good enough.  Now is the time, you have the ability to step up to your goal, to show up and work towards your goal with determination and commitment--this is foundational for your goals in 2014.  

Leaving an Imprint

Leaving an Imprint

A farmer, a neighbor, a soldier, a friend, a husband, a dad.
Grandpa Vernie led by example, with his hard-working attitude;

construction worker at 70 and co-founder of Kahl’s Kettle Korn, working well into his 80s,
many roles he had,

Today we celebrate, grandpa Vernie and his impact on our lives, with much gratitude.

Grandpa Vernie had a sense of humor that you could always count on,

for he always made people feel loved and always had a smile, which was never a chore,

and his homemade ice cream was always at risk of being gone,

because grandpa always asked, “you know what this tastes like........ more.”

Grandpa Vernie impacted the lives of others by how he did live,

from plowing out the church lot and other driveways before his own,

caring for others, he always had something to give;

sharing God’s love with others is what he has shown.

Grandpa Vernie always had a smile and a heart of gold,

he touched many lives because a stranger he never met, 

always friendly to everyone, many stories he told,

from coffee at the Inwood Cafe University or on drives to California and anywhere he went.

A World War II Veteran and a hero to us all,
showing endless love and respect for the U.S.A,

He humbly wrote a book, about Army life as Sgt. Kahl;

his stories and efforts caring for others we will cherish each day.

From raising the flag at the Twins game,

to many weddings and birthdays and an Honor Flight to DC;

We all have our special stories and memories; some different, some the same,

Grandpa Vernie will always be special to you and to me.

May we celebrate the memories;

May we live our lives in this world and impact the lives of others
as Grandpa Vernie has shown us;

      smiling always,
      finding humor,
      living in the moment, 

      sharing our stories,
      and loving others with a heart of gold.

By: Noel Christine Kahl Reagan

My First Olympic Distance Triathlon

Often times triathletes start with a sprint distance race and increase distances as they go.  I was never a swimmer and I decided that if I was ever going to swim a long distance in the open water that I should just do the 70.3 race distance--which I completed in May 2013.  Many of my fellow triathlon club friends have enjoyed an Olympic Distance (0.9 mile swim, 24 mile bike and 6.2 mile run) race called Fall Creek Falls, so I decided that I would compete in that race.

The race backdrop was the Tennessee rolling hills at Fall Creek Falls State Park, about 90 minutes from Chattanooga. I was blessed to travel with two wonderful friends, Ed and Britta Rusk.  Britta was also racing, and I'm thankful she shared her race 'sherpa' Ed with me as we prepared for the race, a definite blessing.  Chattanooga is in the eastern time zone and the race is held in central time zone--which makes for a nice race start time instead of crazy early.

Of course the weather was looking rainy, but since there has been rain at every race I have competed in this year, I no longer let that bother me.  Prior to this day, my training had been in maintenance mode so my expectations for this race was to simply finish.  Understanding how little training I was able to do, my comfortable goal was 3 hours 15 minutes and my target goal was 3 hours.  I was not overly nervous since my expectations were so low and once I found out the race was wet-suit legal, I immediately had a wave of comfort because wearing a wet suit in a race essentially keeps you afloat.  I also knew that as long as I would finish, I would have a PR!

Before the swim

TOTAL TIME: 2:52:56
    SWIM: 31:20        
     T1: 5:22
    BIKE: 1:19:40      
    T2: 1:16
    RUN: 55:16

SWIM (0.9 miles)
     The swim was an in-water wave start, and I estimated there were probably no more than 40 people per wave.  This race was my second in-water open water swim start triathlon, my 3rd open water swim triathlon ever.  My swimming goal was 35 minutes, and I set this after I swam half the race distance in the open water the week before the race.  My mantra for the swim was 'stay consistent and confident,' and also always, 'don't freak out'--which I didn't.  This being my 3rd open water swim triathlon--I still have a lot of room for improvement.  My swim time for 0.9 miles was 31:20, so I easily met my goal, which was awesome because my 1.2 mile swim in the 1/2 ironman took me approximately 50 minutes--there was a huge improvement.  Swimming 25 minutes for this distance will be a dream goal some day.

Transition Run

       I knew starting at the back of my swim wave would easily add 2-3 minutes on to my time so I inched up towards the middle-to-front of the wave in the water before the start.  I was one of the last to get in the water, but had enough time to get comfortable before our wave began.  I swam the first 25 yards with my head up since it was more crowded and once everyone found their place I swam 'normal'.  The course was triangle-ish in shape and not overly crowded, I actually passed more people than I expected.  I didn't have any difficulties with the swim or running into people, but turning corners probably took more time than needed.  Also there was a long straight away that I felt like I was swimming against a small, small current, so I tried to keep my swim cadence (if there is such thing) at a faster rate.  I felt like my swim exit was slow and I added some time but I felt like I was getting lazy as I approached shore.

   There was a lengthy transition from the swim to the actual transition area and it would have been helpful if I would have scouted this out before the race.  The hill and the transition run was longer than I expected.  Mentally I would have benefited seeing this before the race began.

BIKE (approx. 24 miles)
     In preparation for this race, due to summer travels, I only was able to ride my tri bike about 3 times before the race.   I spend time in July on the computrainer in NYC, on a road bike that was not mine.  I wanted to push myself on the bike as much as I could, but I was really unable to find my groove during this race.  The entire 24 miles, I was rather uncomfortable and ready for the ride to be over.  I didn't really set a race goal for the bike, and I think that may have been a mental road block for me too.

Beginning the bike

    The course was constant hills, so I took my sherpa Ed's advice and tried to gain speed going down the hills--the was the only thing I felt like I did alright.  Given the lack of time I had to prepare for this race, I was satisfied with an 18.7 mph average, and a bike time of 1:19:40.  It started to drizzle the last 2 miles, but nothing that I needed to slow down for.  I had 1 gu and 1 bottle of cytomax on the bike, and some water and that worked well.  I did take a bottle of water at the turn around, just out of fear that I would run out, it was an unnecessary move.  I'm excited to actually ride more before this race next year--and return, I think the bike course would be more enjoyable.

My transition from the bike to the run went well, I was able to keep it simple and clean and I didn't forget my race belt (which I have done in the past).  I clocked 0:1:16 for that transition.

RUN (6.2 miles)

Run Finish... The look on my face is priceless

     (Background) Since May, I have had minor issues with my left foot, and I spent about 2 months not running at all. As July approached, I knew if I was going to do an olympic distance triathlon, I needed to run more.  So I started building a base and ran about 3 miles approximately 4 times per week.  At the beginning of August, I knew I needed to bump that distance, though I still had some lingering foot ache.  In addition to a few 3 mile runs, I did 1 track workout, 1 run of 5 miles and a couple brick runs after I got done biking.  Sherpa Ed's advice for me on the run was to run like someone is chasing me.  With my situation, my target for the run was to complete it in about 1 hour and not further hurt my foot.

  It started to rain as I began the run, which is a rather hilly run through the gorgeous state park--I loved the run course, yes it was hilly, but scenic, shady and cool.  After I started, I had a gu right before the mile 1 water stop.  I typically run by feel and I usually start out faster on the run and then pace down into my groove, which remained rather steady throughout the run, my average pace was 8:55/mile.  There is one out and back where you have to run down a hill about 0.2 miles and then immediately turn around and run back up.  Eventually around mile 3.5 I passed one girl who was in my age group, since we started the swim together, I knew that if she passed me back, she would beat me.  Well, Ed's advice worked--after this point I actually ran like someone was chasing me.  I moved and kept a decent lead on her, but later saw her on a switch back around the lake, and it looked like she was getting a little close for comfort, so I dug into the pain cave, which was not enjoyable, but I had it in me and my foot was feeling okay.  At the last aid station, I took another gu, I knew I would need the extra energy for the last mile and to push up the hill--I would not let this girl pass me.  I almost wish I would have passed her earlier on the run, I felt like I had a better run after passing her.  It's really amazing how much your mind can impact your race.

Yes, it's raining

FINISHING
     I learned in high school cross country (which I ran my senior year) that always give a little extra at the end and so I had a strong finish up the painful hills and into the final few hundred yards, and of course it was raining.   The girl in my age group never passed me and I surpassed my goal and finished in 2:52:56 for my first Olympic Distance Triathlon and I hope to return to Fall Creek Falls next year and set and accomplish new goals.

I was thankful for the many friends from the Chattanooga Triathlon Club for all the support and encouragement.  We had a great group of people who were there racing and people who were simple there to cheer for fellow club members, which was a true joy!  I have met some pretty incredible friends in the last year and a half and I don't think I would have completed a half-ironman and an olympic distance race this year if I didn't have the camaraderie and support from this group of people.  I have had many people support me in overcoming my open water swim fear, both my close friends and people who barely even know me who stepped up to swim with me for practice or to offer encouraging words.

I may seem like a natural athlete, but I have had to work hard to accomplish these new race distances and I look forward to learning more about pushing myself to my full ability in future races, time to move onward from being a beginner.

My First 70.3 Half-Ironman Triathlon: More than You Want to Know

5 years ago I did my first two triathlons, sprint distance, pool swims with 9 & 15 mile bikes and 2 & 3 mile runs, I rode a hybrid bike that I had to borrow and during the swim I had to take a breath at each end of the pool--I only beat 9 people in my first triathlon I ever completed.  I remember how proud I was for completing a race, which 3 weeks prior to my first race I had no idea what a triathlon was, thanks to strangers I met at the gym, I entered the race.  Not long after those races, I bought a 'real bike', and since then I completed a number of pool swim triathlons.  In September 2012 I completed my first open water swim race, Frantic Frog Sprint distance triathlon, and this was a huge milestone, because I've never been great at swimming and I've always been terrified of open water swimming.  I put many hours in the pool and eventually that developed my confidence to survive the swim without losing my mind and so I could actually swim the whole distance without a break.

My first 1/2 marathon in 2007
(my 1st triathlon had no photo because
I went to the race by myself, not really knowing anyone)

As a child I never passed advanced beginner swim lessons, I never knew much about biking besides riding around the farm, and as I child I hated running, but ended up joining the cross country team my senior year of high school because I didn't play basketball and someone convinced me to join the team--peer pressure at it's finest.  On May 5, 2013 I completed my first 70.3, half-iron distance race.  Prior to the race I had only completed one open water swim race in my life, so deep down I wasn't sure how this race was going to happen.  I was curious at how I was going to exercise for 6+ hours straight and how I'd figure out the nutrition.

I am living proof that if you are an ordinary person who is determined, willing to work hard and be committed  you can accomplish something that you never thought you could do.  I never had the resources to hire a coach or spend a lot of money on a training plan, but I surrounded myself with experienced triathletes, read some books, articles and free training plans and it worked and I am beyond grateful for folks I met through the Chattanooga Triathlon Club who offered advice, endured training WITH me, and supported me on this journey--words cannot express my gratitude.

TOTAL TIME: 6:49:44 (every minute in the rain)
SWIM: 49:49
        T1: 9:24 (including 1/4 mile barefoot run where I couldn't feel my feet)
   BIKE: 3:39:21 (including bathroom stop :-)
         T2: 4:49
     RUN: 2:06:22 (including 2 major creek crossings :-)


PRE-RACE
I arrived the race venue, World's Fair Park, with 3 great friends; Kelli S., Drew S. and Jennifer L.---people I spent time training with and people who were incredibly supportive as we all strived to race the Rev3 half-iron distance triathlon in Knoxville, TN.  A half-iron distance race is 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run.  We registered and checked in our bikes, we had intentions of swimming, but the weather changed our plans, which I was fine with.

Going into the weekend I had hope that it wouldn't be rainy, the forecast wasn't looking good the week before the race, there was 80-90% chance of rain that seemed to change by day and I put my hope in the 10-20% chance that it wouldn't rain.  By Saturday (day before race day) there was a 100% chance of rain.  I was preparing for 50-59 degree temperatures and rainy weather the whole time.  I've ridden my bike when it's been slightly rainy and I've ran a whole 1/2 marathon in the rain with my sister-in-law Jada, so I was mentally prepared--I've done this before, but I was not overly excited about the weather.

The night before the race we enjoyed a wonderful meal at Noodles and Co, I had Japanese Pan Noodles with 1/2 chicken breast and a side caesar salad, and my husband was able to join us.  I did not sleep well because the alarm in our hotel was set for 11pm, so as I was falling asleep, I was awoken by this unruly alarm clock that I did not set, and I then woke up around 4am, without an alarm, apparently I was ready to race and I do like to eat about 3 hours before a race, so my timing was impeccable.

I loaded my transition bag with more items than normal, I wasn't sure what clothing I would need when and how many layers I would need.  We enjoyed a nice walk to transition, it wasn't raining at this point, (I knew it was only a matter of time) and we arrived transition around 5:30am, I pumped air into my tires, around 95 psi, ready to roll on the wet pavement.  My transition area contained many different items, I stored a number of them in the box by my bike, just in case I needed something, I mean I was a newbie at this race distance, I really didn't know what was going on.  After transition area was set we had to walk about 1/2 mile to the swim start, I was ready to go!

Before the weather was a factor, my ultimate goal for my first 1/2 iron distance race was to stay mentally focused, have fun and finish in under 7 hours--COMPLETELY DO ABLE!  The weather changed my race day goal to finish safely, deep down, I still wanted to finish in under 7 hours, but I knew I would slow down on the bike, SAFETY WAS KEY FOR ME!

My mantra for the weekend was to 'do what I could, with what I had, where I was' and I kept reminding myself this in preparation for this race, that I once thought was impossible.

SWIM
The water temp on race day was a balmy 60 degrees, but due to the rain, the Tennessee River was flowing at a nice pace and I was sure glad that I could wear my wetsuit and I wore two swim caps to keep me warm.  This was my first long-distance swim race so I intentionally started at the back of the pack to eliminate chaos, which ultimately made my swim time longer, but that's okay--I'm not a swimmer and I did not want to freak out because of people swimming over me, which worked!  I swam the whole way and did not stop or have to change strokes, though after finishing the swim up-river, I flipped on my back for a minute in relief and celebration!  I also ended up passing a few folks, which was sure encouraging.  My swim goal before the weather was 40-50 minutes and my actually finish time was 49:49, it took me around 27 minutes to get to the turn bouy, about 1/3 of a mile up-river, the swim upstream was difficult, but do-able, even for a non-swimmer!

I was almost emotionally upon my swim exit because I just couldn't believe I actually swam 1.2 miles in a race, in a river without stopping--I've overcome a huge fear and I was in awe of myself.  I got through the thoughts without emotion taking over because I had to keep going and I couldn't feel my feet upon exiting the water so I needed to keep smiling and keep on moving.  I saw my wonderful husband as I exited the water and all I could do was smile.  I then made the 1/4 of a mile run barefoot to the transition area, hoping to get the blood flowing in my feet.  I was slow in transition, trying to figure out what I should wear on the bike, I knew this decision could make or break me.  I have a lot of improvement to make in the swim part of the triathlon, but looking back 5 years ago, I can't believe I did this!  As I was leaving transition with my bike, a group of folks from the Chattanooga Triathlon Club were cheering me on--once again, almost emotional, just thinking about the incredible community and support that I have found in this group that I have only been part of for a year--no time for emotions, time to roll out and get on my bike!

BIKE
56 miles on my bike, the last time I rode over 50 miles was in early March with temps in the 30s and it was snowing/raining, so I knew I could do this.  I wore arm warmers, my rain coat and added some bike shorts, I was ready to roll, I strapped on my helmet, put on some clear sunglasses and left transition after a long 9 minutes of regrouping and hoping I had everything.  About 30 seconds after leaving transition I realized I forgot my bike gloves, after a moment of worry and uncertainty, I knew I couldn't go back and I didn't have time to get angry, so I rolled on.

About 2 miles into the bike, I wasn't even out of the city limits and the light rain, turned to a heavy rain and I looked at my garmin and was wondering how I was going to keep riding another 54 miles.  I picked up my attitude and rolled on, without my bike gloves.

This course was fairly hilly and with the extremely wet conditions, it was rather dangerous, I kept things slow and so did many other racers.  My hope was to ride the course in around 3 hours 15 minutes and I ended up riding in 3 hours and 39 minutes, given the hills and road conditions and the fact that the rain never let up, I was fine with it, and I was absolutely amazed that MY HANDS DID NOT GET COLD, an absolute miracle.  I later found out that a number of races had to drop out on the bike course (I heard of about 20+) because of hypothermia, I did not realize how terrible it was out there.  I wasn't too shocked by all the hills since I train in Chattanooga, but the longer climb at mile 47 wasn't very enjoyable, and then there were a couple nice steep burner hills at the end that were pretty terrible, I was glad to be done at the end.

PICTURE: Bike elevation chart

I consumed a lot more calories on the bike than I expected (this was probably a real good thing).  I didn't really have a 'nutrition plan', but had a good idea of what may work for me, I just took food items that I knew my stomach could handle.  My plan was just to eat as much as I could and eventually, I decided to eat when I was bored, which caused me to consume more.  A good friend of mine reminded me before the race to drink water even when I was cold, and I did not forget this...which made me have to stop for the bathroom on the bike.  20 minutes into the ride I had my first vanilla gu and then I had another one around 1 hour, after that I just kept consuming calories, it helped me pass the time and survive the misery.  In total I consumed: 22 oz (2 servings, 90 calories each) of cytomax, 3 gels (90 calories each), 2 raw rev 100 calorie bars, and 1 pack of honey stinger gummies (160 calories): a total of 810 calories... this seems like a lot, but I felt fine and had around 24 oz. of water.  I may have over-ate and over-drank on the bike, but I was warm and I felt great going into the run.


RUN
Transition 2 was faster than 1, but still a slow transition, I just wanted dry socks for a minute, so after the bike, I did change socks and once I started my run, they were immediately wet because it was still raining.   I started out running around puddles and keeping my feet dry, but soon realized it would be impossible. The puddles eventually covered the entire greenway path and there was no going around them.  I started the run feeling great and my mile time showed that, but I think I may have started thinking about the conditions and my pace started to slow.  Around Mile 3 I reached the first flooded area, it was an out and back run, so I know it would be more flooded when I came back---THIS WAS GOING TO BE INTERESTING!

The course was incredibly hilly, constant hills, but I knew that going into the race, but I forgot how hilly it was going to get.  I had a gel at miles 4, 8 and 10, which is typically for when I run stand-alone half-marathons--it worked for this race too.  I only drank water out on the course and I did feel fine the whole race--I usually have sport beans, but since I consumed so many calories on the bike and it was colder, I wasn't too worried about extra-electrolytes.  My mile time was really impacted on the hills and I would have ran it a little differently if I would have thought about it more, but I felt good the entire run, but started to feel it the last 2 miles.  Mentally I was fine, but I could have been more focused.

I found a running partner around mile 9, climbing out of the Sequoyah hills neighborhood, he was walking and I told him he should be running with me, so he did and eventually he kept me running when I wanted to walk some of those last big hills, thanks to Brooks for keeping me motivated! We actually had to run through a lot of standing water and the creek was flooded in a few different areas, the water was just below my knee, so that was fairly interesting--I couldn't believe it, I never imagined I would have to run through a creek on a half-iron distance race--ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!  My average heart rate on the run was steady at 150, which I am blessed to have no problems with my heart rate.

Around mile 11, the rain did not let up, I started to calculate if I could make it in under 7 hours total time and I realized I had 33 minutes to do 2 miles, I could meet my goal, I pressed on to finish my first 1/2 ironman with a time of 6 hours and 49 minutes and I was grateful to have my wonderful husband and a supportive group of friends from the Chattanooga Triathlon Club there to celebrate this goal as I completed!  The final 200 meters was very muddy grass areas, which was an expected end to a long and wet race, but that did not diminish my smile!  I was feeling a little emotionally again at the end of the race, just in total amazement that I was actually able to do this--I wasn't really sure how things would come together, but I was sure blessed to feel great the whole race!  This was something I always wanted to do, but never knew that I could actually make it happen--and it wouldn't have happened without the support from my husband and the insight I gained from many Chattanooga Triathlon Club folks, too many people for me to name.


I am living proof that an average human being can complete a half-iron distance race if you commit and stick with it!  I went from not even knowing what a triathlon was 5 years ago and barely able to swim a lap in a pool, to finishing my first 1/2 ironman, with no coach (they are expensive), just people along the way who gave me insight and pointers.  Finishing a long distance race is possible if you commit to it, stick with it, have fun and stay determined!  Surround yourself with people who have experience with your dream race distance--ask them questions and take their wisdom, and most importantly, find confidence from within yourself--that confidence will carry you to the finish line.  Don't worry about not being good enough, don't believe the doubts that other people might tell you--trust in your confidence and your desire to work hard toward your goal.

I am still not the greatest swimmer, and I am improving on my biking, but no matter what, I never lost confidence in what ability I had race day and that is how I made it to the finish line.  I never lost confidence that God gave me the gifts and ability to press on and do the best I could, where I was, with what I had for my first 70.3 race.  I'm ready to sign-up for another one--who's with me?

Being Present in the World: with God and with Others

     For over seven years I spent many hours each Sunday at the church, this has been my vocation and my life.  Rob and I felt it was best for us to make a move and therefore I left my paid vocation position at the church.  The church where we now attend has both Sunday morning worship and a nice Sunday evening worship.  We often choose to worship at the evening time and this has led to occasional relaxing Sunday mornings.  Today I wanted something different and I drove down the road to a local coffee shop with no expectations.  I had a curiosity about what happens in the world, during 'regular church time' and what people do with their time.  Of course, there were numerous people running and biking and maybe a few folks out and about who went to the early worship service.  To the coffee shop I went with a backpack holding my computer, a stack of books about triathlons, my devotion book I hadn't opened in a month and my journal.
       As I drove down the street, I was wondering who I would see at a coffee shop at 9:30am on a Sunday?  As expected I saw a handful of people in their 20s-30s with a laptop or other electronics, some with books, I saw a few people just done running, a girl sitting there knitting, a couple guys in their 50s, a 30 something guy just returned from a campout, a few folks who were wearing their Sunday best clothes and eventually a young family with their preschool aged daughter joined us.  Using a ministry, churchy word, the Sunday morning coffeeshop crowd was truly an inter-generational group and a group who didn't just pass through, this group came to be in that place.
     Upon arrival I placed my ordered and scouted out a seat at a table, waiting for the cozy chair in the corner to open up.  I opened my devotion book and the chapter I left off at was titled, "The Practice of Being Present to God,"  how fitting.  After reading a few pages, the chair in the corner opened up, so I made my move into the area with couches and comfy chairs.  This move led to 2 hours of conversation about life with people like me, choosing not to be at an established church on a Sunday morning.  Yet in a unique way--we were church together, sharing in conversation--deep conversation about our lives, about hopes and dreams and even moments where we talked of death.  God was present and is present in these moments.  As strangers, what did we talk about?  Upcoming events in our city, what area of town we lived in, one guy share about his passion for auctions and his quest to furnish a whole house for less than $2000, a guy shared about his daughters college opportunities, a couple shared they were originally from Joplin, MO, they opened to share how death impacted their extended family through the tornado, and a lady talked about her graduate school work and vocational hopes, the list could go on and on.  I can't count the number of times someone in our little couch circle said, "I overheard you saying..." and then they would continue to ask a question or make further conversation.  Eventually another guy in his 20s showed up and just because we were talking about a new 'developing' area of downtown, he started talking about a new ministry that was beginning out of the Episcopal church--this young adult was 'burnt out from church' and actually sometimes attends or use to attend the church where Rob and I have been attending.  My heart was grateful and prayerful for an experience outside of the typical Sunday Church that I needed.
      Don't get me wrong, I am not at all saying Church is a bad thing, but there needs to be time we, church going people, spend beyond the church doors where we can 'be' and not just 'do'.  Barbara Brown Taylor shares a quote in her book "Alter in the World" and it says, "The best preparation for a life of prayer is to become more honestly human," (page 175).  Where do you become honestly human?  Even deeper, are you truly honest to yourself and to God?    In this book Taylor talks about written, sung, and spoken communal prayers as a centering way to begin our day and live our lives and what a blessing for us to be part of a communal voice of prayer during worship with fellow believers in a church community.
     To live a life of prayer and always acknowledge the presence of God in our midst we must practice regularly.  Now is the time to wake up, to know and live, that prayer is beyond what we say and what we do--prayer is acknowledging the presence of God wherever we are, prayer is a time to be.  I encourage you to take a Sunday morning, during 'typical church time' and go by yourself to a local place where people may be instead of at church--and experience God in a new way.  Go vulnerable and ready to share life with people you have never met before and may never see again.
     My heart is open to a life of prayer in a new way.  My heart is open to life with strangers and I lift prayers for them because of our conversation and sharing about our lives, which led to specific prayers I yearn to lift up for them.  My heart is open to offering constant prayers of thanksgiving and prayers of hope for what I see around me.  I am awake and I pray that you can be awake and remember that we are in God's presence and called to be more intentional about seeing the presence of God in the 'real world' outside of the church doors.  I pray that more people who regularly walk through the church doors can intentionally open their eyes and see the presence of God beyond the church.  I pray people of the Church can acknowledge there is need to INTENTIONALLY be in God's presence outside of the church building.  INTENTIONALLY.  Ultimately, remember to love Jesus, and love people in the real world, while you acknowledge the presence of God everywhere you go.  May we all know that we are called to follow Jesus, just as we are. Being a follower of Jesus is not easy, and we must remember that following Jesus is a call beyond the doors of the Church building.

PONDER THIS
Where or when have you experienced God lately?

When are times you probably forget to acknowledge the presence of God?

In the future, how can you INTENTIONALLY acknowledge the presence of God?

Read Acts 13:1-4 and ask yourself, what are the people of the church called to do?  (gather and go!!)

Where are you called to 'be' within your community?  (note: not what are you called to do)


PRAYER
Lord,
We acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst and help us to know and remember the presence of the Spirit.  Give us the strength to be vunerable and share life with strangers we encounter in our world and help us to see where in our community that we are called to 'be'.    You are the reason we are here on this earth and for you alone we live to do your will.  In Jesus name we pray, Amen.