Late December 2014

Late December 2014 So I thought of doing a year in review writeup, but decided against it.  Just read the previous blogs. I haven't and maybe I should! Know I had some great training and events this year. Injuries came and went. The training waxed and wained. Ultra distance triathlon? No.  Ultra distance bikeathon? Yes.  Ending this month and year pretty strong. Lots of weak or slow weeks in September, October and November, but I never stopped altogether. An 8 mile run on Wednesday. On Thursday  (Xmas) a 47 mile ride and Friday- a 2 mile swim. All relatively long distances for me. Realized an event I'd like to do and I am off work. So likely to sign up for it.  Details after that registration occurs.  As stated before it is always a challenge to pick an event/adventure in advance and then train for it. Nice to do new ones and some repeats of old ones. Won't be doing Winter Challenge (trail run - kayak - mountain bike) this year due to work. I liked it and maybe 2016 will work out.  Main thing is to train and be injury free, even if it means being mediocre. 2015 what do you have in store for me? Destiny or free will?

Early December 2014

Dec 6, 2014 Ankle flared back early to mid Oct so I just stopped run and bike. Bummer. Been swimming a good bit instead. Still not up to full power but catching glimpses of it. Want to breakthrough old levels and find PRs. No swim over 1.5 miles. Got an upper respiratory infection 2-3 weeks ago that also has held me back. On or just before Thanksgiving, I wrenched my lower back.  Two weeks now of agony. Christmas came early for me. Bike Street going out of business and big markdowns mid November- bought a MTB kind of on impulse.  Full suspension, disc brakes. So I have been riding it a good bit. Took it to the mountain at PM state park. Fun. Risky. Road bike getting neglected. The MTB climbing really gets me winded. My legs have gotten comparatively weak.   Did a 2 mile run a few days ago but zero miles for a month or more. Will get back to it slowly.

Mid October.

Blog. Mid October.  I volunteered for the event Revolution 3 triathlon in Anderson, SC on October 12. Both long course (70.3) and Olympic distance races. I signed up for run aid station number 2 near downtown ( 9 am to 1 pm) but when I got to check in, I said if they wanted me somewhere more in need I would be open. So they put me near the start of the run to direct them at a turn. Seemed unnecessary. I was alone and would rather have been with one or two others.  My ankle is better, but still taking it easy. Other ankle has been hurting too ( which it used to do).  My cold. Maybe 98% over it. Hope it is not just dormant and will come back.  Training level is only 1 to 3 hours per week. This is largely in part to my ankle, but also a lack of a next event.  Have gotten back to swimming at the Y. This is my "weak" sport.   So while my ankle is bad maybe I can regain swim fitness. Would like to get back to previous high level of fitness there. A breakthrough would be nice.   New shoes. New type. Altra brand running shoes with zero lift or drop. I got the Instinct 1.5 model. Got them 40% off. Big toe box. Should be interesting to see how it affects my feet, ankles and so on. Was strongly considering a pair of Hokas, but never got around to it. 

End of September.

End of September  So after Langley Pond Triathlon  was the last post back at the end of August. Since then I have gone west and done Cycle Oregon 2014. The highlight of my year. The biggest bike adventure in decades. About 600 miles and 40,000 feet while in Oregon. Rides around Portland too. So many great stories and photos on their website and others. Need to blog about C.O. some more.  Took notes and some pictures, but just surviving and experiencing it was a lot of work.  During my ride I started to get sick and also my right achilles tendon got injured. I managed to do all the riding, but in more pain and suffering than "normal".  The scenery was amazing. The magnificent seven ride it was called for the 7 mountains we would ride around/near.  Since the end of that on about the 14th just been managing to go to work. Did not exercise at all until just the other night, 9/25/14 Ran a few slow and painful miles;  Still coughing up a lot and congested sinuses. A shame I could have used all that fitness to do some great riding back near home. An event or just a big ride on my own.  So glad no events planned because i probably would have been DNS. It will be a long slow recovery. I have faith in myself and this too shall pass.  Had been debating weather to rejoin the Y as I have done for 3 or more years. Just lost the motivation for everything right now. I joined anyway and swam just 10 minutes on the 28th.  Got out on the bike the 27th and 28th and the ankle pain is still there.  Starting to "wonder" about 2015 events. Others I know are signing up for big Ironman events and such. Boston marathon. Lots of choices. It's overwhelming actually. Oh how I fail to commit that far ahead. Like the last minute Assault on Mt Mitchell this year. So many exhortations on "anything is possible" yet time and money limit me.  Maybe I should try the Badwater ultra-marathon next year? Nah. Maybe 2016?? Ha. 

Oregon 2014

Oregon 2014 September: 4th: 20 mile bike 5th: 9.5 mile RUN 5th: 32 mile ride 6th : 28 mile ride 7th:  63 mile ride 8th: 85 mi ride 9th:  75 mi ride 10th: 85 mi ride 11th:  70 mi ride 12th:  91 mi ride 13th:  46 mi ride 7th thru 13th was Cycle Oregon with over 35,000 feet of climbing. Total 595 miles cycled (CO = 595 - 80 = 515).  9.5 miles run.

Langley Pond - take 3

Langley Pond This was my third year at this event. The most times I have done the same triathlon. So I was familiar with the course. Last year I got 3rd place in my age group.  I was doing the longer International distance ( .92 mile swim, 24 mile bike and 6.2 mile run). There were about 111 people in this with about 80 men.  The swim was crowded and i got batted at a lot. It is hard for me to keep going when this happens. I try to stop and look for an open area.  Also my sighting is bad. I didn't wear my contacts which would have helped. My swim workouts were weak leading up.  I placed my Zoot shoes soon after the swim exit which allowed me to run in the gravel past a lot of others. Into T1 I skipped the socks. Took me a few seconds to rip off the shoes. Pretty good T1.  On the bike I was slow to get going. Found it hard to get into my shoes while I biked. Also I tried to strap on my Polar watch which I can't wear in the lake anymore because it leaks. But I got going and passed riders as we went up the "big" hill of 2-3 miles. I passed many riders but many if them were Sprint distance racers.  near the last 3 miles of the ride I came up on one then another rider in my age group. Their age was written on the right calf. I tried to pass them but we took turns. I decided to dig deep and try to put them behind me and raise my heart rate at the risk of blowing up. Was up to 160 bpm I think. And I did put them out of sight. Hope my run would be good enough.  Decided to not wear socks ( to save time ) even though my Zoots rub my ankle raw.  I hoped for only minor blisters. Had a good T2 time and was on the run.  First mile in 7:25 or so was fast for me. Guy ahead was my carrot and I hung onto him. About 7:50 for mile 2. Great.   Oh yea I was real worried my right hip would be in pain like at Lake Logan but it was never a problem on the run.  So I passed my carrot guy at mile 3 or so. I grabbed water at each station and poured it on my head. Maybe a tiny sip.  My stomach was sloshing from too much prerace liquid.  At mile 5 there was an uphill grade and I let my heart start to go from the 155 area up to 160. Ran into transition and start area but had to run thru another half mile or so. Let the heart go to 165 or 170.   With a time of 2:33:38 I  came in 24th overall and 3rd in my age group. I might have gotten 2nd if not for a bad swim time. But Joe Hammond I could not have beaten. 2:22:40 was his time. He is such a fast runner and a better swimmer.  I have become an acquainted with Joe, a FaceBook friend with him and will keep racing him and striving to come closer. I enjoy racing someone I know and like.  Guy in second place lists himself from Hong Kong! 2:31:43 was his time. So if I could have been 2 minutes faster I would have beat him.  The 4th place was only 59 seconds behind me. Good thing that I didn't put on socks. 

More LL info

More L L info Overall time. 5:12:06.  13th of 45: age group males 50-54.  29th percentile.  Fastest in AG 4:40 Slowest in AG 6:45 I like to be in the top 25%.  Swim 20th of 45 wow!  Improvement over past. 35:05.  44th percentile. I'm usually 75th percentile or so. Don't know how I did it. In 2010 I did a half and took 45 minutes for same distance.  T1 30th of 45. 5:52. Took too long but glad I put on socks. If my watch was water proof I could have saved maybe 15 seconds.  Bike 8th of 45. I expected to do well here.   2:36:17. 18th percentile. 20.1 mph average.  T2. 20th of 45. 2:50 Run. 16th of 45.   1:52:04. Without the hip problem should have been 5 minutes faster. 36th percentile. Really happy with that given the circumstance.  Youngest guy: 20 years Oldest guy: 73 years

Lake Logan part 3

Lake Logan Triathlon part 3 So onto land again. It was a long run into TA and I had to pass other guys. As I ran I got my arms out of the wetsuit. At my bike I sat down and peeled my wetsuit off my legs. Not easy. Then I toweled off all the big grass clippings off my feet and put on my socks. Put my watch, sunglasses and helmet on. I decided to wear my bike jersey overtopping my Tri suit. The pockets were loaded with arm warmers leg warmers and rain jacket. A choice I would later regret ( was not needed due to no rain and not very cold). I drank a 11 oz weight loss shake ( think Chocolate milk ). All of this and finally I was running with the bike towards a distant bike mount line.  The bike went well and I was averaging 19 plus mph after about  half an hour. I had no idea where we were headed, but just kept following the riders ahead, the arrows and the police directing traffic.  Rolling hills until about mile 30 then there were some good climbs. Not real clear on that actually. But one set of climbs around mile 40 was the big one. In my 39 x 27 gear I had to stand and really work hard to do the climbing. After that a fast downhill on fresh chip and seal with loose chip stones. This was Stamey Cove Road. After that it was onto 215 back to the lake.  About 5 miles from the end, I could see in the distance a rider continue to draft. It took me several minutes to catch them and I let the drafter know it was not ok what he was doing.  Later I would report him (his number) to a USAT official but she said they have to see it firsthand.  A mile or so from the bike end was a tough little climb and I could feel some cramps coming on so I eased up and hoped they would pass.  So back at the lake and the dismount line. Run into TA and get on my shoes, racebelt, and hat pretty quick and run out. I found an unopened gel on the ground right as I ran over the timing mat and I picked it up.  I felt ok as I ran onto the road. I opened the gel (GU Roctane) and consumed it.  Near the middle or end of the first mile my luck began to change.  My right hip began to hurt and rapidly became worse. I was in shock.  I did the first mile in about 9-1/2 minutes. Kind of slow, but not terrible as a start. In mile two I tried using very short strides to limit the pain. I had to stop and walk. Tried to run very slow and the pain was excruciating. I stopped and squatted to stretch. The pain was specific to the trochanter and rearward. It hurt to even touch this area. I took many minutes stretching in various ways. I began to think of turning around and heading back to the TA. People asked if I was ok and I said yes (I didn't need medical help).  So anyway somehow I began to walk then jog slowly. An aid station at about 1.5 miles and I grabbed a gel and had some cola. Made it to the 2 mile marker and my split was 14 minutes. A terrible mile. I was running again as the pain diminished. Mile 3 was like 9 minutes. And so on it went. Back on track with the heart rate in the 150 to 160 range. The hip pain stayed manageable. Miles 3 to 6 were slightly downhill. Back into the TA area and run a loop in a big grassy field. Back onto the road and up the hill. Just under 9 minute miles going up.  Not bad considering my earlier thoughts of quiting. The sky got dark and a few drops of rain fell. Barely any rain really. Coming down the hill I was still feeling ok and even started to push harder after mile 10. Got an 8 minute mile then a 7:45.  The lap time on my watch for the last mile (1.1 mile) did not make sense at like 5 minutes but I was still charging to the finish. The clock showed 5:33 or so as I crossed the timing mats. So 5:33 minus 20 minute delay for my wave gives 5:13 or so overall time.  I got a medal put around my neck and my timing chip taken off. I went to the medical tent and sat on a cot and drank a bottle of water. After 5 minutes maybe more I got up and went into the TA. I got my bike and everything and headed to the truck. I was feeling a chill now.  Earlier on the run I imagined going into the lake to cool off. That was now a very bad idea. I got everything loaded into the vehicle ahead of any big rain that seemed imminent. Put my arm warmers and jersey back on and walked back to the site for some food.  Got a sub sandwich, 3bean salad, hummus and pita bread, chips. Also there were protein drinks. I had a feast. Sat at a picnic table and talked other finishers. Met some Greenville area acquaintances.  Then went to check the results being scrolled on a tv screen. I was 143rd.  Many 50 plus guys finished before me. I had no aspiration for this race other than to finish it. I was pleased with my time and very very happy to have finished at all due to the strange hip pain that crippled me for a bit.  The sun came out and it was suddenly very hot. Stayed for the ceremony and clapped for those getting awards. Near the end it got cloudy again and started to rain.  I was off to the truck and headed for home (as long as I could stay awake). 

Lake Logan part2

Lake Logan Triathlon part 2 So I got back to the lake about 5 am. Traffic fairly light yet so good there. ate a bagel and just sat there thinking I did not want to do this. Give me my money back and I will just watch.   Also i listened to the radio. Slowly i got going. Inflated tires to a precise pressure, got my helmet and took them to the transition area (TA). It was a 5 to 7 minute walk. Went to a booth and bought a neoprene cap for the cold water swim. I was a little afraid of being cold coming out of the water. Found an out of the way portapotty and took care of that important task.  Went back to the truck and organized the rest of the stuff to take to TA. I had to change into my tri suit as well. It was well past 6 am now. I gathered it all into my big bag and went back to TA. Mixed up my drink mix into the bottles.  I  realized that I forgot my watch and it was 6:50 or only 10 minutes before they closed TA. I had to run back to truck. Also they were saying I needed to be a the starting dock for announcements. At the truck I had to start putting on my wetsuit franticly. Ran back to TA (enter at 6:59) then ran to the dock area in bare feet (ouch) My wave started at 7:20 so I was fine there.  Prior to swim I talked to a guy that had been a very good, winning, triathlete years ago but had been out for 3 years after breaking his hip. Scott Alee or something like that. I figured out my neoprene cap was on backwards. Lost my nose-plug in the process. Went back and somehow found it in the gravel. Also I forgot my race belt and my bib were hanging around my neck!  I stuffed it down the front of my wetsuit.  I would put it by my bike after the swim.  We got in the water a few minutes prior to start. Walked on squishy plants and treaded water. Then we were off. A crowded start but no major kicks in my face. Later on the run I would hear a guy say he was kicked in the stomach so hard he lost his breath and had to be pulled up onto a kayak for a bit. So the swim was going ok and I just resigned myself to breathing on one side only. The water temp of 68 in the suit was no problem. About maybe 20 minutes into it i began to see red caps and those were fast women who started 5 minutes after me.  I tried to stay with them but they were too fast. Coming back towards the river I began to see the bottom of the lake which was weird. And as we got to the bridge the temperatuw got like 55 or 60 degrees. Glad to see the exit dock. Got in line to climb a metal ladder out. 

Lake Logan Triathlon part 1

Lake Logan Triathlon part 1 Lake Logan Multi-sports Festival.  Saturday - August 2, 2014.  "half" distance triathlon 1.2 mile swim, 52 mile bike, 13.1 mile run.  The usual half distance would have a 56 mile bike; this does not bother me at all. It is close enough, plus this is a very hilly course I believe.  The water temp. I heard someone say was 62 degrees. Wearing a wetsuit is mandatory. I hope my head stays warm enough. Should have brought extra silicone cap but forgot it. I am a weak swimmer so I hope to survive this leg.  My wave starts at 7:20 am.  Drove up the scenic way on US 276 up Caesars Head, Brevard, then up to and on the Blue Ridge Parkway over and down route 215. Extremely mountainous. Took 2.5 hours to go 87 miles.  I have never done a event here so it is all new to me. It is so beautiful here. Big mountain lake The weather is forecast for 40% chance of rain. It was raining all Thursday in Greenville. Friday all cloudy and unseasonably cool.  In Waynesville NC overnight.    The low is forecast at 61 degrees.  So I brought arm and leg warmers and a rain jacket.  Hope it does not rain. Brought extra socks too.  yes I am going to take the time to put on socks. Actually, I bought a pair of yellow Sock Guy socks for only $2 at the event Friday. I should buy more. they had old event T-shirts for only $3 but I didn't buy any. I have lots and they were from NC events I haven't done.  Anyhow if it rains and my feet are wet that will be miserable.  Friday night wasn't in bed til midnight. Woke several times before I finally got up at 4 am to check the time. Decided to drive to the site. Got there about 5 am. Ate a bagel with some PB. 

Late July training.

Late July training Had a few "peak" days then started to taper towards the triathlon on August 3rd.  Sunday July 20 bike ride:  this was a big one. Because rain was forecast this day I took my heavy rain bike, rain jackets, extra pairs of socks. Easy to carry it all using front and rear panniers.  Left the apartment around 1:30 pm. So I hit Paris mt first and climbed in good time. Headed toward Ceasars Head using the Miracle Hill route. Did that climb in under an hour. A 50 or 60 lb bike slows me down. With the time of day and sunlight left I decided to go for a longer route than just turning around. Hoping I would make it back before it was too dark.  Headed to Cedar Mountain, NC then turned toward Dupont Forest. Hit Crab Creek Road to Flat Rock. Zirconia, Tuxedo and down the Greenville watershed and it looked like I might not get rained on at all. And I didn't. Take your rain-bike and no rain.  Started cramping right before getting to a known spot where vicious dogs had attacked other bikers (Dividing Waters). Got out my knife and frame pump to prepare, but rode past without incident. Got home after sunset with two blinking lights and a reflective vest. 7.5 hour ride with 100 or more miles and maybe 8,000 feet of climbing. No bike computer used.  Monday: just work.  Tuesday July 22: ran 9 miles total after work. Warm up 1.5 or so miles easy then race tempo for 6.5 miles or so. Held about 8:10 pace.  Ease up on last mile. Can I do 8:10 on my half marathon? Maybe. Probably more like 8:30.  Wednesday.  July 23 Had to work 7-noon. Very tired today and did no exercise.  Thursday, July 24:  rode up watershed and at the state line turned around. The rain had started and thunder was coming from the direction of Saluda.  3.5 hour ride.  54 miles and 3700 feet.  Later that night swam about 2600 yards. Noone else in pool. Handpaddles for 1000 yds of it.  _________________ Friday July 25 2 x 2.5 mile loop = 5 miles Steady in-zone run but kick near end 40:24 total 140 ave, 163 max In. 31:22. Above 5:40 belo 3:21 Zone = 125 to 150 bpm  Lap.        Cumm.    Ave.  End  1. 18:58.  -            137.    145 2. 18:35.   37:34.   147    159  3.   2:49.   40:24.    119.     99  ____________ July 26 Saturday: Ran  3 miles after work. 128 ave., 161 max HR Progressive pace from like 11 to 9 to 7.  In. 10:15 Above 4:55 belo 13:25 Zone 125-150 Lap.      Split.        Ave.  End  1. 10:36.   -           113.    118 2.  9:07.  19:44.    130    140  3. 6:50.   26:34.    151    161 4.  2:01.   28:35.   126.    99 walk ______________ Sunday. July 27  just work.  Monday. Work 7-noon.  Swam 1600 yards.  Tuesday July 29. Rode the Tri bike up to SC 11 north of Tigerville. Rain threatened as usual. 30 miles at 19 mph average. Changed into running shoes and ran 1.9 miles with a huge sprint at last 0.4 miles.  This was not too taxing I hoped as LL approached in 4 days.  Wednesday and Thursday July 30 & 31 Just work. Friday drive to lake logan.    

Stormy Saluda ride

Stormy Saluda ride. July 10, 2014 On Thursday I rode to Saluda. Met a guy on a bike on the way. He was from Amelia Island Florida. He was trying to find Callahan Mt climb, a certain road with a steep climb.  I was headed to dividing waters rd., but I chose to join him and guide him and talk to him. God may have saved me from a pack of dogs reported later on Dividing Waters Rd.  The old dude from FLat FL climbed well!  He had a 34 x 25 gear combo.  Anyway he headed back to Hotel Domestique where he would watch the tour de France with owner, George Hincapie.   I went up the shady watershed and got to Saluda in good shape. On way back the rain began. Rode down watershed and got water logged. Hit a bad pothole near the  Saluda- Hendersonville split. Thought for sure I would get an instant flat. Kept riding. Got down the long downgrade and to Les Mullinax park and rain stopped so I took off my rain jacket and discovered my front tire flat. Walked to the picnic shelter and changed tube while a bumble bee kept me company. Too close for comfort! Rode on being very careful cause now I had no spare.  Rode dividing waters road (no pack of dogs came out to get me).  I got to Tigerville and the sky turned black. I put on my rainjacket. Rode into the rain for a few miles and took shelter at the gas station W.E. Willis/Exxon and thunder claps all around and heavy rain. Stayed there 20 minutes or more. Rain stopped, but thunder all around and low black clouds. I rode toward and past Lake Robinson. Light rain. Rode past small newly created rivers from the storm that had passed thru. Got past SC 290 and it stormed again. Could not see the road but I was so close to home I kept going although slowly.  Luckily got home but almost 1-1/2 hour late. Was supposed to meet my daughter. 

Late June - Early July training

Late June Early July training June 28 Saturday: Ran 6 miles after work. 133 ave., 166 max HR Heart down in mid 70s an hour later but then it goes back up into 80s after that and after I ate a lot.  June 29 run. Sunday. Ran 5.8 miles. June 30. Monday. Ran 3.8 miles. Swam 3300 yards. Got book by matt Fitzgerald "Racing Weight".  July 1 Tuesday. Ride to Saluda on heavy Fuji. 62 miles and 3200 feet climbing. Very hot.  July 2.  Wednesday. Just work.  Thursday July 3: Run 9.4 miles after work.  July 4 swim Swam 2200 yards slow.   Ride 22 miles easy to moderate.  July 5 ride to Saluda and Tryon NC.  Butter St., Oak Grove Rd., SC 11. A 71 mile ride with nearly 5000 feet of climbing. With 5 minute transition, ran 2.5 miles.  July 6 mountain bike riding and trail maintenance.  Much trimming back branches. 2-1/2 hours of that with solid hour of riding.  Swam nearly 2600 yards in crowded pool.   Took an hour. 

Tri the Midlands

Tri in Columbia SC June 20-21, 2014 Tri the Midlands Friday woke up sweating in the morning heat - Truck camping.   Drove to Columbia on SC76 then it became 176. A slower, sightseeing route this was, but then I got onto I-20 and then I-77 to get to the venue. The  midlands is a general term for the region around Columbia. The event is held at Lake Carolina near or in Blythewood, SC.  Registered and attached my number (245) labels to helmet, bike and race belt.  Rode the bike course plus some for about 17 miles. Easy pace ave 129 bpm. My right knee was not 100% but I hoped it would be ok tomorrow.  After the the ride changed wheels to my race tubulars.  Headed to a bilo grocery, used the Internet and relaxed.  In bed right after 11 pm. Still so hot and muggy. Noise of hundreds of peeper frogs in a retaining pond nearby.  Also bullfrogs croaked.  Got up around 5:45 after 15 minutes of alarms. My body was revolting at the idea of an extreme workout. Ate an energy bar, went to bathroom, got dressed and headed to the venue.  Hundreds were already there by about 6:45 am. Ride the bike with my gear  a mile or so to the busy transition area. Set my spot up, got timing chip and body marking, ran slow for maybe a mile then headed to the swim start. My wave started at 8:06 am. After urinating in my wetsuit last fall at B2B I have now moved to doing it in my Tri suit prior to the swim. I don't think I got anyone wet. Ha.  To summarize: Poor swim as usual but I did real well on the bike and run. Very hard on the heart. I wore my heart monitor on the bike and run only. More on that later.  I lay flat on the grass for about 4 minutes after the finish due to extreme exhaustion.  I then got up and got a big wrap and lots of ice tea.  Later As I watched some people come into the finish I cheered them in. Then an unusual thing happened. Jeremy the announcer and race director, did a marriage proposal over the PA for a guy running with his girlfriend. She said yes.  I went and found Abbey Russel from Taylors who I met on FB. She was a volunteer that was supposed to be helping with the timing system. I just wanted to meet her and say a few words. She was helping a guy (George) that had pushed himself too hard and was nearly in need of the ER.  So that is how I found out she is a physical therapist. She was holding a 10 lb bag of ice on his head and back. He had blurred vision and was trying to vomit as he sat on a park bench. He was fine after a while. We triathletes are so graceful.  I have not checked the Setup Events website for my split times but estimate 13 minutes to swim, 38 minutes to do the 14 mile bike and 22 minutes for the 3.1 mile run.  Took just over 1 hour and 15 minutes for me total.  So over 22 mph for the bike and my ave HR was 167 for that. The run of maybe ave 7:06 pace and my HR was 177 ave but last 1.1 mile ave 181 with max 188.  Was very happy when I discovered on the results screen I was first in my age group. After i Ate and drank more went to TA got my bike and gear and came back to the finish. Awards ceremony took place and got my reward (Tri the Midlands towel) and stood on the podium with 2nd place finisher (guy i passed on the run). 3rd place guy was Frankie Valle. His name alone is kind of funny in itself. Is he the singer?  But the announcer said he couldnt stay but was just in nations capital and shook hands with POTUS. Military award of some kind.  The guy who came in 2nd to me I remember passing him half way thru the run. I saw his age (53) on his calf before I passed him and just shadowed him a minute till I was sure I could pull away. Told him good luck as i inched past him.  I had no idea how many others in my AG were ahead.   By 11:30 am my heart had dropped to 100 BPM.  Left the venue about noon.   Could have been at a local pub drinking cold beer, but spent a good deal of time at a local Publix on Internet and drinking a cold Bolthouse chocolate protein plus drink in the cool AC.  Left about 2 pm and headed home. My heart was now down to 70 BPM.  Took interstates as much as possible (77,20,26,385) Lots of wrecks on crowded interstates. Had to detour and get gas. Got home at 430 pm and unloaded the truck.   Then watched " this old house" etc. and vegged out, fell asleep. Noticed I got sunburn on shoulders before I took a shower and went to bed. 

Miracle Hill cycling challenge

10th annual miracle Hill Cycling challenge Saturday June 7, 2014 This is a ride that maybe should not have been done. My mom was visiting from Indiana and wanted to spend time with her and yet also had been training and thinking of doing this ride since last years ride. So obsessed with these "challenges". Must try to finish with or before Doug. Last year Doug beat me. I thought that it would help motivate me to finish as fast as possible with her at the finish.  So with her encouragement we drove over to Furman with no time to spare that morning. Got my stuff from the registration table and headed to the bathroom. Changed into my "kit". Hincapie bib shorts, jersey, socks. Ready to roll after putting on lots of sunscreen.  After brief prayer and instructions from Doug we started at 7:02 am. I pushed ahead to faster groups. Thought I might have caught the fastest group. Had to breakaway from other group to bridge up on Hunts Bridge Road.  Started the Ceasars Head climb with Rob Dempsey. I felt Doug was not too far back, but no idea.  CH climb in under 43 minutes. Not too fast or too slow. Was at the reststop about 9 minutes (too long) trying to wait for a group to leave.  I left with Rob after his very quick stop. Just as I pulled out onto 276,  Doug came by and didn't stop. I offered him a gel.  I chased after Rob on the downhill and we pulled ahead of "Deisel Doug".  We rode together a while thenTrey Ingram went by with Bryan someone and I hooked onto them. A 3 man train. we pushed hard (them mainly) until almost Brevard. We caught two more.  Onto east fork road.  I stop for nature break for 90-120 seconds. Rob and some others ride by. I'm alone now and 90 seconds behind Rob's group. At the infamous Walnut Hollow climb I see Rob ahead. Sad face painted on the road - a very hard steep climb. I ride very hard and caught Rob before the summit. Smiley face.  Onto US 178 and the Church reststop  I dilute my bottles of strong Gatorade. Off again after 2 minutes.  178 solo pretty much the whole way. The day is heating up. Im Worn out. I increase my calories by drinking and eating a gel and starting a Powerbar. Cookies too. Right before SC 11 2 riders pass me. I hang on. A guy in a GE kit is one of them.  Manage to cling to them, but cant help pull but a very short way.  At Pumpkintown they drop me, but I  try to keep them in sight. Miracle Hill Children's Home stop is next. More Watermelon to eat and more water to my Gatorade. A few minutes there as Ms. Chris explains the homes and children there.  I'm Feeling better. I ride with Trey and Bryan and Blake. I tell Blake my back is hurting and I'm tired. He says " You were climbing like an old guy". I say "I am". He says your 30 something right?  No 50. What? Wow!  That felt pretty good  Getting hot now. Glad it isn't up to 90 or more. There is more and more climbs!  I take it easy.  I pull away at some point knowing we are about 10 miles from the finish. I can start to go full steam. Finish strong as they say.  Just before 1 pm cross the finish line. 5 hours 52 minutes or so. I was glad it was not 100 miles and I wasn't going to ride 4 extra miles to make it so.  96 miles and 8,000 plus feet of climbing was enough.  About 5 minutes later Rob comes in and then Doug a few after that. Sat at a table under tent with mom and began to eat a big meal of great sandwiches and soda and chips. We talked. Doug's wife Barb and some friends joined us. a great end to another great day.  Days afterward an email said the event raised $190,000 for the needy. 

Miracle Hill training ride

Miracle Hill training ride May 24, 2014 Went to bed at 2:30 am after working on my vehicles all day. Also having ridden Assault on Mt. Mitchell on Monday I was not in the best of conditions.  Were to meet near Pumpkintown at the Miracle Hill childrens home chapel, about 18 miles from home, at 8 am.  Left 6:46 am so I was late leaving. Then I felt weak going up a hill on state park road. Very very nearly turned around and drove to the start. I argued with myself. I lost. Keep pedaling and got to US 25 in 29 minutes. Marietta in another 20 minutes. I might make it. Turn onto SC288 and head west.  Got to the starting point at 8:02 am. There were about 30 riders at the start.  Up toward ceasars head we went.  Took me about 50 minutes to do the 6.5 mile climb at 146 ave heart rate.   A 5-10 minute reststop to fuel up  I had not eaten breakfast so I had to catch up on calories. Left alone, but was soon caught by a group led by Jerry Nagelkirk. Hooked onto that train and we flew toward Brevard, NC. There were 10 of us. Doug Guth was way up ahead so we were chasing him down (in my mind). I pulled for about 3-4 minutes sending my heart into the red zone. Pride made me do it even though it was a risk of overdoing it. So onward we went to Walnut Hollow, a wicked 5-10 minute climb. Heart rate into the low 160's.  Onward to US 178 and back toward SC with lots of climbing. The group stopped at a church for water. Again I left first without them. Soon Doug (he was stopped at the church) passed me. Then eventually more riders passed me.  Group was stopped at SC 11. I kept going. I was not in a race but I was now in the lead. Doug soon caught up to me. Doug pulled me the last 3 or so miles to the chapel and we were the first ones there.  Got to the chapel at about 12:15 pm. With the stops of about 15 to 20 minutes total, I averaged 15 mph in very hilly terrain. So pretty good considering lots of uphill and my condition.  I planned on a long break at the chapel. My muscles were on the verge of cramping. I was tired.  Guy (Mike) crashed on a curve and Ally had brought him back to the chapel. Doug offered to drive him to the hospital (in Mikes new BMW).  Ate two sandwiches, chips, drank a coke. Put on more sunscreen. Big bathroom visit. Had a swarm of ants all over my bike i had to remove.  leaned it against a tree.   Talked to Ally as she waited for the final 4 riders to come in.  I didn't leave there til probably 1:30 pm. Had wind at my back. Got to Marrieta, then Travelers Rest (TR). I stopped in the shade of a tree for a long while in TR next to Sunrift and watched all the activity. Lots of riders on the SRT. It was hard to get motivated and keep going. Got home at 3:15 pm. Tired as heck. About 95 miles and 7,000 or more feet of climbing. No bike computer was used. 

Mt. Mitchell brief

Mt. Mitchell May 19, 2014 Lo posse ogni cosa in colui che mi då la forza.  I memorized this verse on my way to the summit of MM. It is Italian for the bible verse. Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. It is painted on the top tube of my Italian bike frame.  Synopsis of the ride:   Unsure I would do ride until I woke up that morning. Got there late. Started alone. Got lost but made it to Marion in time to find a Mitchell rider that was stopping.  Got back on and made it to MM.   Weather was awesome. 

Clemson tri

Clemson Tri copy I said "oh shit" out loud. I struggled to keep right by his side. Then just right behind him.  His strides were long. He seemed strong. After a minute or two going up the gradual hill I could not hold on.  That is how the last mile of my first Clemson triathlon went. I was so close to a "bronze" medal finish. I have to be happy with my result and use it as motivation for the next race. I did my best and was lucky to not have had an accident. So backup to day before the event.  I put contacts in my eyes about midnight. Such a strange feeling. And now I cannot see up close or any small print. But it should allow me to see better on the swim. This is a new thing I am trying. I have always swam without vision correction. Got disposable contacts in November to try out.  I put them in realizing I was not going to bed this night. No sleep before event.  Dumb. Had no motivation today to pack up the truck or to drive down the day before.  I did, however, sleep in real late friday.  Got everything packed up and left about 3:30 in the morning. All the while snacking and drinking, not too much, right. I had a big plate of spaghetti at 10 pm or so.  CatNapped about 10 minutes on way there. Got there at 5 am. Found it luckily but not without some searching. Tried to nap. At 6am the packet pickup started. Got my Tshirt and socks too along with race numbers and chip. Many trips back and forth to truck as I took stuff to the transition area. Lots of walking. The sun came up and lots of people began to arrive.  Feel like I don't want to do this but my previous self signed me up many months ago.  The sky was cloudy and the threat of more rain was likely.  In transition area (TA) I met a couple of cyclists from Taylors I knew. More and more people I know all the time.  Wetsuit or no? They said the lake was 74 degrees which is not real cold.  I eventually decided to wear it fearing I would be cold and also I needed the extra bouancy it offered.  I got in and swam about 3 or 4 minutes. Got my heart going.  I was in Wave 4 (4th group) start with men 50 and over and some other designations.  At about 1 minute before my swim start, I looked at my Polar watch and could barely see but it had stopped displaying and i could see water inside it.  I took it off and hid it under a big rock at far edge of shore. No sense ruining it even more.  I could see better (with contacts), but still had problems sighting. I tried to take it easy. The swim is always my weakness. I feel like a blind drowning rat. Not like swimming in a pool with lanes. Murky, choppy water with distant buoys.  A buoy had broke loose I would later find out. So some of us swam extra I guess. I vaguely remember someone yelling turn right also someone pulling on the buoy.   I got knocked by one guy who struck my bad elbow as my arm was straight. Ouch; had to breast stroke a while to help calm and orient myself then and several other times.  Swam to the beach and was in a big group. Maybe I did ok.  Pulled my arms out of suit as I ran up the hill. Passed other guys. I guess 20 minutes for swim.  Had some problem getting the suit off so maybe 10-30 second error. But did a pretty good T1 time. Guess 2 minutes.  Was able to get feet into shoes as I rode without mishap. The bike leg had bad traffic:  a car  blocking then later a truck pulling a boat. I was Impatient and passed it going across the double yellow lines. A possible penalty.  Was with Randy Mcdougall owner of Carolina triathlon shop so that was cool to be with an acquaintance. I had ridden with him before on shop rides.  I got frustrated with too much bike traffic at about mile 7 and decided to try and breakaway of the congestion. It may have overstressed my heart and legs but I stayed away. I was yelling at riders "on your left" when they should have been to the right. I was mad. It was like a car going slow in the fast lane of a freeway.  So many turns and hills on this short course I wonder if a regular road bike might be better.  Got into the TA and forgot to turn off my bike timer. Oh well. My average speed can be calculated. I'm guessing 35 minutes on the bike.  Had a real good T2 time I felt. Like  1 minute.  The Zoot shoes went on quick and I picked up other stuff and ran.  I ran hard and hoped I could sustain it. My heart rate was high and I risked burn out or cramps. Ran out to main road and bridge over the water with a gradual downhill. Then we turned right into a narrow road. Pickup a cup of water and swig it. Yuk.  The steep hill at about 1.3 miles was agony. I resisted walking it even if my steps were tiny. After the turn around point I began to think if anyone in my age group would catch and pass me. I ran hard as if I knew they would. Hold on. Off road run in rocks and mud grass. Going down the steep hill fast was hard on me.  Well at about 2.2 miles we were back out on the 4 lane road and a guy inched by me and I could see his age on his calf plainly as 50. I said swore out loud.   He was strong and I could not hold on. In fact I was blowing up and had to walk for about 10 seconds. I had to keep running. The road leveled out and I ran. Katie Malone was cheering us all on and I managed to barely blurt out her name as I ran by. She remembered my name and said it which I think gave me a boost.  Only 1/2 mile to go and I think I got to within 20 seconds of the 50 yr old guy when I was again about to bonk out and had to ease up a bit. Turning into the recreation area road and maybe 500 feet to go I gave it everything.  As I crossed the finish line the clock said 1:29:xx and I was thinking that was way too much time for me. What the heck?  And then I sat then laid out on the ground for a minute or two catching my breath.  I congratulated Randy Mcdougall as he finished and we talked about the cars etc. He said it was the craziest Tri he had ever done.  Later I found the guy that I tried so hard to keep up with. Franky Valley or maybe Valle. From the pee dee area of SC (Hartsville  near Darlington and Florence). We chatted a while. I had hoped he came in second in age group so I could be 3rd but he thought maybe he was 3rd. I had not looked at the results yet.  Later at the awards it was Franky up there on the podium in 3rd. So like last year at Tri the Midlands I was so very close to a podium finish. So close. That is what can motivate a person to work harder so that next time he can finish on the podium.  How can I improve?  I am competitive and experienced. No magic bullet. Equipment, training, rest, nutrition, technique are all factors.  So I did pretty good for no sleep and a not so good taper in the days prior. I'm 3rd and 4th in the last 3 sprint and Olympic distance races.  I realized later the clock started for the first wave about 15 minutes earlier. So about 1hr 15 minutes was my time. I have not viewed the splits like I normally do. I didnt see them at the event or online. I will later. I already know the swim is weak, bike good and run usually ok to good. Transitions are pretty good. The overall time I is 1:14:xx  Went back to the lake to get my watch from under the rock and when I reached under it something like a bird screamed or chirped and I yanked my hand out. I pulled back the rock but couldn't see anything. I would later that night take the watch apart and dry it out. I hope it may be salvaged. 

Early May 2014

May 2014 Not sure what to say. Same old training it seems.  I've been increasing my rides up to a 70 mile ride that included Ceasars Head. Have done Saluda several times. I have been increasing the running also and ran almost 13 miles a few weeks ago. Swimming is pretty good but weak left elbow.  I am tapering lately so as to conserve energy and be fresh for the Clemson triathlon.  It is Saturday May 10th and I have not done this venue.  It is South Carolinas oldest Tri of about 17 years.  It is a sprint Tri of 750 meter open water, 11 mile bike and 5k run. Not sure what to expect, but just go hard and "Tri my best". Lots of very strong competitive guys in the 50-54 age group. Now i'm in that age group and am the young end, but a 54 year old will likely kick my butt. My weight of 145 is not the 140 i want. Hope possible rain stays away. After the Tri,  miracle hill century training ride May 24 is a big training ride. I may ride from home out to the Pumpkintown start area. Do 60 miles in the mountains and ride home for about 90 to 95 total.  The MH century ride is June 7 at Furman.  I'm playing with the idea of doing the Assualt on Marion May 19 and trying for a 4th trip to Mt Mitchell via a swap with "pooped" rider at Marion. I work the Sunday before but am off that Monday. Last time I registered the morning of so I may again make decision last second. 

Sala- meandering ?

March 29 ride Rain soaking, creature catching and metal salvaging ride.  Goal was to ride a long slow ride up to Saluda and get a 60 plus mile ride in March. Rain was scattered about and T storms possible. So I headed for them of course. 100 percent humidity.  12:50 pm leave apartment (after much prep) on 45 lb Trek touring bike. Rain bike and loaded touring bike. Rear panniers lightly loaded. I recently added a longer mudflap to my front fender that comes about 1-1/2 inches from the floor. It is almost 5 inches wide there so hardly any tire spray hits the drivetrain or my shoes.   Stormy skies, but dry at first. I expected to ride alot in the rain. I wore my winter helmet. One with all the vents taped over so almost no air or water could leak in. Winter shoes, knee warmers, arm warmers. It was 60 degrees or more, but being wet would chill me.  1:30 pm. Willis #3 gas station at SC 253. Rain had started so I took off my yellow vest and put on rain jacket and florescent reflective vest.  1:50 Tigerville. Rain stopped. Slower than normal, but making pretty good time. Took Dividing Waters Road past "machine gun Sam's" place. Passed a snail and went back to look at it. It retreated into it's shell when I tapped on it. I threw it off the road to save it. 2:20 start watershed climb -  Started seeing small creatures on the road. Had seen them several years ago too and didn't know what they were. I researched and found them to be eastern newts. Small red or brown/red salamander. Most of them were dead. Run over by cars. Stop to get a close look at a live one. It barely moved like it was in a stupor. Flicked several off into the roadside leaves. Kept going realizing I can't save them all. Saw a large (3-4 inch) bright red one and saved it. As I rode I realized they were a lot more (although mostly dead) of them than before so their range is expanding. Saw them right up to the state line.  3:10 at state line stop and walk up to Palmetto Trail sign and read it. A hiking only trail with a 9 mile section shown in detail. It was raining moderately now.  3:30 got to picnic shelter in Saluda. One of my favorite spots in the world. I was getting chilly now so I got out the yellow vest and zipped sleeves onto it. Got out a head warmer for under the helmet.  Put on nitriles gloves (think latex gloves) for under my full finger bike gloves. Go to the bathroom and (surprise!) it is heated. I wanted to stay in there. Wish i would have stayed in there that whole time. I got warmed up a bit, but had to get back on the road.  3:55 leave Saluda. The rain had stopped and the sun was trying to shine thru the clouds.  4:15 SC state line.  All I needed was 20 minutes of no rain to get down the 6 mile escarpment, but near the bottom the rain restarted.  4:33 Callahan Mt rd I decided to punish myself with this steep road. The beauty and tranquility of this road is appealing. I climbed past the old Poinsett bridge and was in my lowest gear (28x32). I needed it and lower. A 10 foot piece of copper wire lay across the road so i got it and put it on the roadside. I strongly thought about keeping it.  As I descended Callahan Mt I had to squeeze the brakes hard as it was very steep and the rims were wet. Found a no trespassing sign on roadway and took it with me. Sheet aluminum is handy to have.  In a few miles I came to SC 11 and Perdue fruit market. A state trooper and a wrecker were there. Oil slicks and pieces of cars all over the road.  Big wreck was being cleared up. People standing around.  This is a remote area so a unusual sight.  5:15 Tigerville - the sun was out, but in the rearview mirror it was very dark clouds. Had to stop and stretch but needed to keep running away from the dark clouds.  5:35ish past Willis 3 gas station and stayed on SC 253. Saw big hunk of wire on road - went back to look it &  it was a nearly 1 inch diameter and 3 foot long piece of aluminum cable for high electrical flow. I took it with me. Right before Sandy Flat I spotted a license plate that expires in 2015. I took it with me. I was going to the DMV soon anyway. A few miles from home a light rain started up just a few minutes.  6:26 got to apt So I was out there over 5-1/2 hours when I have done the ride in ideal conditions in less than 3-1/2 hours. This ride connecting with nature helped relieve some of the stress from work.   A ride perhaps more typical in Portlandia or the great northwest. I enjoy those warm yet rainy rides for the ambiance it gives to a slow ride. Going up the wooded watershed - it was like a tropical rainforest. 

Late-mid March: ramping up

Mid late march Been riding on the road more and have done 30, 40 and 49 mile rides. Registered for Miracle Hill cycling challenge century so I need to keep ramping up for that.  Progressing on my running and swimming too.  Striving for a year above 500 miles of running so 10 miles a week is needed. Behind average now so trying to get the runs in. Last week only 6 miles but this week will have 18. Less treadmill runs as the weather improves. Have to be careful to avoid injuries. A long run might happen but 6 miles is the most so far.  Had a 3300 yard (2 mile) swim recently. Happy I'm able to do it yet sad my left elbow that I broke still has limited range of motion and pain.  Said no to Parris Island Tri and Reedy River 10k/5k recently but still looking and staying flexible for a last minute decision type race. A cheap local 5k would be great. 

End of February

end of Feb.  I have had time to reflect on W. C. Off road triathlon. It was great. I finished it. I did pretty well too. Middle of pack overall.  On the run knowing the course was not so critical, just aerobic conditioning. My running shoes were a little slippery and I might improve by wearing off road running shoes with deep lugs. I did pretty well for as little run training as I had.  Of course the kayak was new to me and I was slow, but I improved even during the race.  I could improve a good bit if I had more time in a boat. Not sure how that or if that will happen. Maybe I could rent an even faster boat. Epic makes the fastest ones it seems called "surf skiis". They are long and sleek and light.  The bike was ok. I was getting tired during it and frustrated not knowing the course. Knowing it next time will help. The gearing was ok but even lower than a 22 x 28 would be good. I Didn't expect some of the steeper hills we encountered. I'm not on a real light bike and sure a high end lighter bike would help. Doubt I will buy one, but maybe a rental would be nice.  Always thinking of ways to go faster is why racing is a good challenge.  My modest training for this event, not the long hours like for B2B, allowed me to be in the mix and experience some exciting racing.  What's event is next? Maybe a 5k or 10k run and/or a sprint triathlon soon. I signed up for Clemson sprint triathlon in May and I will do the Miracle Hill challenge in June.  Just read a new blog by a guy that does long distance bike races of 300, 500 miles and I think he has done RAAM. Always looking for a new challenge. I am now following him and will hopefully get my eyes opened more to that type of event.  My brother in Oregon has been wanting me to go there and join him on a riding event. I have ridden there many years ago. The big event of Cycle Oregon is in September and I look forward to that. A week long ride with thousands of others. Up to 489 miles and 35,000 feet of climbing. RAAM = Race Across AMerica. A sleep deprived bike race by extreme individuals or teams. West to East. 

Winter Challenge raceday

Winter challenge 2 Saturday Feb 15, 2014 So here is my story. I am not Mia Angelou. Bear with me.  So at 2 am I awoke to the sound of rain. Got up and found I had a big plastic trash bag.  Ran to boat and covered the opening. Didn't want to turn upside down and harm the rudder. I used bungee cords to secure the bag around the rim. Ran back to bed.  At 7:30 am was awoke by a noisy vehicle. It had got cold and wind was whipping, pushing the truck around.  Yuk.  Conditions were to be cold, windy and lots of mud. I thought forecast was for high 55  degrees so.. darn.  So I got out of bed at 8 am and went to cabin 2 to see what was going on. They were putting the swag bags together. Water bottle, samples of chamois butter, Hammer fizz tablets, stickers and the Under Armour T- shirt.  They were not ready to hand out timing chips.  I went and took my bike shoes, helmet and bike to the transition area. Took paddle and PFD to the kayak and removed the plastic bag. Made up two water bottles if Gatorade. One for the bike and one for the kayak.  Back to the cabin about 8:45 and had a bagel and half a banana. Not too much or it would be sloshing around my stomach.  Went and got into winter weight tights and on top the Underarmour Tshirt with a bike jersey over it. On that I put on a pile jacket. I stowed a rain jacket in a hatch of the boat just in case of the wind chill. I was wearing a warm sock hat. It was maybe 40 degrees and very windy but hard to decide what to wear during each leg of the race. I had a Powerbar I stuck in the boat and two gels in my jersey.  More people were arriving all the time. I went and said hello to Katie Malone, Brad Freidrick, Laura Haupfear and Janice Garrett. All part of the Malone team. Talked with other athletes. Met Paul. He won the event a few years ago. He looked about my age.  They were running late on the prerace meeting and therefore the race start. Chris and Michael talked about the course and all that stuff. I ate a gel.  At about 10:50 am the Duathlon runners started. I took off my jacket and sockhat off and put them in the boat. I left on my gloves. It had warmed up with sunshine but still windy. A run in the sheltered woods could get hot.  At 10:55 or so we were off across the dam and into the woods. Lots of ankle twisting and muddy running. The course had been shortened by about a mile due to the storm damage. I was fine with that. Tried to breath through my nose as a way to govern my pace. Didnt want to overdo it. My heart rate monitor was still not working.  After about 46 minutes the run was done. Ran right thru the transition area toward the boat. Got my pile jacket on, then the PFD. Got in the boat and a volunteer pushed my boat out.  So here it was. The moment of some fear. I was now paddling and I was pretty ignorant and inexperienced. Did I mention part of my training over the years consisted of the video game Monkey Ball 2 (the boat race). It is a simulated kayak on a river. I have done well against my daughters when we played. So I got that going for me.  I watched others pass me (there was alot of that over the next 1.3 hours) and I watched their technique. My main concern was to not flip the boat over.  I stopped several times to drink Gatorade. Ate half of my energy bar. put on my sockhat.  Steering was very hard - kept going left then right and not straight. I noticed others that had their rudders in use (despite the organizers discouraging it). After about 15 minutes of struggle I asked someone to unhook my rudder so I could use it.  My gloves were getting soaked from dipping in the water as I paddled. Sigh.  This was helping a good bit but I kept having to coordinate my eyes with which foot pedal to push and also to let up on the other pedal. I think my first lap of 2 miles was nearly 30 minutes.  There were lots of logs just below the surface of the water that I couldn't really see until I was right on them. The boat would skid across them. The rudder did not break off thankfully.  Laps 2 and 3 were about 25 minutes. The wind at the dam end was very strong and there were small waves and the boat was getting pushed sideways quite alot. Capsizing became a real fear.  So I skidded into the shore and I was pulled in. It was hard to get out and harder to walk. My legs were like the logs I ran over. Took off my hat.  Ran into transition area, put on my helmet, took off my wet running shoes, unhooked my bike and ran out. Put on one shoe as I rode across the dam but had to stop and put on the other one before going up the hill into the woods.  Did the 2 miles in the woods and was starting to pass riders. Hey, I was passing people. Back across the dam. Back into more woods and came to a creek we had to walk across on timbers. Lots of mud and water on the path. Pass more riders. Lots of sand too. Had to cross over SC 39 (sherriffs there to stop cars). As I entered back into the woods I saw Paul coming out. He was so far ahead!  I started following a guy that was going good but I passed him only to hear him say I should have turned. I caught back up to him and just followed. He was my carrot. We were making good time. Had to duck under trees that were across the trail. We went thru singletrack with lots of roots, twists, and small downed trees to jump across.  I was having to deal with my right handlebar grip coming off. Totally wet and loose. The rain last night or my wet gloves had loosened it up. Ahhhh! One huge downhill I was going fast and saw a arrow to turn left but it was too late. I was stuck in deep sand. Some how at 1/2 mile per hour I shifted down to my lowest gear and went back to the trail. Hiked over a tree and climbed a very steep hill. And so on it went.  Stopped and drank a few ounces of Heed from a lady at a table. My waterbottle was so coated with sand and muck I couldn't bear to drink from it.  Nearing the crossover SC39 I began to give it everything. Less than a mile to go. Crossed over and I began to fly down the road and passed a few more riders before crossing the finishing mat.  I squeezed the rear brakes to lock up and skid a near 180 to end my ride. I then got off and splayed out on the ground. My heart and lungs were maxed out.  Finished at 2:08 pm. Gathered myself and took my bike and leaned it against a tree. Went into the cabin and got a bunch of food including a can of regular Coke which I never drink. It was good.  Ate. Talked. Went to the awards ceremony. Packed up the bike. Got the boat and dragged it to the truck. Paul helped me lift it up on top.  Took a long time to pack, secure the boat and continue eating. Just enjoyed the nice warm day.  At about 5 pm got in my truck and drove off into the sunset.  My results were as follows.  3:12:21  overall time [30th] of 63 triathletes Run 45:40 [14th] T1. 0:18 Kayak 1:21:18.  [51st] T2. 1:20 Bike 63:47  [28th] Adventuregeekproductions.com Winterchallenge.net

Winter Challenge prep

Winter Challenge 1 Day before the race Feb 14, 2013 Got a late start to the day. Slept in after a late night watching some olympic speed skating.  Went to Sunrift Adventures and got the kayak.  I rented a Wilderness Experiece Focus 150. 15 foot long touring kayak is pretty sleek and fast. Red in color and with a rudder. The seat system is called an Phase3 Airpro; it seems very well engineered and comfy. It was a new model at the end of 2013. Model year 2014 ! It had not yet been used. I found the owners manual under the seat. In other words it was an excellent boat to be using. I have a strong desire to own this boat. It is so nice. But at $1600 it is not justified. How much would i even use it?  I am glad to be able to rent it. And if i do this race again or want to kayak, i will specify this exact boat.  Keep in mind i am  new to kayaking. I know some but still.  I hope all my swimming will be good enough to get me by as a paddler.  Left there about 4pm had to drive thru alot of greenville traffic to get to I 385. Roads were good after recent snow-pocalypse. But as I drove south of Columbia on 321 it was some snow on the roadside yet. Then on SC 3 the trees were down all over the place. Tree branches sticking out into roadway. It was dark at that time so treacherous.  Govenor Nikki Haley said it looked like a hurricane came thru after she toured the area.  Found a small sign at entrance (lucky) and went half mile down a rutted dirt road. Came to some cabins and a few guys talking.  Michael and Chris Williams run the show. Michael williams is surprisingly from Zionsville Indiana. He does the marketing  for Festool, a german company that makes wood working tools for guys like Norm Abrams.  At this point Not sure if this is a triathlon report or a back country camping adventure report.  A small camp fire was going and 3-6 people were there. Chatted a bit with them. Frogs and ducks maybe were making noises out in the swamp lake. It is a 75 acre black water swamp ( means the water is clear water !). A tributary of the Edisto river that drains out by Charleston.  Jefferson and his wife Kristen drove from Delaware. He was running the timing system. How he drove in the big snowstorm  is a miracle.  Pulled my kayak thru the grass to the waters edge. I got some advice on the kayak from a lady named Luke. she was one of the workers.  I shined my flashlight for  Michael as he dragged big logs from the waters edge.  Back at the camp fire, Michael and Kristen felt a small earthquake. Then it seemed all the animals went quiet. It was weird. I was moving around and they were sitting. A full moon struggled to shine thru the clouds. Rain was rumored to maybe happen tonight.  Mike said ice had fallen off the trees and clumps of ice litter the trail. That and all the tree limbs and debris would make it a tougher than usual course.  There was no electricity and also no running water due to storm damage. Also the Oh yea porta potties not delivered. 120 racers coming tomorrow. not good. No power.  No running water.  A toilet in cabin 2 that would have to be flushed with lake water. Or hike into woods.  I left the fire about 10:45 pm and went to the truck. Listened to "This American Life" on NPR and ate a late dinner.  Oh yea. The boat is manufactured by part of Confluence Watersports, a company headquarterd in Greenville. It was made in Greenville. Maybe I should try to get a job there, since I'm practically an expert kayaker now.   Spent a long time writing this and was finally in bed lights out at 1am. 

Mid February

Mid February So the winter weather keeps me indoors much of the time but a few outdoor runs but many on the treadmill. Swimming at the Y. Riding in the woods when possible. Not much road biking now.  My injured elbow is still hurting/hindering me, but so glad it is better. Hard to tell what the next months will bring to healing. I can curl like 20 lbs on the left versus 25 lb on the right arm.  Winter Challenge triathlon coming up will be a true challenge if i can get there with this snow-pocolypse in SC Feb 11-13th. Will have to see. I'm not in great shape for the event and i have no expectations except to finish it. I expect to be sore and worn out from it.  Trail run in the woods 7 miles. Kayak around a swampy lake 6 miles. Bike on trails in the woods 10 miles.  I am not a kayaker. 

Funny bone - not humerus - bone head

Mid January  So it is back to injury. This is getting old. This entry is long and tedious, but it is my emotional therapy. I need to vent and account for myself.  On the 9th I had ridden for about an hour and a half in the woods on MTB. I went back toward my apartment thru the apartment complex on the perimeter. I was trying to stay in the dirt on outskirts of the parking lots. I came to a right angle corner (at parking lot) where the dirt was uphill. I tried to hop over the corner and did not make it. That was so stupid; I had gotten over confident on my ability. I began to fall into the asphalt and was unable to unclip my shoe. My forward speed was near zero.  I held my left hand out and I landed on my hand then arm. Great pain in the elbow was immediate.  Was unable to bend arm straight or bend it closed normally. Iced the joint awhile and went to bed.  Next three days I went to work. It was a struggle. I wore an elbow pad that was very snug. My lower arm swelled as well as the hand. On Sunday I noticed a large bruise on the inner left bicep.  I swore I would go to the doctor on Monday, but I argued myself out of it. Tried some easy swimming (900 yards) and that was quite bad form; my left arm just would not work right and get straight. Did a 21 minute treadmill run after that. Didn't really get hindered by the elbow there.  Monday night the sharp pain persisted (when even trying to pick up a light item) reinforced my need to go and get pictures and diagnosis. I was dumb to wait the extra day. On Tuesday I went in to dr office about 10 am. My internal medicine people worked me in. Got about a dozen X-rays of wrist, arm and elbow. No obvious fractures were seen by the dr. but they needed the radiologist to do formal review. At about 5:20 pm I got home from a 22 mile road bike ride. A wonderful 58 degree afternoon ride. Riding in the aero position with most of weight on good arm. Just as I came into my apartment, the dr called me and said there was a "radial head fracture, non displaced". Advised to see orthopedic dr asap. Worked Wednesday [today] and plan to work Thursday, but wore homemade sling made from 26 x 2.1 inner tube. Got lots of chiding about that.  At least I was wearing some gloves but should have worn ones with heavily padded palms. And I was wearing a helmet. I was wearing a long sleeve shirt and two long jackets. No skin was scrapped off at all. I was also stupid to try the maneuver at or near the pavement. Falling over in the woods can usually offer a softer landing (if a big rock or root or tree is not there).  I assume that I will recover to where I can ride MTB again. I will need to start wearing elbow pads and knee pads. Heavy pants and ankle padding.  There are no cars or loose dogs to collide with in the woods but there are hazards that I must better prepare for. I have pads and such and may buy more or different types. I am fairly new to MTB so i need to learn about what i can do. I need airbags all over my body! I now have another prescription for pain medicine (Lortab). In July of last year my crushed finger gave first. Accident with dog gave second. I still have many left over from those scripts. Now yet another. BTW I was also prescribed an NSAID called Meloxicam (Mobic) to reduce pain and swelling at joints. There is a lot to be said about these pain pills and now I feel part of that conversation whereas a year ago I was not.  Many at work urge me to stop riding my bikes. Or to get a tricycle. They laugh or make fun at my ongoing wrecks. However I can't see giving any of this up. I must improve my prevention and protection.  I think I will shift back to mostly or much more running. My knees will be treated with care and hopefully they hold up well. 

Happy trails

Early January I've been spending time in the woods near my apartment. There are "nature trails" that I have been riding on with my mountain bike (MTB).  There are short, but very steep hills and there are more gradual hills.  Small to medium rocks and even rock-face are common on the trails. Some 3 to 4 inch diameter trees across the trail I can hop over and leave as challenging obstacles.  I am exploring, opening up and therefore creating alot of trails. I have some pruning shears that I fit into a old Emerald walnut container and it fits in my waterbottle cage. I've had to trim back lots of branches that stick out. Many bigger trees have fallen over and I have been clearing them off the trails. This gives my arms a good workout. Today I took my 21 inch bow saw and cut a 6 foot section out of a 10 to 12 inch diameter pine tree that is across a path I wanted to create.  Took about 20 minutes of hard work.  May need to take a shovel with me soon.  Some of the paths are just too treacherous to navigate on a bike.  I hope to create trails all the way down to the Enoree River. There could be several miles of trails.  Good to ride the MTB this time of year with cold temperatures. You don't get the wind chill in the woods and going slower.