This is always a true statement. And is the reason why when I say I'm going to post more often, it turns out I'm going to do the exact opposite. At least it's not actually pouring today and the sun came out for a few minutes.
I'm signed up for my next 'tri' event, the TriToHelp indoor tri for epilepsy. My coworker (and potential NTP 2012 if he gives in to my nagging) found this one and I think it's a good intro to the tri world for him. Set times for all three disciplines, and rankings are based on the distance traveled in that time. 10 minute swim, 10 minute T1, 30 mins on stationary bike, 5 minute T2, 20 minute treadmill run. I'm trying to figure out how they mandate transition times- but I guess if you know you have a forced 10 minute rest after a 10 minute swim, you're more likely to push yourself.
I hate pool swimming, and I admittedly haven't been doing anything to fix that. My training tri swim times (at Haines Point 50m pool) were always terrible. Time to go do my homework and put in some speed work as well as figure out this flip turn thing. My coach this summer tried to get me to do it but I was stubborn and resistant. Me, stubborn? Nah. Never.
Also, I've been losing the battle with the knee. I have an appointment with my orthopod next week for a reality check. But for now, I'm not running. At least my next race isn't until November 6.
earworm: I've been in a music void...
currently reading: The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Heroes.
This article inspired me to go back and write a little bit about my epic volunteer stint at Nation's Triathlon. I previously wrote about the hassles of DC Tri, and the logistics of organizing such a big race in such a busy area. DC Tri hosts about 3000 athletes, Nation's hosts about 6000-7000. For this reason, I think I'm okay with never doing this race myself. But with many of my fellow 2011 NTPers doing the race, the strong presence of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the timing of the race (on 9/11/11), I figured it was my turn to give back to the sport, big time.
I spent the Saturday before the race working packet pickup. I met some great DC Tri Club vets, renewed my club membership at the tent, and distributed waivers to the M25-29 wave (oh, believe me, I enjoyed that post). Then later in the day I was assigned to distribute packets to the relay teams. Which I soon learned was one of the more difficult jobs. Sadly, because of the torrential downpours due to what was left of Hurricane Lee earlier in the week, the swim had to be cancelled. The attrition rate was high, but most athletes were understanding of the decision. The relay teams still had something to say about it, and rightfully so. Many swimmers decided to make the trip despite their leg being cancelled, but still made their opinions well known to the volunteers and events staff. I hope we were able to assuage some flared tempers. I learned SO much about the patience and organization and flexibility needed to run a race of this magnitude.
Early Sunday morning I parked my car near Gallery Place and biked down to Haines Point to the Mile 3 aid station. I took a lap around the point before getting started and saw just how much devastation had occurred prior to the race. The sidewalk in places was completely flooded still, but the road was clear, so they were able to have the run course as planned. The Potomac was muddy, rough, and SMELLY. If anyone was still questioning why the swim was cancelled, they needed to go down and see for themselves. Because we were far away from the start area, I didn't get to see/hear the national anthem, but I did hear the 'rise and shine' bugles from what I assume was Fort McNair across the channel. It was a beautiful, calm morning to take in that moment and thank everyone who has sacrificed for this country, especially on a day like 9/11. We set up our water and gatorade, and readied for the masses. Again got to meet some club vets, reconnect with NTPers, and meet some new folks as well. Got to cheer on many familiar faces as they passed by, as well as many TNT participants, and several disabled vets with various assistive devices/prosthetics. Inspiring.
Overall it was a busy race weekend, but very rewarding. I hope to continue to have experiences like this one during my race career!
I spent the Saturday before the race working packet pickup. I met some great DC Tri Club vets, renewed my club membership at the tent, and distributed waivers to the M25-29 wave (oh, believe me, I enjoyed that post). Then later in the day I was assigned to distribute packets to the relay teams. Which I soon learned was one of the more difficult jobs. Sadly, because of the torrential downpours due to what was left of Hurricane Lee earlier in the week, the swim had to be cancelled. The attrition rate was high, but most athletes were understanding of the decision. The relay teams still had something to say about it, and rightfully so. Many swimmers decided to make the trip despite their leg being cancelled, but still made their opinions well known to the volunteers and events staff. I hope we were able to assuage some flared tempers. I learned SO much about the patience and organization and flexibility needed to run a race of this magnitude.
Early Sunday morning I parked my car near Gallery Place and biked down to Haines Point to the Mile 3 aid station. I took a lap around the point before getting started and saw just how much devastation had occurred prior to the race. The sidewalk in places was completely flooded still, but the road was clear, so they were able to have the run course as planned. The Potomac was muddy, rough, and SMELLY. If anyone was still questioning why the swim was cancelled, they needed to go down and see for themselves. Because we were far away from the start area, I didn't get to see/hear the national anthem, but I did hear the 'rise and shine' bugles from what I assume was Fort McNair across the channel. It was a beautiful, calm morning to take in that moment and thank everyone who has sacrificed for this country, especially on a day like 9/11. We set up our water and gatorade, and readied for the masses. Again got to meet some club vets, reconnect with NTPers, and meet some new folks as well. Got to cheer on many familiar faces as they passed by, as well as many TNT participants, and several disabled vets with various assistive devices/prosthetics. Inspiring.
Overall it was a busy race weekend, but very rewarding. I hope to continue to have experiences like this one during my race career!
Monday, September 19, 2011
still soaking it in
Well that was an interesting weekend.
Out of many highlights- this is my favorite (and least expected)-
Jayna Murray 5k Walk/Run
Bethesda, MD
9/18/2011
********** OVERALL 5K RUN RESULTS (Chip Time) **********
165 35/124 213 Stephanie Bechtold Bethesda MD 25:53 8:20
I'm guessing all that work at the track is paying off? If this continues, I am seeing other PRs in the near future, all of them in my crosshairs... they're going down.
BREAKING NEWS: Ugh. Just talked to the only other person I knew who did that race, and he said his Garmin read 2.9mi at the end, not 3.1mi. So that last number should be more like 8:55. Bummer. I mean, still good, but not AS good. I think I need one of these Garmin things. If I'm going to actually be serious about numbers.
Out of many highlights- this is my favorite (and least expected)-
Jayna Murray 5k Walk/Run
Bethesda, MD
9/18/2011
********** OVERALL 5K RUN RESULTS (Chip Time) **********
165 35/124 213 Stephanie Bechtold Bethesda MD 25:53 8:20
I'm guessing all that work at the track is paying off? If this continues, I am seeing other PRs in the near future, all of them in my crosshairs... they're going down.
BREAKING NEWS: Ugh. Just talked to the only other person I knew who did that race, and he said his Garmin read 2.9mi at the end, not 3.1mi. So that last number should be more like 8:55. Bummer. I mean, still good, but not AS good. I think I need one of these Garmin things. If I'm going to actually be serious about numbers.
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