Since I was on my way home from California last Sunday, Hubby Tom got to run a NYRR race on his own. Which race did he run? The NY Giants Run of Champions 5K race at Giants Stadium!
Tom has always been an avid Giants fan. So why not run a race where the finish line is on the goal line of Giants Stadium?!
NY Giants Run of Champions 5k Race 2014
He arrived at the stadium a bit earlier than expected (6:45 am). The reward for early arrival was ample free parking! Lets be honest; it will probably be the first and last time he gets to park at Giants Stadium for free, so enjoy it!
NYRR offered race day packet pick up and a line was already forming at one of the entry gates. A worker came over and told the runners that they were lined up at the wrong gate. Everyone had to walk around to the other side of the building but surprisingly enough, everyone stayed in line formation as they made their way around to the other side. Runners can be such awesome people!
After packet pickup, Tom had time to walk around the field to snap some pictures.
Tom's ready to run Giants Stadium
NBC was there setting up for upcoming events, and a people were showing up to audition for The Voice. But runners being runners could care less about the people auditioning for The Voice. They were in race mode and nothing else mattered.
As Tom walked around the field, he recognized former Giants player Stephen Baker the Touch Down Maker. Stephen Baker caught a TD for the Giants in Super Bowl XXV, but today he was there as a runner. Tom approached him and the two struck up a brief conversation. Mr. Baker asked Tom if he had ever run a 5k before because today would be Stephen Bakers first 5k run. Tom's advice to him, "Don't sweat it, just enjoy it".
As Tom wandered around the field he recognized more former Giants players. There wasEric Dorsey, Keith Elias, Karl Nelson, Bart Oates, Mark Bavaro and Hall of Famer Harry Carson.
Giants Stadium Run of Champions 2014
The runners made their way to the corrals which were located in the parking lot. The race started out with a run through the parking lot and around the Giants Training Center. It continued around and on to an overpass that crossed over the NJ Turnpike. Then you skirted around the outside of Giants Stadium and entered in through the West Gate. You ran 100 yards across the field where the finish line awaited at the goal line.
Tom said he would of liked to have been able to hang out for a while after the race so that he could have done the locker room tour, but I was the big buzz kill that day. He had to hurry his ass to Newark Airport so that he could pick me up. I mean, that was why I took the red eye home! Next year Tom...next year.
I ended up spending a few days in sunny southern California to celebrate my nieces wedding day. I hit the ground running when I got there, helping my sister prepare for the big day. I'm really glad I didn't bring my running sneakers, because I had zero minutes to even THINK about running...DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT RUNNING!!!
My niece Nicole the pretty bride
I've always thought (and still think) Californian's are strange. Everything is so different on the East Coast...especially weddings. For example, the NY/NJ metro area doesn't give gifts at wedding. We give gifts at bridal showers and cold hard cash at weddings. Of course, there's a few other things that are very different here in New Jersey, but I'll just leave that for another day. All in all, the wedding was absolutely beautiful and I was thrilled to be there for my niece and her new husband.
Since I wasn't going to be in California too long (5 days), I decided to give my body a much needed break. No running, swimming or biking!
And then I came home. My body appreciated the vacation, but my brain? My brain decided to stay on vacation. Like forever. I could see it was going to be a battle royale!
I arrived back in New Jersey early Sunday morning after flying the red eye home. Monday I forced myself into a 6.5 mile run. My brain protested and argued every step of the way. Tuesday I forced myself into a 16 mile easy bike ride. My brain protested and argued for the first several miles. Curse you vacation!
After dropping my daughter off at camp, I went to the Y and got a 1/2 mile swim in. Again, my brain protested and said it would rather hang out and enjoy the rest of the summer. Who needs all this triathlon training anyway? You've done SO much training lately! Surely you don't need anymore. Luckily, I never listen to my brain anyway.
On my way to and from California, I had plenty of time to look back and reflect on my recent triathlon. A wonderful woman sat next to me on my flight to California. We ended up becoming FB friends. We struck up a conversation and she too was a runner. She confided in m that a triathlon was on her bucket list but she was afraid to bike. This struck me as strange because the swim is usually the X Factor for most triathletes.
So I wondered what made me so nervous at the start of the swim. I realized that after getting halfway through the swim, my nerves calmed down and I was able to swim freestyle well. So what was it about at the start of the swim that scared me, but didn't scare me towards the end of the swim. I mean, swimming is swimming right??? The beginning of the swim is absolutely no different than the end when you think about it!
I decided to try and be a bit more gentle on myself when it comes to my open water swim abilities. I will try to not let my brain go to that dark place that scares the hell out of me. I'm going to remind myself that I KNOW HOW TO SWIM and I'm getting pretty damn good at it too!!!
Just keep swimming and think happy thoughts. Happy thoughts...happy thoughts...happy thoughts...
First triathlon...boom...done!And what a crazy ass day it was. Up at 3:45 am and out the door by 5:00 am. Everything packed the night before, I was ready to roll. Not nearly as nervous as I thought I would be...until the warm up swim. I'll get to that in a minute.
Arrived at Randolph Lake by 6:00 am and was rewarded with a super close parking spot next to transition. Set everything up and checked my bicycle one last time. Everything looked good. Lake temperature was 78.5 which meant it was not wetsuit legal. We were allowed to wear a wetsuit with the understanding that you couldn't qualify for an age group award with a wetsuit on. No problem there, I wasn't planning an award anyway.
From 7:15 am until 7:30 am we were allowed to do a 200 meter swim. I was swimming along when BAM, this voice in my head screamed "NO, NO, NO. You CANNOT do this! Get out, get your stuff and go home". It was that horrible demon in my head screaming at me again. I tried to ignored the demon, got around the buoy and headed back to shore.
Before I knew it the race director announced the race was about to begin. I couldn't believe it was about to happen. All those months of training for this very moment. As I waited on the beach I met two women who were just as nervous about the swim as I was. We agreed to hang together.
It was a staggered in-water-start with 3 minutes in between each wave. My wave (the last wave) was instructed to get into the water. I jumped in and heard the director yell "quickly, 15 seconds, 10 seconds"...I was like holy crap, what am doing? Have I lost my mind? Suddenly the horn blew and a flurry of bodies took off!
Randolph Lake Triathlon Swim Start 2014
I positioned myself at the back of the pack which afforded me plenty of room to do my own thing and swam with the women I had just met on the beach. One woman said she hadn't swam in over 15 years. I was like what the hell lady? Are you nuts? Do you realize this is a 1/2 mile swim? OMG, we're so gonna die out here! It was a circus of freestyle, breaststroke & backstroke for the first 1/4 mile.
Half way around the lake I realized our threesome was in last place, and I don't like being in last place. I started swimming freestyle and refused to turn onto my back. Stroke, stroke, stroke, sight. Stroke, stroke, stroke, sight. It gave my brain something to think about other than drowning. I continued my stroke/sight count around the rest of the lake. I realized I had passed a couple of people. Look at me, I'm passing people! How can that be? I turned the last buoy and felt euphoric that the swim was about to end. I made my way back to shore, stood up and ran towards transition. Tom was on the beach waiting for me. It felt SO GREAT to see him!
I took my sweet time in T1. Don't ask me what I was doing because I don't know. I got my bicycle gear on, grab Lexa (my bike) and ran out of T1. Our 16.4 mile bicycle journey was about to begin.
Since I had a chance to preview the bicycle course prior to the race, I knew what to expect. It was a challenging bike course with rolling hills and a one pretty sharp turn. I was able to redeem myself on the bike and passed people on the course. There were 2 steep inclines, both of which I was able to ride up. I saw people walking up the hill, but I certainly didn't pass judgment at them. Two weeks ago I had to walk Cemetery Hill too. Cemetery Hill was the second steep incline between miles 9 and 10. It felt really awesome to be able to ride it this time!
Towards the end of the bicycle course, I notice my gears started feeling strange. They sounded and felt as if they were having difficultly moving. All I could picture was myself walking my bike for several miles. I tried not to shift too much, but on a hilly bike course that's next to impossible. Somehow, Lexa held it together and we managed to finish; questionable gears and all. I headed into T2.
I racked Lexa and was taking my sweet time again when some guy started chatting with me. I told him I couldn't chat and took off running. I ran through a wooded trail, then came out on to a residential street. It was a 5k run that continued through the streets, then turned around and headed back into the woods. The run continued around the back of the lake where it was super hilly and sandy. I could hear the crowd cheering in the distance and I was totally motivated to kick it into high gear. I heard a woman yelled "how the hell are you running so fast" as I went past her. I came out of the woods and into a ball field where the finish line awaited. I ran across the finish line and found Tom waiting there for me. I DID IT!!! I completed my first triathlon!
I thought I would be in a lot of pain afterwards but I wasn't. In fact, my body didn't hurt at all but I was tired from being up so early in the morning. We went out for a nice lunch that afternoon and Tom treated me to a Tropical Sunrise Margarita. It hit the spot!
Next up, the Jersey Girl Triathlon in 3 weeks (August 3, 2014). I already promised myself that I will do MUCH better on the swim and transition times in that race. I'm going to take it a bit more seriously and see what I can do. My competitive side is waking up.
It's only Thursday and what a week it's been so far! I'll start with the end of my story...I swam my first non-stop mile today! And, I'm in the final stage of preparing for my first triathlon this coming Sunday. The Randolph Lake Triathlon awaits and I will answer.
Monday was a brick workout day so I did a 17 mile bike ride followed by a 5k run. It was pretty hot and humid outside but I managed to do the run at a pace of 8:15 per mile, my best pace for a brick workout so far. The bike? Well, I still have a VERY long way to go on that. I really need to improve on my gear shifting and cadence. I'd like to think I'm getting better, with the exception of my minor fall today. Don't ask...damn clip shoes!
Tuesday was interesting. I swam an hour and a half after eating breakfast at Ihop. What a nightmare! I had to stop after every lap so that I could catch my breath. NEVER EVER am I swimming with food in my stomach!!! Don't ask me what I'm going to do on Sunday for the triathlon. Maybe I'll eat something really fast in T1, I haven't figured that out yet. The only thing I know for sure is that I won't eat and swim. Not happening!
Wednesday I went back to pool feeling badly about my epic failure on Tuesday. I decided I needed to redeem myself. I swam (with an empty stomach) and got close to completing 3/4 of a mile. I swam 25 laps (50 lengths) and called it a day. After I got home I realized I needed to swim 54 lengths in order to total 3/4 of a mile, so I was annoyed with myself for stopping at 50. But in my defense, I wasn't planning on going beyond 40 lengths that day so 50 lengths felt good.
Of course on Thursday I went swimming with one goal in mind; to complete my first one-mile swim without stopping. Again on an empty stomach, thank you. It started out beautifully and I'm not really sure how or why everything simply "clicked" but it did. No heavy breathing, no struggling, no foot cramps, no issues at all. I just tried to relax and let it be. I did work on my head position and my high elbow catch and pull. When I founded myself feeling winded, I simply slowed my pace down until the feeling passed.
I'm beginning to realize just how much speed effects everything in swimming. By simply slowing down my pace I was able to go from a 1/2 mile to a full mile in less than 2 weeks. I've also noticed how quickly my form falls apart when I feel tired or winded. My swim coach told me that keeping my form under control is a MUST for success! So, whenever I felt tired or winded, I slowed down and focused on getting my form back under control. And I have to agree, form and body alignment is of utmost importance.
But the strangest thing happened to me around 3/4 of a mile into my swim. I took a moment to observed how nice my body felt in the water. How peaceful and comfortable I was. I could actually feel the density of the water as I pulled my hand back with each stroke. It was a sensory experience I had never felt before. And at that moment, I honestly loved being able to swim. I credit much of this to my coach Badass Jerryas well as Total Immersion Swimming. They are the ones who helped me get to this point.
So I'm ready for the Randolph Lake Triathlon this Sunday! I will try to leave the monster under my bed at home on race day. We'll see how that works out. I have one more open water swim planned atGreasy Lakeon Saturday (first OWS without a wetsuit) and then its GO time. As they say in The Hunger Games..."May the odds be in your favor".
Aside from the fact that triathletes need to master three different sports; the swim, the bike and the run, triathletes also need to master the art of deflecting negativity.
Sadly I've had more than one family member call me "obsessed" when it comes to my training routine. One felt the need to share this thought in a post on my FB page. Uhhh, thank you for that! The strange thing is that these family members are from my husbands side of the family and they don't partake in any type of sport or physical activity.
I try to ignore it and "let it go", but sometimes it's really difficult to turn the other cheek. I'm 46 years old and I can think for myself. My training schedule infringes on no one. I start my workout after my daughter has left for school and I'm home, ready to bake chocolate chip cookies for her when she comes steps off the bus.
My husband Tom is an avid runner as well,training for his first marathon (the Marine Corp Marathon in October). He has worked with me to improve my running and biking. And running races is something we enjoy doing together as a couple.
Sometimes I wonder if people feel a sense of jealousy because Tom and I enjoy running and competing together. I guess when someone is in a dark place in their own life, it's easier to criticize and hurt someone else rather than fix their own problems. Who knows? I just know I can't worry about it anymore.
I decided it was a good idea to keep my triathlon training completely off FB and I haven't told anyone (with the exception of my husband, brother and niece) about my upcoming triathlon at Randolph Lake. My mother in law is still warming up to the triathlon idea and I know she means well. The other day she asked me if I was "really sure" I wanted to do this? Its sweet of her to worry about me.
Then another strange thing happened recently. A couple of weeks ago, a friend invited me to go on a run with him. I mentioned that I couldn't go because I had a brick workout scheduled. Not long after that conversation, this friend started posting on FB that he was swimming, biking and running. He was always a runner, but the swimming and biking were a new addition. Soon after, he posted on FB that he made up his own triathlon one day and completed his first tri.
I had always considered this person to be a good friend of mine, so I wasn't exactly sure what to think. I mean is he trying to make fun of me, or is there some deep seeded jealousy because I'm training for a triathlon? I don't even know if the word "jealousy" is correct, but I'm very confused by it and was tempted to confront it. Then Practical Tom talked me down and told me to let it go. He thinks its a combination of insecurity and a lack of self confidence. So I let it go.
In any event, I am becoming MUCH better at deflecting negativity. I do everything possible to surround myself with successful triathletes who know and understand where I've come from and where I'm going. It's THEIR opinion that I value and respect greatly!
And as far as FB is concerned? I don't post anything regarding my upcoming plans, races or workouts. For all Facebook knows, I could have spent the entire day sitting on my couch watching soap operas and eating a bag of Doritos. And in case your wondering, NO I DON'T DO THAT, but I do love Doritos. Maybe someday I will do that, just to see what it's like.
So carry on my wayward sons (and daughters). The triathlete has many obstacles to overcome and disciplines to master. And as far as deflecting negativity goes...that is one discipline I promise to master!
I think I've read every book, article and blog, watched every YouTube video, spoken with every triathlete that I've met, and I'm still trying to understand this "fear" that I constantly drone on about. No one can give me a straight answer on it.
What frustrates me most is that I want to know specifically, what my fear is. If truth be told, I STILL haven't figured it out yet. And there's some little part of me that believes if I can understand exactly what the fear is, then I can cope with it and overcome it. You know, I can finally slay the dragon. But not knowing? Why that's just plain old frustrating!
This frustration probably plays into my A-Type personality. Always the worrier, always the anticipator of things to come, always the controller of my destiny. I've visualized my impending (and first) triathlon a million times so far. I've visualized everything, from packing my gear, to crossing the finish line. And I've tried to visualize it in a positive light, because if it turns out to be a not so positive experience, well that's going to bode VERY badly for any future race. If there even is a future race at that point!
My niece recently asked me why I panic in the water. I couldn't even tell her the laundry list of ideas that go through my head. Oh, lets see; drowning, claustrophobia, darkness, getting kicked by another swimmer, getting out of breath and having no place to stop and rest, someone whacking me upside the head, someone grabbing onto me, getting a cramp, not being sure I can complete the distance...yup, yup, yup, there's all of that, PLUS more! Oh and sharks? Ha, they don't even cross my mind. No seriously they don't. Strange I know!
I can only explain it as being similar to having a claustrophobic attack. And as far as I know, I'm not even claustrophobic! Its the combination of darkness and not being able to get air whenever you want, that messes with my head. That, and the thought that maybe my technique and endurance aren't enough to get me through the race. So I guess I also question my physical ability as well.
Does the fear vary from person to person? For some reason I think it does vary slightly from person to person but there is a similar theme to many of our fears. I would love to know what goes through your mind (yes, you the one reading this) that causes you to have a swim panic attack. Does the act of putting your face in the open water cause you to start breathing rapidly? Or, is it something else? Or is it a combination of things? Is it a bad past experience or an unknown, unidentifiable cause for you? And how do you deal with it once your out there in the middle of a race?
Someday, I hope to better understand the psychology of the Open Water Swim. But until then, I'll just keep backstroking, floating, singing Let it Go (yes, that song specifically), counting and holding on to a buoy to get me through my panicked state. And I guess I'll have to accept that we all need "a moment" sometimes.
Friday afternoon I received a message from my friend Mollie. She and her daughter were heading down to THAT lake in Medford NJ, and she asked if I was interested in joining them. Instantly I thought to myself "Oh no! Not THAT lake again". I told her I would need some time to think about. In my heart of hearts I knew I should go back to THAT lake, but I wasn't sure if I was mentally prepared for it again.
I know I'm making it sound as if the Loch Ness Monster resides there, but in my mind it might as well. I mentioned the offer to Tom and he gave me the "its a great character-building-lesson" speech. Thanks Tom, but at my age I don't need any more character building. So before I could talk myself out of it, I messaged Mollie back and told her to count me in! Let the nervous stomach being.
What is THAT lake? THAT lake is Lake Ockanickon in Medford, New Jersey. The problem with many of the waterways in the southern part of New Jersey is that they are heavily stained with tannin from the cedar trees. Add to it some pretty wicked thunderstorms two nights before, and I knew the lake would be extra special.
A quick rewind here: A few weeks ago it was Fathers Day and I attended the ETA Coaching clinic at Lake Ockanickon. It was my second clinic overall, but it was my first time at Lake Ockanickon. After that experience I swore it would be my last. Not because the clinic wasn't good...in fact, the clinic was really FABULOUS. But the water is very dark brown and it even leaves a brownish slim on your skin. EWWW. When you put your face in the water, holy claustrophobia!
So here I am, going back to 'Greasy Lake'. And why do we call it Greasy Lake? Tom, a huge Springsteen fan, said that Springsteen mentions Greasy Lake in his song "Spirit in the Night"...and now we know why.
Saturday morning rolls around. Mollie, Emily (Mollie's daughter) and I arrive at the lake. We get our gear on and head into the brown water. There was a cluster of people standing on a sandbank staring out at line of the buoys. I swam to the sandbank and asked "is this where the procrastination group meets and can I join"? The group chuckled and confirmed my suspicions. I looked over at Mollie and said "lets not procrastinate too long, we've got to do this". And off we went.
I tried swimming freestyle, but a mild panic attack came over me very quickly. Damn it, damn it to hell! I flipped on to my back trying to get my breathing under control. A lifeguard quickly came over and asked if I was ok. "Yeah, I'm fine" I said. "I'm just working through an anxiety attack". The lifeguard nods his head and says "just making sure your alright. We had to pluck a few people out of the water today". Great, just great!!! That was not what I wanted to hear. And I did NOT want to be one of the plucked people.
I started swimming again and swam freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, back float, doggie paddle and even side stroke. I figured what the hell, might as well mix it up a bit. But somewhere along the way it started getting easier. I managed one loop around the buoys which was a 1/4 mile. I stopped at the sandbank figuring I would call it a day. But then a voice whispered in my head "character building".
So my crazy ass went for another round! By the end of round two, I was swimming freestyle with little to no stopping.
I finished up round two then hung out with the procrastinators again. We chatted about triathlon stuff and shared a lot of laughs. Apparently, I wasn't the only one intimidated by Greasy Lake. I was however really proud of myself for getting in there and not having to be "plucked". Mollie completed 4 loops which totaled one mile. We left there agreeing that it did build our character AND our self confidence. It was a win-win all around!"I'll see you again Greasy Lake". And I cannot believe I am saying this!
So, you want to get into the sport of running? Well your in luck because there's an App for that! All you have to do is Google "start running" and you'll come up with a zillion sites to help you get started.
But that's not how I started. I didn't start with a Google search or an App. Tom and I did it caveman style. Why caveman style? Because we were dummies at the time and didn't think of researching it before we started. There were two key element that made all the difference for our success.
So here's the story: My brother got into running 7 years ago. I have no idea how or why he became a runner, but he did. Then he got my nieces into running. Every year they would run the Tunnel to Towers race in NYC and invite Tom and I to join them. Yeah, thanks for the invite but we still don't run.
And I really wanted to get into running, but every time I tried I would feel breathless, itchy and miserable. And that miserable feeling is when I'd throw in the towel.
On the day of the 2011 Tunnel to Towers race, while my brother and nieces ran, Tom and I went sneaker shopping. With coupon in hand, I bought the cheapest pair of running sneakers I could find at Kohls. Since I had quit so many times before, I wasn't ready to make a big financial investment in sneakers.
There were two key elements that helped us to become successful runners. Here is key element one (bare with me on this): Tom mapped out a 1/2 mile distance with his car. In retrospect, a smartphone app would have been so much easier, but we didn't think of it at the time. Why did this make all the difference? Because every single time I tried running in the past, I had absolutely NO IDEA how far I could OR couldn't go. This truly became the first key to success.
I remember thinking "a 1/2 mile, that's it? I'm gonna get dressed to run only a 1/2 mile"? Well slap me in the face because I couldn't run a 1/2 mile, even at a slow pace. And that disheartened me...A LOT!!! So the next day we went out and we tried our 1/2 mile again, and the result was still the same. It took one week for me to conquer a 1/2 mile, but within one week I was able to complete it without having to stop.
That small-distance goal motivated me to add a bit more distance on. Once I got used to running a 1/2 mile, I would make sure that I could maintain my 1/2 mile distance, but I would add a tiny bit more distance on, and tiny bit more, and tiny bit more. Within a few weeks I was able to do a mile without stopping. And while a mile doesn't sound like much, it was exactly what I needed to keep myself motivated and interested.
Key element number two to our success was: Once I was able to run a mile without stopping, I signed myself up for a 5k race. The race was 6 or 7 weeks away at that point, and all I expected of myself was to be able to run the entire race without walking. Signing up and having a committed race date meant I could be a slacker. I'm the type of person who signs up for something and commits to it. So you can't be wishy washy. I was running 4 to 5 days a week at this point, and still adding on distance in small increments. By now, I had also downloaded an app onto my phone so that I could monitor exactly how far I was running(YOU MUST, MUST, MUST KNOW HOW FAR YOU'RE GOING).
Don't get me wrong, it wasn't easy but it was a method that worked for me. By doing it in small increments I had small, weekly success stories. And having small, weekly success stories kept me motivated. Had I set a 5k distance as my upfront goal, I probably would have quit again because that distance seemed unimaginable to me early on.
My YouTube video of our first 5k
Tom and I ran The Big Chill (without stopping) nine weeks later. The Big Chill is a fantastic 5k, especially for first timers because it has a huge crowd and it takes place on College Avenue at Rutgers University. To this day, it's my favorite 5k race and I'll continue running it every year for as long as I can. Last year, I came in the third place female for my age group.
Set small distance goals for yourself and know how far your going. Yes, you can do it. You just have to believe!!!
