Of course, when we were first told we were going to bike to San Diego, 80mi, I thought for sure they were crazy, but we did it and we did it with style and authority!
When it came to VMTW i really didn't know what to expect, except for the fact that we were going to train the actual course.
I was in for a fun-filled treat.
The ride up to Sonoma was beautiful and long because the smart gal that I am took the 101 the whole way, instead of jumping on the 5 Fwy. Normally, I love to just get where I am going, but this was beautiful. The Ocean, the wineries, the scenic view was amazing.
Poor Dani was in the back trying to sleep from her overnight shift, while Liz and I chatted the entire way. It was awesome. Liz is a science teacher and had just come back from Space Camp on the east coast, so it was really interesting to hear about that as well as all the fascinating stuff they do in school now a days! Science was never my strong suit, but maybe if they made if fun like Liz does, I would have liked it more! :-)
Once we finally made it up there, I was exhausted. We had our team meeting where Riz casually reminded us that we were to treat this weekend like race weekend and to not stop and take pics... of course EVERYONE looked at me when she said that. LOL. What can i say.. i love it!.... After which, we settled into our rooms, Dani, Ashley, Beckie, Brandi and I were in one room and it was massive! Thank goodness we opted for room that sleeps 5 people. Made such a difference with all the bikes and such.
Saturday was the swim practice and bike. I started off good but then felt like a ton of bricks. I didn't think my nutrition was that off, but i was wrong. i added in more Carbo Pro than normal as well as Endurolyte (salt) .. bad idea. I felt full and hungry the whole time, slightly nauseous and of course completely bloated from the salt I was not sweating out.
So swim buddy, Laura, and I hopped in the river... let me tell you, this was gorgeous. I felt like I was in the setting of an 80's summer camp movie. The water was clear and great but sooooo low. In the beginning you are in 6ft water then it drops to like 6in water and you are expected to swim. it is crazy. but we did it an ran out of the water in 45min. Not too shabby... We were 37min in the pool for that distance, so I guess it is on target.
Next we get changed and hop on the bikes... i have to tell you, this transition area was super muddy and river water baked into your wet-suit for hours does not smell nice. :-) that being said, off we went. Again, i thought I was pretty good.. sluggish, but good... The course was bumpy.. not crazy like pot holes, but enough bumps and divots for me to get showered with Gatorade for the entire time.. and i don't mean a drop here or there, LOL.. i mean doused from head to toe, when in aero-bar position... GROSS. .. yet, slightly cooling since it was hot. :-) ... the bumps also added to my sunglasses vibrating and breaking off. Just as i reached SAG 1, I lost a lens and Coach Brad was like, Um??? I laughed and shrugged my shoulders as #1) I had gotten used to the bi-focal view i had #2) Riz said treat it like race day, so i was not about to stop for half a lens. :-).. of course cut to 2-3mi later and i pass Riz... she asks quickly, how ya doing, how's the knee, um, do you only have one lens??? as i bike back and say Everything is great and Yes!! ... 3mi later, Coach Brad shows up in the SAG-Mobile with a pair of glasses for me... Sooooo nice and wow, much appreciated!!
As we continue on our way, i am dying to take pics, but know that i can't, so instead i pedal on. But man, it is tough. My legs actually feel like sausages and i am pedaling but feeling as if i am going no where... Anyway.. onwards and upwards, right!?!? as we near mile 40ish.. it is strangely starting to feel like Mandeville Canyon.. and i look at my directions and see we are heading into Chalk Hill.. "THE" Hill for the race... i am so exhausted and just thinking over and over... Riz and Javie, no wonder you have us doing Mandy so many times.. this is literally the same thing... although Mandy is worse! ... that being said, i begin to climb and i am pushing... pushing and pushing.. i get to the top and think.. "That was it?!?!" it was tough, i am not going to lie... and i am not a fan, but the switchbacks in West Lake were harder... so i am thankful for that.
Finally.. the last 10mi.. home stretch... and i am seriously struggling. Marcia, Laura and Steph that i passed in the beginning were passing me now and with momentum... and all I could do was say.. Yes! Good Job Marcia! Awesome Laura! Get After it Steph! I was so happy for them... but man, it was playing a trick on my own mental game.
As I pull into Windsor High, i was excited it was over. Dreading the "run/walk" i had to do as my knee is still off and it seriously makes me nervous for next Sunday.. but i have to tell you... as much as the training ride was hard and awful.. it was amazing and fun all rolled into one! I am so glad i got to see the course before next weekend... i was 100% able to realize that Endurolytes are NOT for me... i can mentally prep better before and during the ride and i can also take a mental note to when to turn on my Contour Camera on my helmet to get the best views ever! :-)
The other amazing thing about that Saturday was that Ironteam was also training that day... for the FULL course.. 2.4 swim & 112 bike.. it was impressive to see and for to mentally take notes -- that will be me! ... so crazy..
Sunday was the 13.1mi run... the team got to run through the wineries.. i got to aqua jog.. but the good thing was there were others to do the same and instead of hitting the hotel pool, Kirk & I went to the river to AJ and Beckie & Liz joined us to swim. it was amazing....and after close to 2hrs.. COLD.. no wet-suit = purple lips and teeth chattering. Poor Kirk felt so bad for me, it was kinda funny.
Overall, the weekend was phenomenal! I can't wait to do the race next weekend!
GO TEAM!!
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