Training Log Archive: Funderstormin

Mrs. Tiny and I set out to run a loop of the Toad course at Pinehurst. Didn't *quite* turn out as planned but we had a lovely dusky run nonetheless! We'll try again another time!

6 am jog in my five fingers because I knew I had to sit in a conference all day and would feel much better getting some fresh air beforehand. Think I'm becoming addicted to runningin these things!

C • 5 Fingers 3

C • 5 Fingers 1

I really wanted to do a triathlon this year and signed up for the sprint distance of the Mine Over Matter race before RTNX, confident that I'd make time for some swimming when I got back. Then I had the opportunity to do a whitewater kayak clinic this weekend which I thought sounded more fun so put off getting into the pool. Clinic got cancelled on Tuesday, sadly, which left me time for one swim workout.

Felt nervous at the start line because I was one of the only ones without a wet suit. Swim went well though; I felt comfortable and didn't have to resort to breast stroke or doggy paddling. Wasn't sure where I came out of the water but was just happy to have survived and not be last!

Knew the bike would be my strongest leg and really enjoyed it. Passed a few people on the loop and was feeling great. In T2, a volunteer told me I was four minutes behind the lead female but I had no idea why he was telling me that. First 2-3 minutes of the run were pretty painful but after that felt good. Tried to remind myself it was only 4km and the out-and-back + loop around the quarry route suited me as I could see exactly how far I had to go.

Total time was 56:30. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my swim had not put me back as much as I thought. I was 10th overall, 2nd overall female and 1st in my age group with overall splits of 13/33 swim, 7/33 bike and 11/33 run. Clearly, all of the fast people had done the full distance! Had a really good time and wish I hadn't waited to do this until the season was almost over. Race logistics were totally dialled and I'd definitely do another Element Racing event again.

C • Congrats! 2

Early am run on grass in my Five Fingers. I love running in these and find I have to force myself to stop as I work up to longer distances in them.

Yoga class at gym. Went in with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised.

With Los Dobos at Guelph Lake. He took me out of my comfort zone a few times, which is good, since it proves to me that I won't die if I got at a pace other than my own. Fun ride with a post-ride beer and veggie burger.

At Moses Springer outdoor pool. Hadn't been in a pool in a loooonnng time and got a rude awakening during the first 10 minutes...damn, I don't remember 25m feeling this long! Eventually I asked a woman in the lane beside me how long the pool was. I was relieved when she told me it was 50m. Phew!

My workout was not sophisticated...some warm-up, some kick drills, some arm drills and then seeing how long I could swim before I got tired.

C • Sophistication 1

TNT with Mrs. Tiny listenng to her stories from WT. She's a rockstar!

Road / trail combo that involves a sometimes exciting traverse through a cow field. Fortunately today all of the cows were off the trail.

Trail run at provincial park outside of Goderich on my way home from the cottage. There was no cell reception or internet where I was, so as soon as I drove back into civilization I pulled over so I could check the WT results on my phone. Looking forward to everyone's stories!

C • Stories 5

Arms and core while watching a rerun of the HIlls, and wishing I had Kristin Cavallari's arms...even though I know they wouldn't be very useful for me.

Impromptu sunset run in my Five Fingers to combat some general grumpiness and pent up energy on account of drinking three cups of coffee today. So glad I did this as it felt great to be on the grass. My form has felt sloppy lately so hopefully I can do this more.

Easy ride at Puslinch with some friends.

C • Good ride? 2

One of my usual short paddle routes along the Grand. The rain yesterday meant it was a bit higher than normal, so only once did I have to play my game of "Sally refuses to get out of the boat no matter how shallow it gets."

Run back to my car after paddle.

Had to braid a horse this morning so thought I'd make the most of it by getting out nice and early for a trail run before the rain comes. Probably the most enjoyable run I've had in awhile.

C • You riding your horse much? 4

Road ride with Andrew to pick up his car.

Yoga for Runners Vol. 1...aaaaahhhhh!

Lovely early morning run with Stephania before going to the conference that I've been at all week (which is a pathetic excuse for this week's slothfulness - time to get back to business!).

With WCC at Hydrocut. One of the guys in the group is part of the trail crew, and told me that they are trying to work out a deal with some landowners to have their land insured under the city and they would get some tax break in exchange. If they are successful, he said it means the possibility of up to an additional 50 km in trails back there. Woo hoo!

C • FANTASTIC!!! 2

Nice ride at Puslinch with Mrs. Tiny followed by some delicious eats at the Old Marina restaurant. Wasn't the greatest tour guide in their tonight but we still hit lots of the fun, piney stuff.

Slow, slow. slow, but felt like a 3. Legs not as punchy as I expected.

Whew! What a crazy, exciting adventure that was! RTNX was definitely the toughest race that I've ever done, and I was on an emotional rollercoaster for most of it. I had some very miserable points most days (mostly while pushing my bike up mountains), but was committed to my personal and our team goal to get all four of us across the finish line together, which we did. Currently the leaderboard shows us as being unranked, but we were told by Chris before we left that this wasn't the case, which I'm hoping was right. We were short coursed several times but never told that this would make us unofficial. I guess we'll see!

I'm going to try my best at a race report but am not sure how much I can remember!

C • Awesome! 7