This race was a mental reach for me. My first two Sprint triathlons, the swim was a total struggle, and I was now doing an Olympic distance race. Lake Michigan had won on so many occasions, but I kept on going to battle. I was not giving up. I had the support of my Infinity team, as well as others. I would go swim by myself, and swim with other groups. The Ohio beach where I swim has a lifeguard, and I always had my swim buoy so I was always safe. Everyone encouraged me. I knew I could swim, but my nerves/my mind often got the best of me.
The week of the race, there was a surf ban from that Monday to that Wednesday. The ban was lifted on Wednesday afternoon but Lake Michigan was so choppy. My Coach Mo said we were meeting anyway. Last year during the Chicago Triathlon Lake Michigan was choppy, so I figured I needed to swim because who knows what the conditions would be like race day. I have purchased some new googles as I have had so many problems with all of the ones that I have previously purchased. They either leaked or fogged up, or sometimes both. I had bought three new pair and was going to test all three. I got in the Lake and the first pair leaked immediately. Half of my class had gone on. I tried some adjustments and nothing worked. So my Coach Mo gives me his. I can barely see, but no leaks. The waves were crazy. I swam, but feel like I am swimming in a washing machine. I literally g0t sea sick. I stopped so much to get my bearings, and to try to stop the motion sickness. I got to the quarter mile turn around, and decide to come back. I swam and stopped, swam and stopped. My coach yelled keep moving, and I listened and make it back. I thought okay I did not “freak out” in those conditions. While I didn’t get my mile, I took it as a win against Lake Michigan that day. I could swim choppy, even if it was not pretty. I also had a few more days to practice
Thursday prior to the race, I went to the beach to swim. My goal was to make sure I swam a mile. If I could swim a mile the 0.9mile would be no problem. Chicago Triathlon does not have a time limit, so as long as I keep moving I would be great. I swam my slow mile. It took me an hour, and my new googles held up. I could see to sight, there were no leaks. However,I had a new problem. I could not see when I got out of the lake. Everything was blurry, like I had cataracts. I got dressed and figured it would go away. It didn’t. I walked to my car, as I had to get home. I googled “blurry vision after swimming”. It listed many possible reasons- chloride, chemicals, etc. Also it recommended saline drops. I drove slowly as my vision was poor, and was light sensitive. I went to Walgreens and my eyes were worse. I had to have one of the staff at Wal-greens help me find drops as I could not read the labels. I purchased some clear eye drops, and applied the drops to my eyes and they got worse. I got to the point that I could not see my phone text messages or any print on my phone. I called one of my doctor friends who knows everybody to see if she knew an eye doctor. I did a phone consult, and she persuaded me to go to the emergency room. As I was getting ready to go, my eye site improved. I could read text and print on my phone. I called the on –call eye doctor and she told me I should come in but it could wait until morning. I go the following morning They ran all kinds of test, and the verdict was my new googles were too tight, and my eye dried out. I also had an underlying condition called Fuch’s dystrophy, and this condition predisposes me to have blurry vision. This condition was unknown to me. The doctor gave me some drops to apply every hour to hydrate my eyes and says I could race. I feel relieved, but I was so tired as I did not get any sleep the night before.
I get home, and took a nap they head to the expo. I arrived just in time for the briefing. This would be the biggest race I had every done. The other races had no formal briefing. I ran into a few friends at the expo then go to the BTA (Black Triathlete Association) meet and greet to see some old friends and meet some new ones. One of my new friends that I meet was Max Fennel, he is the first African American pro triathlete. He gave me some great advice. I tend to be hard on myself, and beat myself up especially on my swimming abilities. He told me “It takes time, be patient and just keep training.”
Saturday I met with my coach for a practice swim, I so wanted to stay in bed. I still was tired from being up Thursday night. I had to test my new googles though to see if they leaked, to see if I could see while swimming and after I exited Lake Michigan. My new googles were perfect no leaking, no fogging, I could see during and after the swim. I swam about 1300 yards so I felt ready. I also had to do a 20min run and my legs felt great. I was ready. I decided to go to the SuperSprint to cheer on some friends. I then did my usual race prep. I rode the bike course the part I could and visualized the part that I couldn’t.
SuperSprint Triathlon
Transition opened the day before the race, so I decided to take CC my bike on Saturday to get a prime spot that would be easy to find, and get to the bike out. The ends had been taken, there is always more room on the end, and it is easy to exit. I picked a stop by the wave sign so would be easy to find.
Race Day
I woke up at 3:00 am got dressed, placed on my chip and number tattoos on my arms. Chicago TRI does temporary tatts versus marking arms with race number. I then ate my usually pre-race meal- Breakfast wrap. I grabbed my TYR bag, water bottles, and Uber over to the start of the race. I live about 15-20 minute walk away, but it was dark, and I figured would save my legs for later. I got there about 3:40, and walked to transition. It opened at 4am, so I had to wait in line. It opened I headed to my bike. I set up like I had before, but this time I make sure I had my nutrition out. I could not find during one race, and this was a longer race so I know I would need to make sure I ate, and had adequate hydration. I got my stuff out of the swim- wet suit, googles that had baby shampoo in them to prevent fogging, and the cap that they issued. I then set up my helmet with cycling glasses in them, bottle of water if I needed to rinse off my feet, cycling shoes with powder in them and in shoes. I then had my running items- race belt with bib, visor and running glasses.
I then started to walk over to swim start to find to switch my swim cap. I am latex allergic and thought I had a silicone green cap at home, but I did not. I asked during briefing if I could wear mine, and they said fine. I contacted the race via Facebook page, and they said they had non-latex at the start. I walked the 400 yards to swim start, and the person was not there yet. I then walked back to get my wet-suit, and other items. I was already hot, and felt the humidity already from the 400 yard walk. I then got my leg marked with my age
I walked again to swim start. I find the person that had the non-latex caps. It is about 5:30 am. I proceeded to put my wet suit on, swim cap, and place my googles on my head. We started to line up in waves, I was so nervous I literally was about to cry. I saw Joy and she tells me to calm down, that I got this. I saw Paula my Infinity teammate. She states that she was nervous too. I saw Claire and Denise, and Karis other Infinity teammates. Seeing them helped to calm me. Angela, and Annastasia also greeted me and wished me well. It was time to get in the water. It iwas a tread start. I listened to Mo advice from a past clinic and floated on my back for a few minutes to get some space and stay calm. I then flipped over and tread for the final seconds before the start. The horns went off and we were off. I was still nervous and could not get a rhythm. I did a few strokes then stopped to tread, stroked then treaded. I heard my name “ Ouida keep moving”. “ Ouida keep moving” every time I stopped to tread. I look and it was Joy. She told me to think of the most ratchet song to play in my head. I started laughing, and was more calm. She stated that I had all that space keep going, there was no one around me. One of my fears was people swimming around me, over me, kicking me, and pulling my leg . I kept going. I saw the buoys, I kept going and see the turn buoy. I intentially stayed out of traffic so I was far right of buoys. I needed allot of treading to sight as I came close. Joy yelled 10 strokes, you are almost there. I turned and was relieved, . Now I needed to just swim straight just like a training swim at Ohio Beach. I still was stroking and treading- more stroking than treading. All the karakes and boats asked me was I okay, during my many treads. I was fine, it was just my calm go to. I kept stroking I could see the final buoy. Then I had finally caught a rhythm. I was almost there, someone grabbed my leg maybe by accident. I began kicking to let me know I was there and to get away. I caught the worse cramp. I yelled help I was at the step but I felt like I could not move because of the cramp. I had finished the swim, the worse was over, and I could see afterwards. I run out of my wetsuit. Then 400 yards walk/run to transition It was the longest transition ever
Swim estimate 1 hour ]
Official swim time 1:03:36
T1 estimate 4 minutes
Official T1 10:12
I get to my area, grabbed my eye drops to apply. I put on my helmet, glasses, dried off my feet, put on my socks and shoes, and grabbed my nutrition.
I started with my Honey Stinger Chews while I walked to bike mount line. I started to ride. Biking is my strongest discipline although I am an original runner. I started up the ramp, and my chain dropped. I thought not today. I quickly slipped it back on. Then I took off. My first two races I was the last or one of the last people out of the lake, and am a strong biker so I generally pass allot of people on the ride. This race as there are so many waves what would not be possible to be last. I passed allot rides and got passed allot too. While Chicago is flat, they picked the few hills that we have for the course. Drafting is not allowed, so I was putting in work. I made sure to hydrate. My first two races I was so concerned about not being last I neglected to drink. I could not do that today, as it was a longer race and it was going to be hot. I saw some of my training crew on the course, and a member of my cycling club ahead of me. I saw my coach on the turn around, and he passed me an told me to pick up the pace. I thought I was doing well, but he stated “ Chase these guys”. I kicked it into high gear and passed a few. We got to Wacker Drive which is underground, I grabbed my almond butter as we slowed a little for the turn. Bike racing while I am not great helps so much with the controlled turns, and steady accelerations especially when I get dropped. It was cool, and flat so I took off. 22 to 23mph. It was so much fun. I have a need for speed. I get to the next turn around and more flats. I tried to kill it. I see my coach again. He give me a nod, I assume it was doing well as far at the pace. I see two people who had crashed, and thought oh no. I kept moving though. I had a goal pace and I was going to reach it. In my hast I neglected to get my 2nd hours Honey Stinger nutrition . I made that last turn and I was back at bike dismount. I was happy I made my time. I ran to my area dropped my bike. I moved people stuff that is all over my mat. I apply my eye drops. I then grab my visor, shoes, and running glasses. I walk out to run course. I eat some of my waffle honey stinger. Although I hate having stuff on my stomach when I run. I grab some water.
Bike estimate 1:22- goal 18mph or more Official bike time 1:22:30– 18:04 mph
T2 estimate 4 minutes
Official T2 5:37
I walked out to run course. I eat some of my waffle honey stinger. Although I hate having stuff on my stomach when I run. I grabbed some water. I run 5/1 interval—run 5 minutes, walk one minute. I decided to walk the first intervals to “get my legs back”. I started with the second interval and I felt strong. I then saw the Infinity/ BTA tent and heard my name.
I was so awesome to have the support. I kicked it into higher gear. I felt great, like some of the speed work was paying off. I was still slow, but closer to where I was last year training for New York I thought. I kept doing my intervals. I slowed at each water/Gatorade stop. It was starting to get really hot. Around mile four I started to get light headed. I thought oh no, let me slow down so I can finish and not pass out. I saw one of the run course marshals and I asked if he had some salt. I walked a bit and I felt better. I tried to run, but at a slower pace. I had about 1.5 miles left. I ran into Rudy who I had met the morning before the swim. He gave me some calming words then, and told me to come on we have to finish strong. We ran together until the last stretch. I did whatever sprint I had left in me and crossed the finish line. I was so happy. I had made it. I completed the Olympic distance triathlon. Ir was hard, it was rough, but I finished with a smile on my face.
Run 1:15 estimate 1:22- goal 11:30 to 12 miles/min pace
Official run time 1:24—13:40 miles/min pace
Total time 4:06:3
20min over my estimate due to heat and long transition. I was proud nonetheless, it was a PR as my first anyway. Last year in June I started swimming lesson, and I had just completed an Olympic distance triathlon. My goal was to speed up so I could make my cut off time in all three disciples for my next race. The plan will be to to work on not stopping so much. I also to better hydrate for heat, and keep doing the speed work. It also helped that allot of my speed work at lunch in the middle of the day. My ankle has healed and now have to continue to put in work, but not so much as to cause another running injury. Chicago Triathlon was fun, but challenging . I can’t wait to do it again.
A week prior to the race, I shipped my bike via bikeflights to a bike shop in the Jackson area. It arrived on Monday prior to my arrival on Thursday. I landed Thursday and go straight to bike shop to get my CC (my bike). I then drove to my brother’s house to assemble my bike. This was my first time using Scicon bike case, so I was a little anxious. The beauty of the case is that it does not require much assemble or disassembling. Everything was fine, but on the bottom of my frame I noticed several scratches. I get upset, as my bike is like my little child. Then I put my wheels on and my rear derailleur seems off, so I get more anxious. It was too late to take back to bike shop. My brother stated calm down you can also just ride another bike. I look, and say that it is not that easy. I am a somewhat functioning nervous wreck. My stomach is in knocks, and I am not doing much talking at all. I did come home to see my family too, but I was not in the mood to catch up. My plan was ride, and swim on Thursday, but that was not happening. Sleeping seemed like the best option.
I get up early, and decided to get a swim in in the pool to help calm my nerves. I go to a pool outside of Jackson and swim 1000 yards straight. I figured if I could swim 1000 yards, the 598 would be okay. After my swim, the bike shop was open. I take my bike, and the mechanic stated that my derailleur just need to be adjusted. He stated that it was fine. He also adjusted my front derailleur. This made me happy, and helped me calm down a little.
I decided to head up to Meridian which was about 1.5 hours from Jackson. First thing I did was drive the bike course. It was hilly, and had a few turns. Then I rode by the lake, the buoys were set up but there was no one around. My plan was to get a quick swim in, but not by myself. It was too early for check in, so I went to check in my hotel.
Race check in started at 5pm. I get my bib, and bag. I saw other people swimming. They did not have an official race prep, but I do get my question answered. I decided to swim to calm my nerves. I swam out to the first buoy with the kayak. I made friends with Terry in the kayak. I told him I was nervous. He told me to wear a red cap, and he would look for me on race day. I said deal.
I head to get some food, and back to hotel. I get my items together for race day
Race Day
I woke up at 3:30 AM, I could not sleep anymore. I did stay in bed until 4:30AM. My stomach was still in knots. I could not eat, but I know that I needed something for fueling purposes. Transition opened at 5:30 am. I get there at 5:30AM. People were already set up. I could tell they were experienced triathlete just from their bikes. All high end triathlon bikes, and they had the end spots I wanted. I picked an area near swim exit where I would clearly see my bike. I set up my items like my last race. First a towel to wipe off my foot, and a bottle of water if I needed to rinse dirt/sand off. My helmet with my gloves, cycling glasses, head wrap, and my cycling shoes with socks and baby powder in them would be next in order. This race because I have the speed suit, I decided to have my half zip Tri top out to put on after the swim. My nutrition would be in my back pocket already. Last race I could not find my nutrition. So my plan was to have in place. That way I did not have to worry about. It would be in place in my dry Tri top. Next, was my visor, race belt, and running shoes, and a water bottle.
I put my speed suit half way on at the hotel, as it is hard to get on. I knew I would be visiting the porta-potty so I did not bother zipping it up. I can’t zip or unzip on my own without getting into some awkward positions. I talked to a few of the other athletes. They gave me advice, as they could see I was nervous. I see the couple that I met the night before. I finally meet David J who had been so helpful. He is a member of BTA- Black Triathlete Association. I had posted on the Facebook page to see who else would be at this race. He asked how many races I had done. I told him one. He said he was surprised, that I looked experience. I told him I had a great coach, and training crew- Infinity Effect. We were allowed to get in the water to warm up. I get in and do some strokes, and some drills as my coach suggested. That took my nerves from nine to about six.
The time was ticking away, and it was time to line up. This race seeded athletes in the order of registration. I was number #36. I made some friends in line as I waited. Each person started solo after they crossed the mat. I did the crazy leg run, and one dolphin wave. Then I started to swim. I tried to remember my coach Maurice saying to start slow. So I tried not to panick and take it easy. I made it to the first buoy. I grabbed it a minute to take a few breathes then I proceeded to the next one. By then more people were in the lake, which me more nervous. The people were to my left, so I just tried to stay right. I got winded, and I flipped on my back, and talked to myself. “Ouida you’ve got this calm down”. I don’t though. I raised my hand I wanted a kayak to rest. I raised my hand again, and thought okay what if I was in real distress where are the people. Finally one of the rescue boats comes. I say that I was not quitting, that I just needed a rest. They said grab on. I could not see where to grab. I finally saw and take a rest. I told them I was good, and continued to the next buoy. I then saw my kayak friend Terry. I swam to him. He was right next to the second buoy. The buoys were set up in a triangle configuration, and I took another rest. My googles were a bit foggy. I lifted them up just to see how far the next buoy is. I adjusted my googles and swam to the next one. My friend Terry said he would stay with me. I swam to the next one, then take another rest, then looked around. I asked am I the last one in the lake. He said no, there were a few others. I sighted to the flag pole it is right where the exit was. I said that I am almost home. I stroked, and stroked. Terry said that I was swimming better than before. I said, I was ready to be out of there. It seemed so far away. I tried to swim until I could feel the bottom, as my coach instructed. Terri and the guy at the exit say you can stand now. I stood and stepped to the exit. There was a large step up to the mat. The guy asked for my race number, I said hey can you help me. They were supposed to pull us up. I also asked could he unzip my speed suit. I ran to my bike. I sawmy BFF and God kids. They had made it.
I ripped off my speed suit, and tried to put on my Tri top. It took me three times to get it on right. I thought maybe that was not the best idea. I put on my head wrap, glasses, and helmet. I then dry off my feet, get my sock and shoes on. Last I put on my cycling gloves. I was not the last person out of the water, as I saw a few bikes left. I mounted and the race started on a hill.
Swim 32.32 minutes 1/3 mile-
Transition 3.18 minutes
One of the guys who had his bike placed right next to me told me to start in small chain as there is a hill at the start. Also my coach always states that too in order to get the legs moving after the swim. My heart was racing after the swim, which is normal I learned after my first race. I still tried to pick up some speed. I wanted to gain some time from the horrible swim. I gained some speed at it was flat for a few minutes, but there was a turn so I had to slow down. I see my brother, he had made it. I sped out to the highway. It was on, nice and flat for a few, then the first incline about 550 feet came. I saw a few people walking. I asked if they were ok, they say yes and I cruised on. Then the descent, which I alway love. I coasted, got some water my heart rate was finally slowing. I came to the third major turn I again picked up the pace. There were a few people cheering from their homes. I see David J from BTA headed back. I passed a few more people. I saw the couple that I had met, and a few others I meet the morning of the race. I rode and rode. I tried to get some nutrition. I took a bite out of my waffle and the rest fell to the ground. I thought, oh well. I kept pedaling, the turn around was near. You had to make a U-turn then head back. I was thinking that this is fun. The highest elevation was 619 feet what was not that awful. I continued to roll passing a few more. We get back to the highway, and the last major incline. I thought almost back let see what I have left. I tried to go as fast as I could but the turn back into the Lake area was near so I had to slow for the turn. I rode to dismount, and ran to get my visor, glasses, race belt and shoes.
Bike 59.31 for 16.5 miles
Transition 2:38 minutes
The race pack had a nice small water bottle in it. I thought this would be nice to run with. I walked the first minute I put some electrolytes in my water as I was wanting some last race. I hydrated then I started doing my intervals 5 to 1. I felt great for me. I feel like I am running my usually pace 11:30 to 12. I looked and was actually faster. I saw my family, and my God kids run on the side with me a minute. I make it to the first mile. I think great. I am still keeping my pace. I got to the water station. They refilled my bottle. I slowed up a little not on purpose. There is shade on far end of lower lake. I picked up a little speed. I continued on I still feel good. I had one mile left. I kept running. I saw the finish line. I picked up the pace, I wanted to finish strong. I ran and crossed the line. I looked and looked and thought where are the medals. No, medals WTH I did not know this. Not that I run, race for medals but it is nice to have one at the end. Oh, well my brother was waiting for me at the finish line. He hugged me and then my BFF with my God kids congratulated me. I made it Triathlon number 2 was done. It felt great other than the swim. As I was packing up my things I see Terry the kayak man. I thanked him for helping me make it out of the water.
Run 40.07
Total TIME 2:18:04
Sunfish is a great race for beginner. The race is run by racers- IronMan I was pepping their tattoos. The swim was calm, clear. There was great support. Only bad part, it was too hot to wear a wet suit. The bike had hills but not too bad, elevation gain was 500 feet. It was very well marked. They had people of people to block traffic and to direct us the correct way. The run was nice, it was shaddy part of the way. The bad thing was no MEDAL. It is hard to compare my two races. They both were spirits, but thus bike was 16.5 miles versus 12.5 miles with the last one. The elevation gain was higher on this, but the actually elevation was higher with my first race. The swim was the same distance but I did not have my person swim buoy and there were more people. They had better support with Sunfish. The run hands down was better in the Sunfish road versus trial run on my first
Rest for a min, and back to training. Next up is Chicago Triathlon. I need to get my mind game right- the swim is my struggle. I will overcome though. I was really upset with my swim, but then I thought this time last year I could not make it half of a lap in the pool without stopping.
I completed my first open water triathlon. It was rough, but I made it to the finish line with a smile. My first race was in Mattawan, MI at Pretty Lake Camp. My original race was supposed to be the Women Naperville Triathlon which is an easy race for beginners. It was cancelled. My coach recommended I do another before my race in Mississippi since I can’t wear my wetsuit as it will be too hot. I searched for one on the internet that was close and the week of July 4th. I found the perfect race on the 4th of July so I could relax and enjoy the House Picnic during weekend.
I arrived in Kalamazoo at my hotel at 3pm, and it was only eight minutes from the race. I checked in and got my items together to do a practice swim. I had emailed the race director so many times, that when I checked in she knew me. I wanted to make sure I could do a trial run the night before to calm my nerves. I checked in at 4pm and asked when I could swim, the people at the registration desk did not know what I was talking about. So, they took me to the director who said “OK Ouida, yes you can swim at now, but buoys are not set up”. They also had to verify that I could wear my own swim cap. I am latex allergic so I can’t wear most race caps. I usually now email and ask if I can wear mine and if they have a certain color so I can match my age group. Then I hear the bad news, that the water temperature was too high. It was around 80 degrees, and that we could not wear our wet suits. I almost started crying. I was like no, I have never swam in open water without it. They asked if I have a swim buoy, and that I could wear it. I thought that this must be a low stress race if they allowed swim buoys, so I calmed down. I walk to the swim start. The race staff was so nice they all introduced themselves to me. There was a race meeting that was aimed at first time racers. After the meeting, some of the buoys were set up. I did a test swim to the first buoys and one of the race staff rode in a kayak beside me. After my swim, I was good. I went to my hotel, I set all my item in my transition bag and went to bed.
RACE DAY
I arrive to transition at 6am right when it opened. I set up close to the run in from the lake. The run in was from the lake was pretty far– upstairs, and through gravel so I wanted to be close. I bought an awesome transition mat from Amazon, and had my items set up in order. I had my swim items on of course, but I had a towel to wipe up my feet first, and water to wash off the sand. Then, I had cycling gloves, and my cycling glasses, and head wrap in the helmet, with the socks inside my cycling shoes. I had put baby powder inside the socks. I then had my running shoes, visor, and race belt, and running glasses. I only forget to set out my nutrition to have if I needed it. People thought I was a pro with the set up, and were surprised it was my first race. I then went to get my body marked.
We then walk to swim start, it was about a 10-minute walk on a trail. I decided to wear my swim neoprene booties. They are to keep my feet warm in Lake Michigan but with running upstairs and in gravel, I figured it would give my feet some cushion. I was in the fourth wave. They had men in two waves start first, then women age 40 and less, then women 40 and above. It was an L swim, point to point swim- 500 meters. The horn went off and I started slow, people were passing me. It was an overall small race, so not too many people around me. The last wave the relay swim started, and they all passed me. I stopped allot to catch my breath, and make sure I was going in the correct direction. The sun created a glare so I could not see some of the buoys so I would stop take off my googles, they continue swimming. One of the swim staff came and asked if he could stay with me. I said that was fine. I look around, and see that I am the last person in the water. There were a few swimmers right in front, but I was dead last. He said it is okay you are almost there and you will finish. I make it to shallow water then start to run. I run up the stairs. Some of the staff I meet the day before remembered my name, and yelled “ Go Ouida”. They were clamping and cheering. It made me not feel so bad for being the last out of the lake.
Swim time 24.32 min- Garmin distance read 675 yards. I thought I swam close to buoys so not sure why I had almost 90 over.
I ran to my bike strip off my booties, swim cap, and swim buoy. I threw on my head wrap, helmet, glasses, and get my gloves. I ran to mount line, and realized I dropped my gloves. I ran to grab it. Then stopped my watch. I forgot to start transition time when I got out of water.
Transition time .45 sec- again wrong as I forgot to start my Garmin
I mounted CC, and take off. My heart was racing, and I was breathing so hard. I thought did I kick to much, why am I so winded. My goal was to kill the cycling. I started off at 19 to 20 mph. The first part of the race was flat. I start passing people. My heart rate finally normalizes. There were a few turns so I had to slow to safely corner. I am so glad I drove the race course so I would be prepared. Although they did a wonderful job marking course and they had an actual person at all of the turns. About 20 minutes into the ride there were some hills, which slowed me down a bit. The last turn the person left her post to go to the car, again so glad I drove course as I knew the turn without a doubt. I am still passing a few people. The end was flat so I tried to pick up the pace. I turn in and one of the staff yelled “ way to go”. I dismounted and run to the mat, rack my bike, yank off my helmet/gloves/glasses. I get my shoes, belt, visor and glasses.
Bike Time 42.52 min- distance 12.25miles
Transition Two- 2.17min
The run started on a nice road. I drunk some water to hydrate. I wanted some nutrition, but I had no idea where it was. I knew I packed some the night before. I walked the first minute to get my legs. I then start my intervals. I have been running 5 to 1 intervals for years due to my plethora of running injuries. I am actually coming back from an ankle injury and was not up to my usually pace. My goal was to run 12 to 12:30 miles per min pace. My prior pace was 11:30 to 12 miles per min pace. I did well the first mile. It was trail run, but was flat, and ground was firm. After the first mile we turned in some grass, and the ground was uneven. I had to watch my footing. There were a water station at 1.5 mile mark. I wanted an electrolyte drink, but all they had was water. I felt depleted. It thought not much too go, I can make it. The rest of the run was shady, and that is the only think I can say good about it. There was grass, hills, twigs, actually small trees that we had to step over. There was also this trough area that was like stairs so I decided to walk. I was more worried about falling or reinjuring my ankle. I thought better safe than sorry. It was not like I was going to win the race, and I would not be the last person. I walked a mile, it then leveled out, and I ran the last 0.7 miles. The last 0.2 miles was on a road. I thought now this is what I am used to, I have to try to finish strong. I run through the finish line, and got my medal. I had made it, I just thanked God that I made. I then saw the race director she smiled and said you did it, and gave me a high five. I was so happy.
Run Time 49.56min
Total time 2:20:23
Tri For the Fourth of July is a great race, if you like trail running, and I don’t. It also had great support staff, especially for new triathletes. (I am a triathlete now—love it) The other athletes were so friendly too. Random people came up to be after the race, and said that they were cheering for me. The swim is actually easy if you are a strong swimmer. The lake was calm, and pretty clear. I did not like the long walk to start, or long run out of the lake though. The bike was great except the turns I wanted more speed. The inclines were not bad, maximal 1045 feet. I recently rode Michigan Mountain Mayhem, so judgement maybe screwed in that area. The run just sucked to me, as I don’t like trail course. It truly was an obstacle course.
My next blog was supposed to be a race report following my first open water triathlon. Well, my first official race was canceled. It was quite a mess. It had rained the day before, and the forecast kept changing. I was praying that it would not be so bad that they had to cancel. So I get up and drive the 45minutes to Naperville- outside of Chicago. It poured the whole way along with thunder & lightening. When I arrived, I was informed that the race was delayed until nine so the storm system could pass. So, we wait it out, it cleared up then started raining again. The race officials were worried that another storm systems set to more toward us would come right doing the race so they canceled it. It was upset, and the communication was poor so that made it worse.
So, a group of us go eat, and have mimosas. It is about 9:00 and it is clear, the storm system never came. That made me more upset. Fredricka stated let us do our own triathlon. Centennial Beach where we were supposed to race opened at 11. So that is what we did. We swam 900 yards in at the Beach. I went home, and rode on my trainer 13.3 miles, and then ran 3.1 miles. It was not the same, but it made me feel better.
My first race was to be my easy introduction into open water races, and I missed that. My coach recommended another race. My first official race will be on July 4, 2018–Tri on the 4th of July
No easy introduction, for me. Centennial Beach is a man-made beach that is more like a large pool with no waves. Most races will not afford me with such an easy swim. No problem training will continue. I had more first plunge into Lake Michigan the infamous Promontory Point last weeks. It was not too bad, my preparation for my first race that was canceled gave me some confidence if nothing else.
Tri for Fourth I will be ready for you, then onto Sunfish Triathlon in my home state Mississippi.
My first Ragnar team describes my current dilemma. While everyone who knows me, knows I love running — ” Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy.” While, I love running, often running does not always love me. I have had a plethora of injuries. Most of them have involved my feet–stress fracture, Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, pain around scar after had a procedure for my plantar fasciitis, and mid-foot pain. Now my injuries include both of feet. My right one was jealous, so it had to get a little action. I am on IR list, but I am not totally out. I can walk/run intervals. I walk more than I run. I end up aggravating my injury if I do more than that now. I have a condition called sinus tarsi syndrome. Sinus tarsi syndrome is common after an ankle sprain. Although, I never sprained my right ankle, I sprained the left before New York Marathon in November 2017. It also occurs in people with flat feet or people who over pronate (people who turn foot in when running) 2017 . I pronate, and have a low arch. I have had laser treatments which have helped significantly but still I have minor pain with running. So today I got a cortisone injection and will take it easy ( for me) and later this week resume my progression to return to running.
I thank God for triathlon training as I can go hard with swimming, cycling , and strength training. When I was injured in the past all I had was the gym, and honestly it is not my favorite place to be. I would rather be outside.
I am stubborn which is a blessing and a curse, and I will ultimately be back and better than ever. Thank God in advance for my healing. I have just a few races coming up- five to be exact.
I would like to share a video talk that I recently prepared for MRDS anniversary. Men Run Deez Streets (MRDS) just recently celebrated it’s five year anniversary. I was asked to give a talk, and I would like to share my video talk this week. I had to take my own advice as I am recovering from an ankle injury . Some information on MRDS- MRDS is an organization that was started in Chicago, but not five years later has national roots. The organization inspires men of color to make running a consistent lifestyle.
