TBF XTerra Real Mtn. Bike Triathlon (Robin)

Date/Location:	March 27, 2011 – Granite Bay, Ca
Distances:	Swim .5mi – Bike 16mi – Run 3.5mi
Time:	2:47:47
Place:	2nd

This is going to be my 2^nd off-road triathlon. It’s cool because it’s in our backyard and it starts later (10am)…nice! I’m feeling much more confident on the bike than last time. Yesterday, Troy dragged me down to ride the course in the cold rain and wind and I’m so glad he did! It helped mentally knowing what to expect. It’s going to be really muddy, wet and sandy out there…and I’m kind of looking forward to the bike this time! What I’m not looking forward to is swimming in 48 degree water! Troy’s suffering in cold conditions has taught us how to layer up for this type of swim. I’ve got my rash guard under my jersey, my wetsuit of course, neoprene cap under my race cap and booties…and after I get out of the water, I’ll put on my jacket, long-fingered gloves, leg warmers and socks. Okay, so I’m not going for any time records here…I’m going for comfort today! It helps that the sun is peeking through a bit!

The girls and I head out for the race and pass Troy as he runs down to Granite Bay to meet us. Once we get there, they help me get my transition area ready. They are such good little helpers and they are being really good…thanks God for a smooth morning! Troy shows up and then I’m off to soak in the lake!

The water is super cold at 48 degrees! I am so glad to have on booties and Troy’s neoprene cap! I take our friend, Jeff Landauer's, advice and put my hands in the water and let them go numb. I try to splash my face to get it used to the water too. I opt out of a warm-up swim and hope I’ll survive.

Okay, time to go…ready, set, go! I jump in and immediately my goggles fill up with water. I stand up and notice that the seal has come off one side. It takes about a minute to fix it and by then, most of the field is gone! I jump in again and get a big shock. Wow, that is COLD on my face! I stop again and gasp for air…”Oh Lord, help me!” I cannot quit now, I’ve got to just keep going! I start again and finally after a few minutes my face goes numb and I get into a good rhythm. This is definitely the slowest swim I’ve had in years but I don’t let that discourage me…this is just a fun day!

As I get out of the water, I strip off my wetsuit and hand it off to Troy. I tell him what happened as I run up the beach to T1. I give the girls high 5’s on my way up. Once I get to my bike, I start putting on the layers. It’s overcast and a bit chilly today so I want to be comfortable out there. I realize that I’m getting farther behind in the rankings but it’s worth the delay.

Off I go! I start out on the bike with Troy’s bike camera on the handlebars. I hope to get some good footage before the batteries die! I have 2 x 8mile laps to complete. The first mile is rough as I just try to get into a rhythm and lots of guys are passing me. I pass by friend Dave Campbell who is directing traffic. Once on the first climb, I’m feeling better and slowly my confidence comes back. There are so many mud puddles, water and sand out here! It’s scary and fun at the same time. I pass by a guy lying on the ground with a bloody nose. There is a racer that has stopped with him…Lord, please help him!

On the backside of the course it’s like I’m in Ireland…beautiful! I love it! I get to a really mucky section that I got stuck in in practice. I decide it’s better to run through it. Soon a girl passes me and she looks like she’s in my age group. I work to keep her in sight. We are flying through a nice down section…what fun!

I come through the first lap just behind the girl and see my wonderful family. Troy tells me I’m in 15^th and to try to make top 10 on the next lap. They cheer me on and I’m pumped up for the next loop. I continue to chase that girl and feel like I’m already going faster this 2^nd loop. I pass Dave again and again start to climb. I’m having more fun and I’m being more daring this time…going over rocks, over roots and splashing through puddles. I still have that girl in sight as I go through Ireland again.

Soon I notice my brakes are not working as good. I cannot control my speed on those curvy down sections. Then, I have no brakes! I pull off to get out of people’s way and cannot stop. I run into a small grove of small trees. A guys says “are you alright?” “Yeah, I have no brakes”. This is a real bummer because I’m at least 3 miles from T2. Lord, what do I do? Should I quit? No! Keep going and persevere! This is going to slow me down but I cannot worry about that now. I ride the uphills and run down the downhills. I also try dragging my left foot to slow down. This is risky! I remember that Troy broke his foot when it got stuck on a root years ago. Please Lord, protect me!

I start to listen to the negative voice in my head. “You are going to be so slow! What will (Pro) Jamie Whitmore think of this stinky performance? Top ten, what a joke! You are going to look so silly!” I start getting frustrated and I’m on the brink of tears. I start to pray again and ask the Lord for His courage. He gets me through and eventually T2 is near! I see Troy and the girls. I tell Troy what happened and he tells me to focus on the run. Okay, this is my chance to catch some girls!

I strip off most of my muddy gear and head out. I feel pretty tired but I welcome the change of pace and fewer puddles on this trail. Only 3.5miles left now!

Mile 1 is 7:43. Not as fast as I expected but at least I’ve been able to pass a woman and a few guys. I just need to keep up the effort! The trail undulates up and down as does my pace. Soon, I hit some sand and focus on good form. There are a bunch of guys just ahead of me and I’m motivated to chase them down.

Mile 2 is 8:34. As I hit the steep climb, I start to pass those guys. Just keep running! Little by little I pass some and catch up to a few others. At the top, there is one more guy ahead and I stick with him. He’s picked it up and I am determined to stay with him.

Mile 3 is 8:39. I see a girl ahead and pass her. “Good job!” and she says the same. I continue to chase the guy as we both continue to pass others. Home stretch is coming! I know that Anna is waiting to finish with me. I’m pretty tired but give it what I have. The guy pulls away but I’m not discouraged. As I look ahead, there’s Anna! I grab her hand and we go! “Come on Anna, let’s go for it!” We race to the finish and cross together. Thank you Lord! I stop and hug Anna and thank her for the company. It’s sunny and I’m done! It was a tough but good day! I think I’ll keep trying this mtn. bike thing after all!

The Bike: Check out these pictures for some crazy crashes!  Click here!

Napa Marathon (Troy)

Date/Location:	March 6, 2011 - Napa, Ca
Distance:	26.2mi
Time:	4:20:10
Place:	108th
Teammates:	Robin, Mary Serna, Todd Brown

Robin & I were excited to put this race on the calendar a year ago in hopes to both qualify for the Boston Marathon. Then, a few months ago, I started having some setbacks with injuries and being sick. I had gotten up to a long run of 17 miles (my longest in 5 years) before I got injured. I kept trying to "come back" but I could only get back to 10 miles at the longest. Along the way I missed 3 other planned races. But today I will start, and just see how far I can go.
Robin and I are riding the bus together from the host hotel in Napa, to the starting line in Calistoga. This is really exciting for me.. my "best friend" heading to the start of possibly the best marathon in No. Cal. It's raining but we are fully prepared with our parkas (trash bags).
Robin's MyAthlete tracking device is on and, even though it's 5:30 in the morning, we know Dave Campbell is already up and probably tracking us. The phone rings and it's Dave. We ask how far it is to the start and about the forecast. Rain should let up some.
The start brings back many memories. I did my first marathon here in '94. I've run with many friends on this course.Now Robin & I are done with pre-race preparations. It drizzly. I'm wearing 3 shirts and gloves. We're both wearing trash bags to keep us dry until we get too warm in the race.

Go! I try to stay with Robin for a while but her 7:30 pace is just too fast for me. I send her off, hoping her race will go well. I'm trying to run a 9:00 pace for 16 miles. At that point if injuries are flaring up, I'll quit, otherwise I'll continue on walk/running and finish before the 6hr cutoff.
4miles. It's been a consistent light rain but I'm comfortable in my trash bag and gloves. The camber in the road is severe in places, but I still run on the steepest inside angle trying to shorten this race as much as possible. I'm also constantly monitoring my body: how's the glute? How's the left hamstring? How's the Achilles? At 4 miles I stop and stretch my injury areas. It's a priority to finish today without injuring myself.
8miles. I again stop to lie down and stretch. Right behind the mile marker. Staring up at the sky while the rain drops land on my face and other runners' feet land close to my head. It's actually a relaxing moment. Back running I think of Robin now over a mile ahead of me and imagine what it's like up there. I've never been back this far but interestingly it's not much different. We're all trying just as hard back here, concentrating on fueling, running tangents, and monitoring our bodies. A long way to go still but it really is a beautiful course, even in the rain, and it's more enjoyable than any training run.
12miles. I stretch again, sticking to my "every 4 miles" plan. A woman had been stopping to stretch as well and we started sharing training stores. She was nursing injuries as well. She was from Minneapolis. The runners are tough out there to train in sub-zero weather. It helped the miles go by faster. We part ways now and I'm looking forward to the next break at 16 miles where I'll get to see Anna, Ariel, Mom and Ray! I'm happy that I'm averaging 9min pace but it's getting hard. I can't wait to see them. It really helps push me along. I see a sign, "Beat Oprah" and I ask what her marathon time was. 5:00. Hmm, I can do that..

16miles. There they are! Anna comes running. I give them all hugs and gingerly lay down to stretch real good. "I'm feeling ok. Nothing hurting. I'm going to continue walking/running. Just come pick me up at the finish around 5-6 hrs" I head off now with no pressure, planning to walk quite a bit. I try walking some but decide I think I can run most of it. Just carefully, smoothly jogging along. Eating oranges, bananas, and gels at aid stations and drinking plenty. I've had to stop for "bathroom" breaks multiple times but it's not hurting my time. Passing 17mi is a big accomplishment. I've now run my farthest in 5 years. In fact my last straight marathon was here in 2004. Up ahead is the mile 20 hill. I'm looking forward to it. ½ way up I switch to walking. Have a Sport Beans snack and try to get my phone working but the battery has died. It's 3:18 and Robin should be finishing now. I've been praying for her a lot. I've also prayed for other people which is something Robin inspired me to do when I saw her arm band of names to pray for each mile. My prayer for her has been that she feels strength from God and His closeness, to know He was with her every step of the way.
20miles. Wow, at the top of the hill it appears you can see all the way to the end of the race (it's really not that high). I stretch again and start down.. I feel really positive now about running all the way to the end and beating 4:30. At 21, I start to set a goal of 4:18, thinking it would be 1 hr after Robin. Then I come upon Todd Brown, a past fellow Team Roadkill runner at Kaiser Electronics / Rockwell Collins. He's just as surprised to see me. He says, "you're the last person I expected to see back here". Turns out we both had injuries which kept us from training properly for the race. I felt like it was God's plan for us to have some time to run and talk together. There's not many runners around us now and conversations are few this far into a marathon. He says he's going to walk for a bit but I'm feeling good and continue on. Finally we turn off the main road. I'm getting the aches and pains of the marathon but my injury areas are doing ok. At an aid station I see some treats. "Sorbet for you?" "No thanks". It looked good but shouldn't try something new.
24miles. I calculate that I have to run sub 10min miles to finish in 3:18. This is going to be tough. My knee is hurting a little. I'm trying hard to run smoothly. I see Mary Serna! But she's going the other way. I stop and give her a hug and try to figure out what's going on. The good thing is she was smiling. I had hoped we might have gotten to run together during the race. I rip off the trash bag finally and focus on my last miles. I'm not going to make the 3:18.. but I'll keep trying hard.. but without hurting myself.

Ah, there's the finish. I can't believe I finished a marathon with only a 10mi training run. I knew it was VERY risky but I monitored myself very closely throughout and followed my body's lead. I finish and am excited because I'm pretty sure I didn't hurt myself! I immediately stretch and get my phone to make 1 last call to Robin. She's so excited to hear I finished.. and in 4:20. We're both happy for each other. I thank the Lord for making it possible that we could run a marathon together again after 7 years and that I'm not injured. Glory be to God in the highest.

Name	Age Place	Run Time
Troy	108	4:20:00
Robin	6	3:22:20
Mary Serna	9	4:47:58
Todd Brown	84	4:37:12

Napa Marathon (Robin)

Date/Location:	March 6, 2011 - Napa, Ca
Distance:	26.2mi
Time:	3:22:00
Place:	6th
Teammates:	Troy, Mary Serna, Todd Brown

It's so nice to be with Troy on the bus ride to the start...even with all the rain.  The girls are back at the hotel with Nana Sue (Troy's mom) and Papa Ray.  It's so nice of them to give us have this opportunity to race together!  This is our 2nd Napa Marathon that we have raced together.  If we both finish, we’ll each have 4 Napa's under our belts!  Troy hasn't done any kind of race since October.  It's so nice to see him able to start this one!  I hope his body will hold up and he'll complete it...even if it means walking.  It's been a tough year; full of injuries, sickness and too many push-ups!

I hope to run under 3:18 (7:33 pace).  Our friend Dave Campbell challenged me to beat his CIM time and I'm going for it!  Today we’ll have rain and a slight headwind but we know that the Lord is in control and the outcome is His will.  Let’s see what happens!

I have two more goals today.  I want to smile the entire race whether I'm feeling great or not.  The Lord is my joy and strength so I have no reason not to!  I also plan on praying for someone in my life each mile.  There are others struggling in health, marriages, jobs, and other personal issues.  I want to take the focus off myself and put it on them.  Christ has the power to help me today and I know He can help them, too! 
I've been fasting from caffeine (including chocolate) for the last month so that I can really feel it's effects today.  It's been a long wait but worth it.  I'm carrying a flask of flat Coke for the last 6 miles where I’ll need a serious boost.  I also have my Espresso Hammer gels to look forward to!

Troy and I warm up and do some stretching.  We run into Eric Gilsenan and friends.  He's going to be on the course riding his bike.  Eric tells his friends that Troy donated a kidney and they are very touched.  I forget sometimes that he only has one kidney.  I love my one-kidney-wonder!
We drop off our race gear and now are sporting our light blue recycle bags. We run into Mary and all pray and put our focus in the right place.  We take a quick group picture before the race starts.  Then we find a good starting place.  Troy and I will run part of the first mile together and then part ways.  I tell him that I love him and I'll be looking forward to hearing how his progress goes!

Ready, set, go!  We take off!  It's bunched up and I have to dodge a few folks to get moving.  I love running with Troy even if it's only a few minutes.  We take it all in together and then Troy tells me it's time for me to go.  I continue to look over my shoulder and wave.  "Have a great day!".

Mile 1 is 7:32.  Right on pace!  So far it feels comfortable and I hope that continues.  Here come the rolling hills.  I remember to keep the same effort...thanks Carrie Chavez for the reminder!  I'll try to capitalize on the free speed on the downhill.

Mile 2 is 7:40.  No worries!  I'll continue to work to make up the time on the downhills.  I'm getting a little warm in my blue bag but I'm not ready to ditch it yet in this steady rain.  I tear it a bit to get some air.  Ah, that's good!

Mile 3 is 7:31.  That's better!  And now I get to enjoy a bit of a downhill. 

Mile 4 is 7:25.  Great!  More time in the bank!  I finish off my Heed flask.

Mile 5 is 7:31.  If I can just keep it steady here.  Here comes another climb. Relax and don't push too hard.

Mile 6 is 7:38.  I expected that and I'm not worried.  I'm reminded to look to Jesus...He's got a great plan!  Ah, downhill, move it!

Mile 7 is 7:32.  I was hoping for a significant boost on that downhill but I'll take it.  I notice a couple of spectators out of the corner of my eye and think nothing of it until I hear "Go Robin".  It's friends, Leonie and Rich Alesci!  I'm totally surprised and touched!  "You look great!  Good job!"  I thank them for coming out and that it's made my day...so much so it makes me want to cry!  They were there at my last big effort in Kona in '07.  This really means a lot!

Mile 8 is 7:28.  The Alesci boost really carried me a long way!  I'm feeling great from the inside out even though it was a bit of an uphill.

Mile 9 is 7:27.  Good!  I decide to ditch the blue bag.  The rain is slowing and it almost looks like the sun might pop through. 

Mile 10 is 7:33.  Good!  Thanks God!

Mile 11 is 7:32.  Even with a slight uphill, I'm glad that I could hold the pace.  I'm climbing again. I tuck in behind a few guys that pass by talking about Ironman.  Sounds like a good crowd to hang with!  I haven't yet focused on other runners but it will be good now to help stay focused!

Mile 12 is 7:39.   I'm looking forward to the Espresso Hammer gel!  I'm hopeful that at the half marathon I'll be on 1:39 pace.

Mile 13 is 7:36.  And I pass the 13.1 mile mark at 1:39.  Good!  Now it's all about maintaining!  Ugh, another hill!  It's in your hands Jesus!  I relax and continue to smile.  I take in my gel and wait for the caffeine to start kicking in. 

Mile 14 is 7:52.  I expected that.  Here's a bit of a downhill.  One of the two Ironman guys has faded so I latch onto the other one.  I'm starting to pay attention to the girls ahead of me.  I see a group of 3 and another girl beyond that.  I’m trying to close the gap.  There's Rich and Leonie!  Yeah!  "Go Robin, you look good!"  Again, a big boost!  They are also encouraging the others around me.  They are awesome!

Mile 15 is 7:31.  Better!  I pass the Ironman guy as I aim for the girls ahead.  I'm climbing again and the rain is back...two things that could get me down but not with Christ!  The girls and Nana Sue and Papa Ray should be at the next mile at 9am.  It will be great to see them!

Mile 16 is 7:51.  I make it by 9am like Troy projected but there are no girls.  Sigh!  Well, I know they'll be here for Daddy and it will be great for him to have the support!  I hope he can keep going!  Okay, now it's focus time!  I catch a girl in blue and a few guys. 

Mile 17 is 7:38.  The Ironman catches back up with me.  The road has flattened out and I can see clearly ahead.

Mile 18 is 7:28.  Good, I feel like I'm getting back on pace and I hope once I start taking in the Coke after 20 that I'll be able to really push it home!  I'm starting to notice the headwind now.  There are few people around me to tuck behind.  A speedy looking guy goes by and I decide to hang with him.  He's running in the middle of the road and I get the feeling he doesn't want someone on his shoulder.  I continue along next to him and use others we pass for cover.

Mile 19 is 7:30.  I'm looking forward to wrapping this up! Though I'm approaching that group of 3 girls, the blue girl catches me.  I'm still following the speedy guy.  We are climbing again slightly. 

Mile 20 is 7:47.  I'm moving past more people including the 3 girls.  This is considered "the wall" of the race but I don't feel like I've hit it.  The blue girl and I keep trading off leading.  She's walking the aid stations so I hope to take advantage there.

Mile 21 is 7:34.  Time for a real caffeine boost.  I take out the Coke and start sipping it!  I want to catch the girl I've been watching from afar.  I hope to do it before we turn off the Silverado trail!

Mile 22 is 7:36.  Come on Coke!  I feel it coursing through my body but it's yet to make it to the legs.  We turn off Silverado trail and there's Leonie and Rich.  "Go Robin!  Negative split those last miles!"  It sounds doable with the energy I'm feeling but my legs are the question;  especially my quads.  I tell them thanks as I try to push and look for that girl.  Another girl next to me gives me a high five and tells me to go for it...so nice!

Mile 23 is 7:40.  Eric Gilsenan comes alongside on his bike and offers me a gel and water.  I thank him and tell him I'm good and finish off my Coke.  Come on legs!  I notice a young girl run by the opposite direction.

Mile 24 is 7:42.  My quads are feeling as if they are going to cease up.  I've never felt that!  The young girl comes by with her mom in blue!  Wow, that's neat!  They fly by and I try to react!  My legs just cannot do it.  I just got to keep them going.  Lord, I know that you're  in control! 

Mile 25 is 8:01.  Ouch!  3:18 is definitely out the door!  It's all about survival now!  I'm not angry or bitter.  I know that this is the Lord's perfect plan!  I just keep on smiling.

Mile 26 is 8:23.  The girl that high 5ed me goes by and I tell her good job.  The finish is coming!  I can soon stop!  My legs feel like heavy weights and they don't have much left in them!  I can see the finish and 3:21 on the clock.  With a smile on my face, I keep pushing as best as I can and cross at 3:22:01.  I'm done!  Thank you Lord!  That is a personal best and a Boston Marathon qualifier...BQ20...20 minutes under the standard qualifying time for my age group.  Thanks be to Jesus! 

Name	Age Place	Run Time
Troy	108	4:20:00
Robin	6	3:22:20
Mary Serna	9	4:47:58
Todd Brown	84	4:37:12

Go Mary!