Saturday, February 9, 2013

Bicycle Plus Winter Criterium (Troy)

Date/Location:
February 9, 2013 – Folsom, CA
Distances:
Criterium
Time:
40 Min
Place:
Elite 5, 18th; 35+5, 13th
Teammates:
Eric Voosen, Shayne Marshall; Jamie Whitmore
First bike race of the season.  Little nervous because of lack of training and group rides.  Bike handling is important in the close quarters of criterium racing.  Good bike handling comes with a lot of riding and feeling comfortable on the bike.  I pray before the race that I can be aware of the riders around me and protected from crashes ahead of me.
It's really cold, about 31deg.  After waiting in a long registration line, I get about 15min w/u on the rollers.  Nice to get the cold out of the blood.  The family is at home but we do a quick pre-race prayer over the phone.  Anna made sure that I called before the race so she could pray with me.
35+ Cat 5
I line up.  Field is about 30. Teammate, Eric Voosen, and friend, Shayne Marshall, are starting, too.  A Cat 2 cyclist "mentor" briefs us on proper racing techniques.  Most important thing is don't crash.  After a practice lap, we're off!
It's going well except for my right pedal cleat.  My foot popped off unexpectantly, hit the ground and got banged by the pedal.  Ow!  Maybe I wasn't all the way clicked in.  The pain wears off and I'm now focusing on getting the feel of my bike again.  Pace isn't bad.  Last time I raced here, I tried the inside line on the last turn and got jammed up.  I make sure to practice on the outside this time and it looks like a better approach.
While accelerating out of the turns, my foot pops out again. Bang. Ow!  The 3rd time I'm more ready and it doesn't get hit.  I have to focus on not pulling up hard because in a sprint that could be disastrous. Otherwise I'm just making sure to just "sit in", conserving energy in the draft, instead of any hard efforts near the front.
I see Shayne sometimes, riding well, but in the wind, not utilizing the draft of the pack.  Afterwards found out it was his first race so trying to get comfortable riding close. It's a lot of extra effort out there. Eric is riding closer to the front. I'm usually in the middle, trying to catch a group forward, and then slower drifting with the pack to the back.
3 laps to go.  I have to stay close to the front.  Near the top 10 guys.  It's working out.  I happen to be at the right place a few times and follow others to the front. 1 lap to go and the pace has picked up.  But going into the final turn I end up in good position about 20 back and on the outside taking the turn fast.  Ironically, instead of me popping out of my pedal, another guy does right in the middle of the turn.  He saves it while bumping another rider.  While they're all drifting to the outside trying to salvage their uprightness, I'm able to get by along the curb without losing speed and then sprint for all I'm worth to the finish - which means basically staying up with the other mid-pack sprinters.  I do pass a few and end up in 13th which is a good placing for me.  The last lap was 26.4mph ave (23.7mph total ave)
Thanks, God, for keeping me and others safe.  Eric was 2nd and Shayne was 23rd.
Elite Cat 5
Between races, Eric let me borrow the cleat from his spare shoe.  Mine had just worn out and broken.  Now I was set with a solid connection to my pedal.  I also see Jamie Whitmore, here to race the Women's 4!  I can't wait to watch her after my race.  Originally told she'd never bike again, here she is on the para-Olympic team and racing a criterium!  And always happy and encouraging, and quick to point to God as her source of joy and blessings.
I line up again.  Field is about 50.  The sun is higher and warmer.  Shayne and Eric are both back again as well, along with other Victory Velo Teammates, Kevin Gorchinski & Wyatt Morin, and also Brandon Scott from Auburn.  After another mentor briefing and practice lap, we're off for our 2nd race!
The group is younger and the pace is faster.  The pack is tighter.  I see Shayne and he is riding closer to the wheels in front.  Eric is maintaining about 10-15th.  I'm around 20-30th.  It's going well and my cleat is working great thanks to Eric.  Again trying to conserve and move up when someone else leads the effort.  I'm getting a lot of good opportunities… holes opening up, other guys blocking the wind and moving up.
With 5 laps to go the effort has increased a lot.  I'm getting tired but trying to stay closer to the front where there is less accelerating out of the corners.  With 2 to go, there is a near-crash on the outside (thank you, again, Lord, that I'm not near it) involving many riders.  This allows me to move up to about top 7.  It's going well.  A good finish relies so much on being in the right place.. or rather, being in the right group, that takes you to the right place.  It's easy to get jammed in a group that's falling back, out of contention, or worse, behind a crash.
With 1 lap to go the leaders put the hammer down and I can't match it.  I go to the drops and give it all I have while riders are passing me on both sides.  It's only 1 lap at this effort… I can keep it going.. and keep looking for a wheel to get on.  The good part of this pain is that the pack is strung out with less risk of crashes or getting boxed in.
I don't give up and go into the last turn on the inside, but this time un-crowded, and then sprint.  It hurts but it's only 5 more seconds..  Yay!  I'm done and still in the top 20.  Wyatt finished 2nd, Eric 4th, I was 18th, and Shayne was 26th.  The last lap was 27.8mph ave. (25.2mph total ave.)
Finished
Great to be done. The bonus today was that we got double-points for upgrade since we had a Cat 2 mentor teaching us.  So only 6 more races required to move to the next level, Cat 4.  However, I have plenty of room for improvement in the Cat 5's still.
I watched Jamie race and take 6th.  Pretty impressive without the full use of her left leg.  Thanks, God, for a great day and good experience.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Davis Stampede 5K & Kids Race

Date/Location:
February 3, 2013 – Davis, CA
Distances:
Anna – 5K; Ariel - Kids Race
Time:
Anna - 35:18; Ariel 5:30

Place:
Anna - 6th
Teammates:
5K - Madison Chavez, Jan Heidt
Ariel’s Race with Anna as Big Sis Cheerleader!
 
Go Anna!!
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Go Grammie!
130203_davisstampede5K_grammie130203_davisstampede5K_grammie2
 
Go Ariel!
130203_davisstampedekids_ariel2130203_davisstampedekids_ariel3130203_davisstampedekids_ariel130203_davisstampedekids_ariel4
 
All Done and Proud!
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Name Race Age Group Place Time
Steve Chavez 1/2 Marathon M 55-59 1st 1:24:14
Troy Soares 1/2 Marathon M 40-44 15th 1:36:39
Robin Soares 1/2 Marathon W 35-39 6th 1:39:19
Carrie Chavez (pacing friend) 1/2 Marathon W 40-44 62nd 2:22:11
Madison Chavez 5K W 1-9 1st 29:08
Anna Soares 5K W 1-9 5th 35:18
Jan Heidt 5K W 70-74 3rd 44:53

Davis Stampede 1/2 Marathon (Troy)

Date/Location:
February 3, 2013 – Davis, CA
Distances:
1/2 Marathon
Time:
41:57

Place:
6th
Teammates:
Carrie & Steve Chavez, Troy Soares
It's Super Bowl Sunday and 5 of us are racing.  Robin's mom, Jan, is visiting and doing the 5k with  Anna. Ariel is doing the 1/2mi.  Robin & I are doing the 1/2 Marathon.
Unfortunately I haven't training like I should.  The mileage has been low.  I've set a new goal for 1:30 (instead of 1:25 like last year).  We arrive very early, get a warm-up in and try to stretch extra good as we've both felt so tight lately.  We hand Ariel off to a friend to watch her while 4 of us run first.  After praying together, we're off to the start.
Robin and I line up together near the 1:30 pace sign.  It's going to be a perfect day, about 60 deg at the end.  Our friend Steve Chavez is up near the front.  We wave good-bye to Jan and Anna.  Go!!!  And we're off.
Mile 1: 6:48. The first mile my hands are a little cold but the light gloves are soon perfect.  It's a big crowd as we run straight East along the train tracks.  I'm far from the front but know this 6:45-6:50 pace is good for me.
Mile 2: 6:43. After another long, straight mile, the 10k'ers turn off, leaving a smaller field.  The course changes directions many times going from path to path.  It's a good route, keeping you interested in what comes next. I see a family running, the dad pushing the stroller.  Good, hard family fun.
Mile 3: 6:48. My pace is good as we wind through the neighborhoods and around a park.  I'm trying to go 6:45 to leave a minute at the end to work with.  I feel good now but imagine it getting hard towards the end.
Mile 4: 6:36. I'm going a little faster.  It feels good. I don't think I'll burn out.  I drink water.  This mile is another straight shot before we head onto the paths again.
Mile 5: 6:43.  Another good mile.  On the paths I find myself in a small group.  I'm feeling good so push ahead.  I catch up to a tall woman running well with seemingly little effort.  Even though there is a chill in the air, she says this is like summer compared to the freezing temperatures in Reno.
Mile 6: 6:42.  Glad to get past the 10k mark. Looking forward to the 1/2 way point.  Wondering if I'll need to stop for a bathroom. Think I can hold it.  We hit the gravel path around the golf course.  It's great mixing it up.  I'm still feeling strong.  I catch up to the woman again and try to maintain her pace.  It's not easy but I have extra energy to push
130203_davisstampedehalf_troyMile 7: 6:45.  Now we turn and head back South towards the neighborhoods.  Our conversation helps the mile go by, but before I know it, I'm near the aid station and it's time for a gel.  Grabbing it from under my hat, the other one drops.  I should let it go but I go back to pick it up.. right when the group, that was now behind me, runs by.  I have to wait for them to pass to get my gel.  Bending to get it, I suddenly feel the sore leg muscles.  I eat, drink, and now am determined to make up the lost time and catch up to my pacer.
Mile 8: 6:49.  I catch up to the pack, and slowly work my way past, conscience to not push too hard.. plenty of time.  We're on some great paths again.  At one turn a few runners, including my pacer, go the wrong way because a volunteer was on her phone.  They quickly correct.  Can't wait to catch up so I can ease off this pace, it's starting to hurt.
Mile 9: 6:24.  I took off 20 secs trying to catch up.  But I'm not thinking that will hurt me. I'm glad to settle back in.  We climb the pedestrian bridge over Hwy 80 which is pretty cool.  I eat my 2nd gel.  I'm trying to stay with my pacer. She gets a little ahead on a little out-n-back.  My legs are getting sore but I still feel like I have plenty of energy to finish easily under 1:30
Mile 10: 6:36. We hit 10mi and pow!  My left hamstring suddenly has a pain right in the center.  I immediately slow it down a little, letting my pacer leave me behind.  I'll just run at the pace that works for me. Hopefully it will not get worse
Mile 11: 6:48. I guess I didn't slow down very much.  The pain is getting a little worse. After a bit, the 1:30 pacer guy comes by and tells me, "don't worry, we've got 1:30.  We're a little under".  But I have to let him go, too, as I stop and stretch quickly.  I think that helped.  But, no, the pain is back.  I try to shorten my stride, doesn't help.  I know a hamstring injury is one of the longest to recover from and this race is mainly for training.  So 1:30 isn't that important.. but I'd sure like to meet my goal if it happens.  I try to lean forward more and that helps a little bit.
Mile 12: 6:59.  Even though things are going downhill, the Garmin still says I can make 1:30.  I guess the pacer was way under.  But now the hamstring is really hurting and my run becomes a jog… becomes a limp… becomes a walk.  I won't give up, but I know now that running is going to hurt it more.  A mile is a long walk.  But maybe I'll see Robin come by and be able to run with her a little.  I see the 1:35 pacer go by.  That was Robin's goal but I don't see her.  Bummer.  I 130203_davisstampedehalf_troy_finishwas so hoping she'd reach her goal today.
Mile 13: 11:30.  Yep, it's hurting just walking.  I try walking backwards, too.  I've missed 1:30 but I'm excited to maybe run the final stretch with Robin.  Also discover that my Garmin is off… there's another 1/3rd of a mile left.  I sad not to see Robin as I hobble across in 1:36:41.  But quickly excited to hear that Anna set a PR in her 5K and Jan got 3rd in her age!
I quickly stretch the hamstring and realize that it isn't just tightness, but a pulled hamstring.  I'll have to start the rehab… but God is good, it was a great day for family racing.   Ariel ran a fast race and we all had fun times.  Thanks, God.
Name Race Age Group Place Time
Steve Chavez 1/2 Marathon M 55-59 1st 1:24:14
Troy Soares 1/2 Marathon M 40-44 15th 1:36:39
Robin Soares 1/2 Marathon W 35-39 6th 1:39:19
Carrie Chavez (pacing friend) 1/2 Marathon W 40-44 62nd 2:22:11
Madison Chavez 5K W 1-9 1st 29:08
Anna Soares 5K W 1-9 5th 35:18
Jan Heidt 5K W 70-74 3rd 44:53

Davis Stampede 1/2 Marathon (Robin)

Date/Location:
February 3, 2013 – Davis, CA
Distances:
1/2 Marathon
Time:
41:57

Place:
6th
Teammates:
Carrie & Steve Chavez, Troy Soares
It’s cold and foggy as we head down to Davis with my mom and the girls.  Troy was so sweet to leave earlier than normal for me so that we could pick up our bibs and t-shirts before the crowds hit.  Our Anna is excited to run the 5K with her Grammie today.  This will be her first flat 5K.  She’s been running the hilly Resolution Run in Auburn for the last 4 years so this should feel easier.  This is my Mom’s first 5K since loosing over 60lbs!  She’s going for a PR (personal best) today.  Our sweet, little Ariel will be doing the kids 1/2mile. 
I’m not expecting anything as fast as last year.  I’ve had something going on in my chest that has made it hard to breath.  In addition, I also haven’t been stretching well so my hamstrings are tight.  I’d like to run 1:36 today (about 7:19 per mile).  I know that I have to remain focused on Jesus and keep a good attitude.
Troy and I warm-up and I’m feeling pretty good.  We drop off Ariel at the FMC (Forward Motion Club) tent.  Our good friend Carrie Chavez kindly connected us with her teammate Leonel and his sweet family. 
Troy and I find a spot near the 1:35 pacer (about 7:15 per mile).  We look over and see Anna and Grammie…and Ariel too with Leonel’s family.  Ready, set, go!  Troy and I are off!  Troy runs ahead along with the 1:35 pacer.  I look at my watch and hold myself steady.  It’s cold and cloudy out here!
Mile 1 is 7:06.  Okay, this feels pretty good still but I know I can slow down a bit.  I catch up to the 1:35 pacer.  His pace seems to be slowing dramatically already so I speed up and keep an eye on my watch.
Mile 2 is 7:15.  I continue to feel strong.  I keep my eyes on some girls ahead of me.  I don’t plan on trying to catch them now, but I hope to be able to later.
Mile 3 is 7:14.  Still feeling good.  I hear a bunch of feet behind me and see the 1:35 pacer coming up.  It’s nice to stay just ahead but if his group catches up, I’ll try to latch on.
Mile 4 is 7:18.  My hamstrings are starting to get pretty tight and I’m regretting not taking better care of them in the weeks leading up to this.  Lord, help me to let go of that!  My Garmin starts acting funny and says I’m running 7:50 pace.  That cannot be right.  I just keep holding the same effort and hope it works itself out.
Mile 5 is 7:19.  The 1:35 group catches up and passes me.  I try to stay with them but I just cannot get my legs going.  I check my cadence (the number of steps per minute) and it’s at 88 which is just 2 steps shy of the goal of 90.  That’s encouraging.  Maybe it will get better.  My Garmin continues to confuse me as it jumps up to 8min pace and back down to 7:20 pace.
Mile 6 is 7:17.  A friend of Troy’s, Richard, goes by and encourages me.  I still cannot pick up speed and watch him pull away. 
Mile 7 is 7:19.  The wheels feel like they are starting to fall off.  I start to panic and tears well up in my eyes.  As I start to cry, I cannot breath very well because of my chest tightness.  I just want to slow down and give up.  Lord, help me to have hope and not give up.  He brings to mind Ironman Pastor and coach Scott Benefield’s recent sermon.  Scott was asked as a coach what was his strength in racing Ironmans and he said, “finishing”.  I have to finish and I have to be joyful! 
Mile 8 is 7:50.  I just keep trying to put out a good effort despite the growing hamstring discomfort.  I’m looking forward to getting this over with!
130203_davisstampedehalf_robinMile 9 is 7:38.  I’m starting to feel calm and more positive but then a bunch of girls start to pass me.  When I try to stay with one of them and cannot, the tears start coming back.  I start to sob and again have trouble breathing.  I’m just going to stop…I hear a quiet voice in my mind…”finish, Robin.  Remember you need to finish.”  I’m also reminded that I’m wearing my FCA shirt.  It says “Competing for Christ”.  I can’t cry or quit.  I’m representing the Lord and I need to show my trust and belief in Him now and at all times.  Lord, I will keep going, please help me endure this discomfort and disappointment.
Mile 10 is 7:41.  I look at the time and know that 1:35 is long gone but finishing under 1:40 is still possible.  I look ahead and keep up the pace as best as I can.
Mile 11 is 7:52.  Okay, only 2 more miles, I can do that!  I’ve got to pick it up a bit to finish 130203_davisstampedehalf_robin_finishunder 1:40.
Mile 12 is 7:47.  One more mile!  This is going to be close!  A guy flies by and this time I will myself to stay with him.  The hamstrings really hurt but amazingly I drop my pace by 20 seconds!  Thank you Lord!  Soon I’m passing that guy and aiming for some girls ahead.  I might not catch them but I just want to get closer.  I finally make the last turn!
Mile 13 is 7:27!  Wow!  That guy passes me back as I’m already going my top speed.  I don’t care, I just see the clock…1:38:40, 1:38:50, 1:39:00…I can do it!  I surge with all I have and finish at 1:39:13!  Thank you Jesus!  I made it!  Now I can rest!  What a humbling race!  I finished!!
Name Race Age Group Place Time
Steve Chavez 1/2 Marathon M 55-59 1st 1:24:14
Troy Soares 1/2 Marathon M 40-44 15th 1:36:39
Robin Soares 1/2 Marathon W 35-39 6th 1:39:19
Carrie Chavez (pacing friend) 1/2 Marathon W 40-44 62nd 2:22:11
Madison Chavez 5K W 1-9 1st 29:08
Anna Soares 5K W 1-9 5th 35:18
Jan Heidt 5K W 70-74 3rd 44:53