Saturday, July 27, 2013

Full Vineman Aqua Bike–Robin

Date/Location:
July 27th, 2013 – Windsor, CA
Distances:
Swim 2.4m – Bike 112m
Time:

7:05:10 (1:04:58 – 3:18 – 5:56:54)

Place:

1st/25

Teammates:

Full AquaBike: Dave Leroy, FCA Teammate – David Kurtze

Half Iron Aqua Bike
Dale Jackson, FCA Teammate - Jenny Boakes

Barbs Half Iron Distance:
FCA TEAMMATES – Cheryl Kurtze, Connie Wilson

It’s a chilly morning as we head out to the car.  It was certainly a comfortable night at the Raford Inn and I’m grateful for Rita and Dane for making it special.  I don’t feel very excited this morning to race.  Our sweet kitty Barry disappeared on Tuesday and I’ve been missing him terribly.  My body also doesn’t feel really sharp this morning.  I really hope to swim 1:05 today.  The last time I did that was at my first Ironman in Canada 10 years ago.  Troy has challenged me to ride under 6 hours which would be about a 18.8mph average.  My best split for the bike is 6 hours and it was here at the AquaBike in 2006.  I cannot imagine it being possible to do that today.  Two weeks ago I couldn’t even average 15mph for 100 miles…but with Jesus anything is possible and if I make the goal it will be a miracle.

THE SWIM – 1.2 Mile Loops, 2 Loops

I’m lined up with men and women in my age group, and below, in yellow caps. I know it’s going to make for a fast start and even a rough start. Ready, set, go!  Sure enough a small pack gets out front and I try to hang with the next group.  I’m not getting bumped around as expected and I’m thankful for that. 

As I head up stream it’s pretty clear sailing and I don’t have to avoid many swimmers.  I catch and pass some other yellow caps. I haven’t yet found someone to draft off of.   I know that drafting is important to get the goal so I am looking harder today for help. 

Finally towards the turnaround I find a yellow cap and latch on.  This is the most shallow part of the course today and lots of folks are walking.  It’s odd to be passing someone who is towering over me!  I make it around the buoys and head back for loop 2. 

As I come close to the next turnaround to head back out, I’m looking for yellow caps on the other side.  I see some way ahead but just a few.  It makes me wonder where I am.  My draft is slowing down and so I decide to go it on my own and look for another swimmer. 

I check my watch after the turn around and I’m at 35 min.  I’m going to really have to make this loop count!  I don’t find anyone consistent but grab onto some drafts here and there.  Finally, just before the turnaround, a small pack of blue caps come up from behind…yes!  I get on a guy's feet and stay there.

130727_vineman_fullaqua_robin_ swimfinishI make the turn and find myself surrounded by blue caps.  I don’t want to give up my nice draft so, like a dog guarding his food, I keep looking around to make sure no one moves in on me.  Eventually our pack heads into some other packs of swimmers and I loose my guy.  Thankfully there’s another blue cap to latch onto.

This has turned out to be a great find and I ride the wave of blue caps all the way to the finish.  I get out of the water and pull off my wetsuit.  Again, it gets stuck at the bottom of my feet but I’m able to pull it off quickly.  I check my watch as I run up the ramp and see 1:05!  Yes!  That means I might have finished at 1:04!  Thank you Jesus!

I get to my bike and quickly throw my swim stuff in the race bag.  I opt not to put on my jacket because I feel like the air temperature is good.  I also stuff it into the race bag. I grab my bike and run out of transition.  

THE BIKE

There is a steep hill immediately outside of T1 to climb.  Lots of folks are walking it probably because their bikes are not in the right gear.  Since I set my gear to it’s easiest setting, I’m able to climb out.  It’s hard though dodging those who are walking.

At the top I see the girls and Troy.  It’s so nice to hear their cheers!  I’m off!  I look down and see that my Garmin isn’t turned on.  Darn!  I turn it on knowing it will be a few minutes before I can start it.  Once it loads up, I remember that I forgot to remove the current mph from the screen.  I feel like I’m texting and driving as I change the settings on the road…not a great plan for sure!  The plan is to focus on the average mph.  Mentally, it’s better to see what’s going on overall so that I don’t feel pressure when I slow down on the hills.  The plan is to go for 19mph on the first loop and averaging 18.8 mph overall to get a sub-6 hour time on the bike.

Things are going great as I ride off from Johnson’s Beach.  My average is over 19mph and I’m feeling comfortable and strong.  Just before mile 6, we turn off the main road and into a neighborhood.  At the turn, I pass a guy that clearly is struggling with his bike handling.  I feel safer now as I ride on.  We come up on a short steep hill and I follow Troy’s direction not to hammer but to go up comfortably.  Out of the corner of my eye, the guy I just passed starts to pass me on the hill.  Suddenly I see him coming right at me perpendicularly!  I shout out “whoa” and quickly stop on the hill.  The guy just barely missed sideswiping me and I thank God that I’m still upright.  The guy says sorry and I get going again.  As I bike away, I hear a big noise and look back to see him falling to the ground bike and all.  I shout back “you can do it” and continue on.  Poor guy…I hope the rest of the day goes better for him! 

I look down and see that my average is down to the low 18s. Oh my!  I’ll just have to work to get that up!  There were a few girls I passed and now I’m chasing them.  At least I have something to focus on!

Mile 10 – I’m not too far from the Raford Inn and I think about how Troy and the girls will be enjoying their breakfast.  I know that Troy will be packing up all of our things.  We decided to head home after the race today because our beloved kitty Barry is missing.  We’ve been getting calls on him since we’ve been here and it would be best to be home to look for him and field those calls.  I dream about Troy telling me that he’s been found as I ride today…what a boost that would be!  Well at least I can see them as I pass the Raford Inn on the second loop.

My average mph continues to climb but only up to 18.7.  I’ll keep working on it!  I’m starting to feel more and more cold.  Bummer!  I should have put that jacket on even if it’s a pain to carry around later.  Those gals are still ahead of me but I’m getting closer.

Mile 20 – Where is the sun?  I am really chilled now and shivering some.  I thought I would be warm working so hard out here!  I just want to feel comfortable.  I’m still chasing those girls and also getting passed by some fast guys.  A guy goes by in cargo shorts, t-shirt, tennis shoes and toe clips.  Wow, that’s pretty amazing that he can blow by me in an Iron distance race no less! 

I make it to the first major climb, Canyon Road.  Coming from Auburn, it’s not intimidating but it still takes an effort to climb.  My average creeped up to 18.9 but now it’s going down.  This hill is followed by a good downhill and I’m able to gain back some by pedaling hard going down…another strategy for today.

130727_vineman_fullaqua_robin_ bikeMile 30 – I’m starting to warm up some now.  I don’t feel entirely comfortable on my saddle but it’s not too bad at the moment.  My average is around 18.5mph and I remind myself that I started my Garmin late and this number could be off some.

I caught one of the gals but the other alludes me.  A 50 year old lady goes by on a road bike…wow!  After waiting for her to make the pass and hold the pass, I pick it up and pass her  back.

Mile 40 – Finally I’m feeling warm and the sun is shining!  I’m approaching the “big” climb of the course, Chalk Hill.  Again, coming from Auburn, it’s not a huge challenge but it’s still hard.  I cross a bridge with spray paint and signs that say “bump”.  I make it across with no problems.  The climb begins and it feels good.  I try to ride comfortably.  I see the 100 mile mark and make a mental note.  I’m sure looking forward to getting to that marker! 

That 50 yr old gal and I have been going back and forth…she’s leading the hill.  Up and over and I pass her.

Mile 50 – Heading back to Windsor HS/T2.  I won’t get to stop yet…one more loop.  I cross Hwy 101 and have some nice flats now…my average improves. 

The special needs bags are coming up at Mile 57.  I roll in and see my friend and FCA teammate Suzy Mattish.  I accidentally go too far and a nice volunteer runs back to get my bag.  I restock my fluids and snacks.  The 50’s gal goes past as well as those other gals from the beginning.  I just remind myself that it’s good motivation.

Mile 60 – I’ve been passed by two more girls.  One of them was just flying and I know there is no way I can catch her!  Here’s the Raford Inn!  I see tons of folks her cheering.  There’s Anna & Ariel…there’s Troy!  I cannot make out the others but I know that Rita and Dane are among them.  I smile and wave.

My hip flexors are very sore and mentally it’s harder to focus.  As I look at my average and at the running time, I am feeling doubtful that I can go under 6hours…if I make it, it will be God’s doing!

Mile 70 – I pass that guy in the cargo shorts and tell him good job.  One of the gals that passed me in green compression socks, is now going back and forth with me.  I’m struggling to stay hopeful for getting the goal. 

Mile 80 -  I’m falling behind that girl.  My hip flexors are screaming.  My average is barely 18.5.  I think about stopping when I see Troy and the girls and just hanging out for a bit.  I know that’s a bad idea and a bad example for the girls.  I need to show a good attitude under the adversity.  Again, I dream that I get the good news of Barry coming home.

I climb up Canyon Road again.  A girl rides by and I just feel bummed out.  I see Troy ahead.  The girls must be asleep in the car.  I point to my hip flexors and frown.  He tells me that I’m 2 minutes ahead.  What?!  Is that possible?!  That’s good news.  It gives me a boost! 

Mile 90 – I’ve actually have caught the 50 year old, the girls from the beginning of the race, the green socks gal, and the super fast gal that passed me.  It looks like that super fast gal blew up and she’s pedaling cadence is slow. I’m in complete shock how this race has turned around!  Lord, You are amazing!

I notice that a helicopter is hovering really close to me.  It seems to be following me…weird!  It just must be a wine tour or something (Later I find out a British reality show was filming a gal racing). 

Mile 100 – So glad to see that marker!  Yes!  I am bummed though because lost my bike bag going over that bumpy bridge.  I thought a water bottle fell out and then I realized down the road what it was.  I debated going back because I’m so close to making the goal and because I though it could be dangerous to try to grab.  If I get a flat the goal is done but I have faith that the Lord is going to protect my wheels. 

Up and over Chalk Mountain.  I’m still in pain but I’m motivated to get to that finish line!  I pass someone with a flat and am sad that I have no tools now to help.  I pray that someone else can help!

Mile 110 – 2 more miles!  I cannot believe it!  I’m going to make it under 6 hours!  I’m passing some guys that were ahead for a while.  Lord, how could I ever doubt you!  Just then I see Anna on her scooter.  I want cry!  “Anna, it’s mommy!”  She is excited and yells for Troy to come.  It looks like they weren’t expecting me.  I love how the Lord lets me surprise Troy.  It’s so great to see a flash of their smiling faces!

I hammer the last mile and cross the dismount line.  I’m done!  And it’s 5 hours and 56 minutes!  No way!  Jesus, You rock!   Thank You so much!

Name

Race

Time

Age Group

Place

Swim

Bike

Run

DAVE LEROY

Full Aqua

6:35:22

M50-54

2ND

59:55

5:31:39

NA

ROBIN SOARES

Full Aqua

2:32:46

W35-39

2ND

26:47

1:18:54

NA

DAVID KURTZE

Full Aqua

7:50:47

M50-54

13TH

1:21:10

6:23:41

NA

DALE JACKSON

Half Aqua

3:08:44

M50-54

2ND

29:57

2:36:36

NA

JENNY BOAKES

Half Aqua

3:42:03

W50-54

2ND

32:46

3:05:29

NA

CHERYL KURTZE

Barbs

7:41:32

W50-54

27TH

42:04

3:39:59

2:59:00

CONNIE WILSON

Barbs

8:41:06

W65-69

3RD

42:25

4:15:42

3:29:05

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Robalos–VFCAL CHAMPS- LAST MEET!

Date/Location:
July 20, 2013 –  Citrus Heights, CA
Distances:
  1. 25 Yard Freestyle
  2. 25 Yard Backstroke
  3. 50 Yard Freestyle
  4. 100 Yard Freestyle Relay, 3rd leg
Time:
  1. 28.31 (PR – 25.4)
  2. 30.41 (PREVIOUS BEST – 32.29)
  3. 1:01.76, PR!! (PREVIOUS BEST – 1:04:32)
  4. 1:40.22
Place:
  1. 43rd/56 Overall
  2. 29th/56, Overall
  3. 34th/45, Overall
  4. 8th/14, Overall

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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Fun at Swim Practice & Parties

 

Practice, July 17th – Trying out Water Polo!

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Fun Friday, July 19th – Swimming & Diving!

ARIEL’S FIRST TIME OFF A DIVING BOARD…AND A HIGH ONE TOO!

Robalos Team Awards, July 21st – Swimming, Money Dive and Awards!

ANNA INSPIRING ARIEL!

MONEY DIVE – GO, ANNA, GO!

ANNA GETTING HER CERTIFICATE – LOTS OF 7/8 BOYS AND GIRLS!

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Saturday, July 13, 2013

Robalos vs. Arden Manor, 4th Meet

Date/Location:
July 13, 2013 –  Sacramento, CA
Distances:
  1. 100 Yard Medley Relay – 2nd Leg, Breaststroke
  2. 25 Yard Freestyle
  3. 50 Yard Freestyle
  4. 100 Yard Freestyle Relay, 1st leg
Time:
  1. NT
  2. 25.4, PR!! (PREVIOUS BEST – 27.50)
  3. 1:04.32, PR!! (PREVIOUS BEST – 1:04:71)
  4. NT
Place:
  1. Team DQed 
  2. 2nd, Heat 2
  3. 3rd, Heat 2
  4. Team DQed

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Thursday, July 4, 2013

Independence Day 15k (Troy)

Date/Location:
July 4, 2013 – Coronado, CA
Distances:
15K
Time:
1:00:18 (Previous Best – 1:00:30)
Place:
7th/78
Teammates:
Robin – 4th/77 – 1:06:28

We’re on vacation in San Diego visiting Robin’s parents and family. It’s a great break from how busy we’ve been. Because of that, I haven’t been training much for this 15k running race on Coronado Island that we do each year. I’ve had a goal of breaking 1 hr and came close last year with 1:00:34. But I’m not planning on attempting the goal this year. I tell Robin that with my tight hamstring and lack of training, it’s unrealistic to think I can run 1hr.

Robin’s Dad drops us off. While checking in, we meet a young gal in FCA Endurance. She’s helping her friend run her 1st 5k race. We pray together for the race. Robin & I warm-up by finding Dad’s car and now are ready to go. We also see another FCA Endurance runner, Dan Cadrell, from Arizona, who we first met at the ICTN Christian Tri Camp 5 years ago.

After the powerful National Anthem, we’re ready to go along with 300 others. But the race is delayed 15 minutes. And then… Go!

Across the cross, onto the bike trail, we’re cheered on by the many 4th of July families starting their festivities early at the park. Right off the bat, there is a crowd of runners far ahead. Always a very fast group. After .7mi I realize that all my excuses about not being able to run fast were silly. I’m feeling good now, the hamstrings don’t hurt and I start calculating what it will take to run 1 hr.

Mile 1: 6:39. I’m glad to see Robin’s Dad, Jerry, at 1mi, taking pictures. My pace is close to the 1hr pace I need. I fall in behind a very tall runner with a slow cadence but a fast pace. He takes 6 steps for my 8. The funny thing is that he periodically surges.. which is something I was thinking of doing just to mix things up. So I get my wish.

Mile 2: 6:26. It pushes me to stay with him. But some of the surges I start to feel my hamstrings. Gotta be careful. I also take note of a couple women running ahead, hoping to eventually catch them. They run with quick light steps and my pacer runs with long effortless steps.

Mile 3: 6:25. 5k done and it’s going well. I estimate I’m around 20min and if I can do a 40min 10k, I’ll come in at 1hr.

Mile 4: 6:16. There’s a women ahead I’ve wanted to catch by the ½ way point and we’re almost there. I push a little harder, make the turn and slowly move ahead. Now I’m really looking forward to seeing Robin. She was also feeling tired (she’s been training a lot for IM Lake Tahoe). I hope she’s finding her legs and doing well.

Mile 5: 6:18. I see Dan Caddrell and encourage him as I pass. There’s Robin! I move to the outside and she moves in and we both high five each other with a smile!

130704_coronado15k_troy2Mile 6: 6:22. Ok, now, to catch back up to my pacer and work towards home. At 10k I’m at 39:47 and thinking, no problem, I’ll break 1hr, just don’t go too fast and blow up.

Mile 7: 6:28. A couple young guys go by and I try to stay with them, drafting behind them. It’s working. It pretty warm so I’m drinking and splashing myself at each aid station. Coming into the neighborhood now. 2 mi to go. Quick calculations indicate I’ll be right at 1hr with this pace. I’ll know for sure when I see Robin’s Dad at 1 mi to go.

Mile 8: 6:29.  I feel like I’m doing well, but the 1 mi to go is still a 130704_coronado15k_troy3ways off. I start running as fast as I can. At 8.3 miles I'm at 53:19, but I'm still not to the 1mi to go sign! There he is! Maybe the distance is off. Go, go, go!

The adrenaline is going and I’m racing for all I’m worth. Just gotta keep up hope that I can make it even though the time says I can’t.

Mile 9: 6:14. Fastest mile yet.  I pass some guys, sprint under the freeway and onto the path. I can barely see my watch at this speed.. it says 20 secs left.. I bolt for the grass and charge across to the finish… just catching the 1:00:18 as I finally finish.

So close. I thought I had it but a miscalculation must have been made or the distance was slightly off.  I was 7th plc. in my age.  I know now not to make excuses beforehand because I could of gotten it today. Thanks God for letting me run fast without hamstring issues! Now to cheer for Robin coming in and see if she can break her PR…

Coronado Independence Day 15K–Robin

Date/Location:
July 4, 2013 – Coronado, CA
Distances:
15K
Time:
1:06:28 (Previous Best – 1:06:30)
Place:
4th/77
Teammates:
Troy – 7th/78 – 1:00:18
For the last several years we’ve been spending the 4th in San Diego with my parents and my brother’s family.  This race has become a fun tradition that started 3 years ago.  It’s hard to wake up early on the 4th but totally worth it.  This morning, my dad joins us which is a fun treat!  He drops us off at the start and heads off to find parking.  We check in and do a warm up over to the car.  Once we get my dad in a good spot to watch at about Mile 1, we head back to start. 

We are at the start just 5 minutes out but are informed the race is postponed for 10 minutes until the Coronado Police give the okay.  What to do…stretch.  As I scan the crowd, I see a familiar face that appears to be an ICTN Tri Camp Alumni, Dan Cadriel.  I do a double take because he lives in Arizona.  He recognizes us, too.  What a crazy, but fun, reunion!
After 20 minutes past the start time, it’s time to go.  Wow, I’ve never had a big delay like this before in any race!  My legs feel flat and I’ve lost some motivation but I’m sure I’m not the only one feeling like that.  Lord, I don’t know what will happen today but may I still smile and give you the glory!  I’m not expecting anything great but with the Lord, I need to remember anything is possible.

Ready, set, go!  We are off!  I feel tired from the start and discouraged.  Why even try to push hard, it’s just too hard and there is no way I’ll PR today.  I know my dad is up ahead and I want to show him a good attitude.  I smile as I pass and say hi.

130704_coronado15k_robin2Mile 1 is 7:13.  Okay, well sub 7 pace is probably not an option.  Gotta keep trying!

Mile 2 is 7:04.  I’m feeling pretty good and I’ve noticed a blond gal way in the distance.  Hum, I think I’ll try to catch her. Lord, you know I needed some motivation to snap me out of this dull-drum pace.

Mile 3 is 7:01.  Getting faster and getting closer to the blond girl!  I’ve passed a few other girls now.  We are now on the Amphibious Naval Base.  It’s fun to get a behind-the-scenes look. 

Mile 4 is 6:54.  Wow, a sub-7!  Thanks Jesus!  Just when I thought I was done, I’m back in the game!  The lead runners are heading back and I’m looking for Troy.  Wow, these guys and gals are super fast!  This race certainly attracts the career road racers!

There is Troy!  He looks great and he’s smiling big.  We high 5.  I hope he beats his best time today!

Mile 5 is 6:56.  Alright!  Another girl goes by but I don’t panic.  I’m still gaining on the blond and I’ve done a second sub-7 mile.

Mile 6 is 6:56.  Lord, You have turned this whole race around.  I could actually get a PR!  I pass the girl that passed me and move within feet of the blond!  I keep pushing and soon I’m passing her.  I tell her good job and continue on.

130704_coronado15k_robinMile 7 is 6:55.  I just need to continue this pace and not let up.  I move up behind a guy and try to pass but he picks it up.  This goes on three more times.  I know that he’s using more energy with these surges and I patiently wait for him to get tired.  Soon I am able to pass and we both encourage each other.

Mile 8 is 6:57.  The last few miles of any race just seem long.  I remind myself that my Dad is up ahead along with the finish line.  There are fewer runners around me then in the previous years.  I don’t see any women at all.  A guy passes me at a fast tempo and I try to go with him.  He pulls away but he does help me remain focused. 

There is Dad!  I wave and tell him we’ll meet up soon. 
Ugh, this is getting tough!  I look at my watch and it looks like I could PR but only by seconds.  A PR is a PR and I’ll take it if it comes!

Mile 9 6:56.  Go, go, go!  I dig but there doesn’t seem to be anymore, I’m maxed out.  I make the turn to the finish and bring it home.  I cross the line and stop my watch.  No way, it’s a PR by about 2 seconds.  Thank you Lord!!