This was the first race I signed up for this year! Just weeks before my world fell apart. Things have woven themselves together (albeit a different kind of weave), so I was somehow ready for this race. I was originally signed up to do the Oly, but dropped to sprint knowing that it would imperitive that I be somewhat competitive in order to keep some sort of edge for the rest of my season. Whatever, that is all relative!
The night before the race I went to Buffalo for packet pick-up at Golds Gym. It was pretty (fairly) busy in there and I was in a funk...so the people seemed a bit on edge to me....but we will blame my mood, not their insincerity! Got the packet, checked my number and chip...and boy was I happy when I opened up my goodie bag. Best race shirt (only a 't', not a tech-T) design ever...no sponsors all over it, just simple cool design...front logo smaller and back logo larger...cool shirt! Also, an aluminum water bottle, a visor (which I don't ever wear, nor will I, but still cool), a few coupons for baked goods and Golds Gym, and some other neat little thing-a-mabobbers. Anyway...I heard this was a good race and well put together, and so far it has met the expectations, granted they were low at the moment regardless! Went out to eat some pasta and pizza with IZ at Angenos....Mmmmmmmm, that was good stuff. And good company is never a bad thing. Had to head home after that to get all my race stuff organized and make a checklist for the race....preperation is essential for triathletes, you really have to be somewhat organized and on top of things.
Got to sleep at a decent time, van was packed with everything but my Tri suit, wind pants (no, not parachute pants), and a Hoodie. Knowing that this was a big race and that I didn't go out until wave 17, and that there was 3 minutes between waves...race start was 9....my race start was more like 9:45...so I didn't 'rush' to get anywhere too early that morning. Hurry up and wait mentality does not work for me, so I relaxed and took my time, cause I could.
It was a moderately chilly morning! 49 degrees when I woke up, and they called for a high of only around 60 for the day. Dark, high clouds loomed over the cities and a slight drizzle made everything feel a bit damp. The saving grace to a cold air temp was it made the 55 degree water a little easier to stomach. I had to park far away from the transition area, the drawback of taking my time...and the fact that I probably wouldn't get a great transition spot, but I did...and found a spot amongst some rookies and some very seasoned triathletes. That made for good conversation for sure. So, I got my bike set up, laid out my towel, mixed up some cocktails (endurance powders and the what not) for the bike and started going through the transition motions in my head. I was in no hurry to do anything this morning...just laid back and relaxed. I usually like to wait til the last minute to do something, just to light that racing fire under my own A$$...thats just how I role I guess.
headed down to the water to see which wave they were on...found out I was about 9 minutes out...so i ran back up to the transition area and unloaded my running coat and my compression sandals (Crocs are fun). Headed back down to the water...slammed a GEL on the way and headed into the the holding grid for my wave...but it wasn't my wave at all...my wave, apparently, was already in the water and about 30 seconds away fro the swim...turns out they got a little ahead of themselves...this was the last second fire that would now go under my A$$!!!
Off we went, just a quarter mile swim. Still looked long,it was in a circular type set-up. I kind of liked that once it was done, but it looked more brutal from shore. I still hate swimming the right way (whatever that is) so i just pump my sidestroke and save energy for my bike. So enough about the swim, it went well and when I got out of the water, I felt good too...off to the bike.
Wetsuit was mostly off by the time I got to T1, just had to yank it off the ankles and start switching inot bike format (captain obvious here). Man that air was cold! Alot of people were heading out on the bike with sweatshirts on, long pants and biking coats...!!!??? I think thats crazy, but that is just me. I stuck with my Tri suit NO socks (my only mistake) and my helmet. Good to go. The run out of transition with the bike was long and twisty, seemed to make for a long transition, but what can you do...everyone had to do the same thing. So out to the open roads of Buffalo...up the hill and around the corner, through town and out to the county roads. This was a loop style bike course, not an out and back...I liked it this way better. out and back always messes with my head a bit (halfway there...oh great). The ride was cold at first, but I warmed up fast. The roads were damp from the morning mist that was in the air, but there was plenty of grip, it was just fine. i was passing alot of people...being in wave 17 means there are alot of people in front of you at any given time. You really have no clue where you are at in the standings, so you just go. About hlfway through the bike i noticed a Team In Training jersey heading up a hill. I yelled, as I went by, "Go Team!"....he looked at me and said "Hey Sean!"...It was Reggie, one of my buddies. we continued to pass each other back and forth throughout the bike leg of the race, little repectable competion I presume. the bike was nearing the end as we wound around the lake and back into town...it was a good course, rather hilly but the last 3 miles were smooth and one more hill climb to the bike finish.
I got off my bike and started 'running' to the transition area. I seriously could not feel my feet...from the balls of my foot to the toes, completely numb. I started changing out to running, bike racked, helmet off, shoes off...uh-oh...getting running shoes on when you can't feel your feet is quite a chore. Somehow i got my 'dead' feet into my racing shoes and off to the run. Oh boy, this was gonna suck. mile one went by fast, but I know my pace was way too slow (for me anyway). I tried to kick it up a notch before the turnaround, but the non feeling in my feet ddi nothelp my efficency in my stride. Finally just afeter the turnaround my toes started to tingle their way back to life, but with a short 3 mile run I just couldn't make up the time I was hoping for. I hammered the best i could and the finish came on pretty quick as we ran through the park to the crowd at the finish. It was over, my day was now complete.
It was a good race!
http://www.brightroom.com/view_event_photos.asp?EVENTID=47423&PWD=
Friday, June 12, 2009
"Pa" from Little House on the Prairie is one top notch Mutha Cruncha!
i found myself a bit bored the other morning! Kids were all still asleep, dogs had been out and breakfast had already been shoved down the hatch (throat). I flipped through the channels briefly looking for something multi-sporty, which is very rarely on TV....of course, I found nothing. Something caught my eye, and it was as if i had no control over the remote...I dialed it in! Little House on the Prairie!!! For real, I love that show, and it was one of the old skool ones too where the girls are just young and Caroline is still hot. Anyway, sorry about that.
Ma was upset about something...she was substitute teaching at Walnut Grove school and there was a boy named Abel that couldn't read or write and the other students would make fun of him. She felt bad. When 'half-pint' called Abel the name the others were calling him, Caroline was terribly angry and ran down to the creek to cry. "Pa" had of way of wearing his heart on his sleeve....you could tell he was moderately annoyed that Caroline was 'blowing' this out of proportion, but being the loving man he is....he followed her down to the creek and chatted with her....reassuring her that it would be okay. he then said to here that he had heard she was playing baseball with the school kids and hit a home run!! she was so embarrassed and she said to him..."Are you making fun of me?" Pa just looked at her with a stearn grin and said "Never!" What a guy! you can't make this stuff up....
Read into it what you want...I did. Nonetheless, I will reiterate...Pa is one hell of a Mutha Cruncha!
peace out.....GK17
Ma was upset about something...she was substitute teaching at Walnut Grove school and there was a boy named Abel that couldn't read or write and the other students would make fun of him. She felt bad. When 'half-pint' called Abel the name the others were calling him, Caroline was terribly angry and ran down to the creek to cry. "Pa" had of way of wearing his heart on his sleeve....you could tell he was moderately annoyed that Caroline was 'blowing' this out of proportion, but being the loving man he is....he followed her down to the creek and chatted with her....reassuring her that it would be okay. he then said to here that he had heard she was playing baseball with the school kids and hit a home run!! she was so embarrassed and she said to him..."Are you making fun of me?" Pa just looked at her with a stearn grin and said "Never!" What a guy! you can't make this stuff up....
Read into it what you want...I did. Nonetheless, I will reiterate...Pa is one hell of a Mutha Cruncha!
peace out.....GK17
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Northern lakes 10-mile run...in the books, heres the report card.
May 30th! My birthday, the original Memorial Day…a great day (for me). Low and behold, a race, and a good race at that, on my day. Today (or on this day) I would race for my kids, my Mom, my Dad (who was there watching for the first time since I started this crazy venture) and for my friends…who have been rooting me on this whole year! You know who you are, fo sho.
I had been talking with my manager, David, at my second job (the Running Room, how fitting) and we were trying to figure out what kind of time I could post for a 10 mile run based on my most recent 5k. I ran the 5k in 19:10, unofficially official! So based on that pace, my threshold pace for a 10 miler should equate to 6 minute and 40 second miles….REALLY? David reassured me that the book doesn’t lie. I laughed out loud when he said that, so did he…but he wasnt’ joking, he assured me I COULD do it physically, it was the mental part of running a race that he couldn’t be so exact with. So, I took it with a grain of ‘kosher’ salt and prepared my mind and body for the upcoming event.
Finally the day had arrived! The race was to start at White Bear Lake HS North campus and meander through the that part of town and around Bald Eagle Lake (it’s a pretty large water mass). I was really stoked! Had all 3 kids with me, IZ and Erica were there to race the 5k and to cheer me on. Dad was to show up just after the gun went off to hang with the kiddos…great stuff.
I got to the start line over by the RR tracks, got in a last minute potty break, checked to make sure my Roctane was in my shorts pocket, set the Garmin and was ready to run.
Now as many of you know, especially if you come from a background of organized sports in high school or whatever…it is very easy to try and ’size’ up your competition! Word to the wise….NEVER do this in a running type atmosphere!! Good and great runners do not look the part, not even a little bit, TRUST ME. I do know a good/great runner, though, when the guy at the start fo a ten mile race is standing at the start line, finger on his ’stop/start’ button, in full sprint mode…either he is great or over zealous a bit. Turns out he was great!
I kept pace with the front ‘group’ for about a mile, not the front runners, but the front group. I suppose there were about 10 of us in that group. My legs felt heavy and my lungs were already on fire. I had started way too fast, only to my benefit..althoughI didn’t know that until the race was over. Miles 2 and 3 were atrocious at best. Not enough oxygen, and the pack was quickly pulling away from me. Headwinds coming off the lake were killing my stride as I was on a long and windy straight (does that make sense?). I couldn’t wait for a turn in the road or some big trees to block the wind, and the sun. It was gorgeous out, though, just a bit breezy for my liking. I pushed through. Finally a hard left turn back into the lake community of homes, neat little houses and cabins, windy, twisty roads, up and downhills galore. many changes, many moods…I was struggling to stay on top of whatever gameplan I had going at this point. Legs still felt like tree trunks, the Roctane hadn’t kicked in quite yet and only on mile 4 now. Ouch, this was a miserable race (in my mind). i looked at my watch a couple times for pace…I kept seeing the number 7 and some change. I was disgruntled, this wasn’t my day…I kept saying that at every water stop too. I actually stopped at every water stop just to get my bearing straight. I wan’t feeling it, not today. So I ran. Knowing I could at least keep the pace I had been holding for the first half of the race and hoping for some energy toward the end, it would still psot some good times, but not where I knew I could be physically…not what David and that book told me I was capable of. Then that little voice inside told me to pick it up…change the running style a bit…get up on your forefoot a little more and take quicker steps and take them with purpose. So I did, cause thats what I do…I listen to that little voice, cause more often than not, it’s right! I picked it up. I was only passed by a couple of people at this point and feelign quite good about that at least, but I could feel the footsteps coming on from behind. No worries, I would just have to make the best of it. An older gentlemen passed me at mile 6 now, he had quite a stride. I tried the best I could to hold pace with him, at least keep him in my sites. I did and the next 2 miles melted away into the misty air, along with all my negative thoughts. Mile 8 was now approaching, only 2 to go and feeling quite sluggish, but I had it in me to finish strong, I knew that much.
At mile 8.5, last water stop, another ‘older’ guy came from behind. He ran good!! he was looking quite exhilerated and we exchanged some friendly words then he passed me. I paced him for the next half mile, just sticking in behind him, letting him know I was still there, and I would be there to the finish at least. He picked it up a bit, so did I….he picked it upa bit more….I returned the favor. My mind was telling me to slow down, but my legs would not stop pumping. I hurt, I was tired, dehydrated, weak…but I pushed. A LONG, flat staightaway to the finish, just a half mile more or so and it would be over…so I pushed harder. Next thing I know I passed this guy who had been pulling me the last mile. I don’t like to be passed back so I dug deeper and I could sense the finish approaching. Another 2 tenths, I had to hold my line, 1 tenth….I saw my kids screaming and yelling…”Go Daddy, Go!!” as they ran with me in the final block. There was my Dad, smiling proud, clapping…thats all I need to see! And then I saw IZ and Erica cheering me on to the finish. I did it, I made it…just 1 hour ago I was ready to cash in the chips for the day and just be mediocre.
I didn’t think I proved much today, as just two weeks prior to this i ran a PR half marathon. I’m just glad I finished, and at least ran the last mile strong. Little did I know that I had just ran 10 miles at an average pace of 6:54 per mile. Almost ran my threshold pace. It took IZ to calm me down, look at my eyes and say…”you just ran that in sub-sevens…do you realize that?”. I didn’t even believe her, I had to do the math, and she was right. 10 miles in 1:08″53!! A new PR for me in the 10 mile jont.
After cheering on some of the other runners we decided to head into the local pub for the awards ceremony. We were a bit late, but got to see some of the top runners receive their awards. After the ceremony I went up to chat with race director Mark Bongers (FinalStretch, Inc.). I told him he put together a nice race and was glad to be a part of it. Introduced myself as Sean Pease from the Running Room in Maple Grove….we knew each ohter, but only over e-mail. he said….”hey, where were you…you took 3rd in your age group (30-39), heres a prize…we missed you as we went throught the list earlier! Congrats!” What…I place in my age group? A PR and an age group placement…on my birthday!? This truly was one of my happier and proud moments. I want to thank those of you who have stood by me….right or wrong, good and bad, understood or misunderstood…you have helped get me though this time. And to Christ…who is my true strength, my eyes are fixed on you.
I had been talking with my manager, David, at my second job (the Running Room, how fitting) and we were trying to figure out what kind of time I could post for a 10 mile run based on my most recent 5k. I ran the 5k in 19:10, unofficially official! So based on that pace, my threshold pace for a 10 miler should equate to 6 minute and 40 second miles….REALLY? David reassured me that the book doesn’t lie. I laughed out loud when he said that, so did he…but he wasnt’ joking, he assured me I COULD do it physically, it was the mental part of running a race that he couldn’t be so exact with. So, I took it with a grain of ‘kosher’ salt and prepared my mind and body for the upcoming event.
Finally the day had arrived! The race was to start at White Bear Lake HS North campus and meander through the that part of town and around Bald Eagle Lake (it’s a pretty large water mass). I was really stoked! Had all 3 kids with me, IZ and Erica were there to race the 5k and to cheer me on. Dad was to show up just after the gun went off to hang with the kiddos…great stuff.
I got to the start line over by the RR tracks, got in a last minute potty break, checked to make sure my Roctane was in my shorts pocket, set the Garmin and was ready to run.
Now as many of you know, especially if you come from a background of organized sports in high school or whatever…it is very easy to try and ’size’ up your competition! Word to the wise….NEVER do this in a running type atmosphere!! Good and great runners do not look the part, not even a little bit, TRUST ME. I do know a good/great runner, though, when the guy at the start fo a ten mile race is standing at the start line, finger on his ’stop/start’ button, in full sprint mode…either he is great or over zealous a bit. Turns out he was great!
I kept pace with the front ‘group’ for about a mile, not the front runners, but the front group. I suppose there were about 10 of us in that group. My legs felt heavy and my lungs were already on fire. I had started way too fast, only to my benefit..althoughI didn’t know that until the race was over. Miles 2 and 3 were atrocious at best. Not enough oxygen, and the pack was quickly pulling away from me. Headwinds coming off the lake were killing my stride as I was on a long and windy straight (does that make sense?). I couldn’t wait for a turn in the road or some big trees to block the wind, and the sun. It was gorgeous out, though, just a bit breezy for my liking. I pushed through. Finally a hard left turn back into the lake community of homes, neat little houses and cabins, windy, twisty roads, up and downhills galore. many changes, many moods…I was struggling to stay on top of whatever gameplan I had going at this point. Legs still felt like tree trunks, the Roctane hadn’t kicked in quite yet and only on mile 4 now. Ouch, this was a miserable race (in my mind). i looked at my watch a couple times for pace…I kept seeing the number 7 and some change. I was disgruntled, this wasn’t my day…I kept saying that at every water stop too. I actually stopped at every water stop just to get my bearing straight. I wan’t feeling it, not today. So I ran. Knowing I could at least keep the pace I had been holding for the first half of the race and hoping for some energy toward the end, it would still psot some good times, but not where I knew I could be physically…not what David and that book told me I was capable of. Then that little voice inside told me to pick it up…change the running style a bit…get up on your forefoot a little more and take quicker steps and take them with purpose. So I did, cause thats what I do…I listen to that little voice, cause more often than not, it’s right! I picked it up. I was only passed by a couple of people at this point and feelign quite good about that at least, but I could feel the footsteps coming on from behind. No worries, I would just have to make the best of it. An older gentlemen passed me at mile 6 now, he had quite a stride. I tried the best I could to hold pace with him, at least keep him in my sites. I did and the next 2 miles melted away into the misty air, along with all my negative thoughts. Mile 8 was now approaching, only 2 to go and feeling quite sluggish, but I had it in me to finish strong, I knew that much.
At mile 8.5, last water stop, another ‘older’ guy came from behind. He ran good!! he was looking quite exhilerated and we exchanged some friendly words then he passed me. I paced him for the next half mile, just sticking in behind him, letting him know I was still there, and I would be there to the finish at least. He picked it up a bit, so did I….he picked it upa bit more….I returned the favor. My mind was telling me to slow down, but my legs would not stop pumping. I hurt, I was tired, dehydrated, weak…but I pushed. A LONG, flat staightaway to the finish, just a half mile more or so and it would be over…so I pushed harder. Next thing I know I passed this guy who had been pulling me the last mile. I don’t like to be passed back so I dug deeper and I could sense the finish approaching. Another 2 tenths, I had to hold my line, 1 tenth….I saw my kids screaming and yelling…”Go Daddy, Go!!” as they ran with me in the final block. There was my Dad, smiling proud, clapping…thats all I need to see! And then I saw IZ and Erica cheering me on to the finish. I did it, I made it…just 1 hour ago I was ready to cash in the chips for the day and just be mediocre.
I didn’t think I proved much today, as just two weeks prior to this i ran a PR half marathon. I’m just glad I finished, and at least ran the last mile strong. Little did I know that I had just ran 10 miles at an average pace of 6:54 per mile. Almost ran my threshold pace. It took IZ to calm me down, look at my eyes and say…”you just ran that in sub-sevens…do you realize that?”. I didn’t even believe her, I had to do the math, and she was right. 10 miles in 1:08″53!! A new PR for me in the 10 mile jont.
After cheering on some of the other runners we decided to head into the local pub for the awards ceremony. We were a bit late, but got to see some of the top runners receive their awards. After the ceremony I went up to chat with race director Mark Bongers (FinalStretch, Inc.). I told him he put together a nice race and was glad to be a part of it. Introduced myself as Sean Pease from the Running Room in Maple Grove….we knew each ohter, but only over e-mail. he said….”hey, where were you…you took 3rd in your age group (30-39), heres a prize…we missed you as we went throught the list earlier! Congrats!” What…I place in my age group? A PR and an age group placement…on my birthday!? This truly was one of my happier and proud moments. I want to thank those of you who have stood by me….right or wrong, good and bad, understood or misunderstood…you have helped get me though this time. And to Christ…who is my true strength, my eyes are fixed on you.
Friday, June 5, 2009
BIG weekend!
Night at the Orpheum!
Phantom of the Opera...in my sights,
in my mind.
I can't wait, gonna be a first for
me to see a play of this magnitude.
sweet b--day present!
Saturday delight....
garage saling with the kiddos...
swimming, maybe, if its nice.
carb loading for a potentially
wet and stormy TRI in
Buffalo MN. OOOOO-lalala!
packing and macking
for the new place...
only 2 weeks away, buddy!
Sunday....
TRI hard, my friends.
i know i will.
I dropped it back to sprint,
Oly is cool, but I'm not ready
to be competitive enough for
my liking, and I'm not trying
to please anyone with this but ME!
And Him...glory, glory, hallelujah.
keep in touch, race report on the 10-mile run form last weekend
to come soon...I think
you will like what I have for ya there.
check in for race report, moving report,
sport report, slim report, smack report?
attack report...
Out!
Phantom of the Opera...in my sights,
in my mind.
I can't wait, gonna be a first for
me to see a play of this magnitude.
sweet b--day present!
Saturday delight....
garage saling with the kiddos...
swimming, maybe, if its nice.
carb loading for a potentially
wet and stormy TRI in
Buffalo MN. OOOOO-lalala!
packing and macking
for the new place...
only 2 weeks away, buddy!
Sunday....
TRI hard, my friends.
i know i will.
I dropped it back to sprint,
Oly is cool, but I'm not ready
to be competitive enough for
my liking, and I'm not trying
to please anyone with this but ME!
And Him...glory, glory, hallelujah.
keep in touch, race report on the 10-mile run form last weekend
to come soon...I think
you will like what I have for ya there.
check in for race report, moving report,
sport report, slim report, smack report?
attack report...
Out!
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