Monday, August 4, 2008

30?? Um, not YET!!

So. I'm 29.....and I don't turn 30 until October. However, according to the USAT rules, I will be racing in the age group that I will be as of 12/31/08. Now three weeks ago, according to Ironman rules, I was racing "the age I was on race day." Now, typically, I don't agree with a lot of the Ironman Corporation thoughts, because, in fact it's a corporation, but.....I have to say, i'm ALL for racing "the age I am on race day." I mean, come on, i'm technically NOT 30. It's funny how they have all these rules in triathlon "you technically littered by having your water bottles fly out of their cages and you have to go get it," and "I don't care if Florida is a flat Ironman and someone passes you at mile 80 and sits on your front wheel YOU were technically drafting."

So, while we're being technical...why am I racing as a 30-year-old again? Hmph. Fine. I need to get used to it anyway right? The thing is, if I was actually 30, I wouldn't care, but i'm not! And, just to clarify, I don't really care that i'm turning 30, it's just an odd rule!

I leave for Colorado on Friday and i'm super excited...i'll get all my stuff together as the week goes on, but I had a good laugh this morning as I got a text from my sister Trinette informing me that we're in the same wave, so we start just before my other sister. Trinette would like to attach a bouey on my legs during the swim to hold on to and she has made some requests for the run: that someone hold french fries for her for her "salt," and someone to run next to her with an umbrella since there is absolutely......absolutely NO shade on the run course! She totally underestimates herself. I ran track with her a few weeks ago in New York. She left me huffing.

I wish french fries, bouey's and oxygen masks were race-legal and i'm wishing there was someone out there who wants to lend me an "altitude tent," for the next four nights.

Anyone? Anyone?

Yeah, so about this little Boulder Long Course race. Apparently i've been told it's "not a fast course," and I just know......the competition is ridiculous. Like, sick ridiculously fast.

I was thinking about people's opinions on races for example: one person's hilly is another person's "rollers." That sort of thing. I have my own standards by what I think is hilly, flat etc. For example: Wildflower-heinously hilly, Vineman-rolling/manageable, Florida-flat as a freaking pancake, SOMA Half-also flat.

Now, for "shade,".....Wildflower-the *only* shade I remember was running in tree's on the run, Vineman-I actually thought this course had a TON of shade-minus two miles on the run, and that's only because I compare it to Boulder Peak (olympic distance) and the Boulder Long Course (Half Ironman). This run is out by a reservoir, in the middle of Boulder...with no trees.....anywhere. It is absolutely the most exposed run at least for triathlon purposes......and i'm just hoping for some overcast =0.

Last time I raced in Colorado for the Boulder Peak, I was way down in the age group....I finished but I was coming off of a 4th place finish at San Diego International, so I had a totally different expectation. That includes when I raced in Minneapolis and down in Florida.....many of the finishers who placed top of their age group were from all over the place. It's really fun to travel to do triathlons because when you're used to only racing in your town, against the same people all the time, it gets kind of predictable as to who will finish where....and racing somewhere else just reminds you how much broader this sport is and the talent is ALL over the place =0.

I haven't ever done the Boulder Long Course before, and the only expectation have is to have fun with my sisters and yeah, ok, sure, another solid run would be nice....and i'm NOT using altitude as an excuse. If I have a hard time, i'll suck it up.....but i'm not going out early to "acclimate" or whatever, I don't have that kind of time, i'm just going to go and race hard!!!

Post-Ice Bath-after the 90 minute Friday run: Saturday: 4 hour ride: 73 miles...Sunday: 2 hour ride: 33 miles.....I took it easy both days ie, no transition run, Sunday had a bit of hills, but manageable and felt good to get out of aero and ride with my new friend Christine! Sassy Shan was going to join us but got attacked by some awful virus that left her achey and eye-twitchy.....rest up Shan and take in some tasty goods to get better!

Today i'm going to swim for 30 minutes and possibly run for 30. I'm taking it easy because, well, I want to keep things loose!!

BTW: the ice bath was hysterical. Dave literally laughed out loud when I told him how many pounds of ice I used.....but seriously...NO knee pain...at all on either of my rides and *that* my friends was worth all the shivering!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

MER! GOOD luck in Boulder! You will do great! have fun! :) Jen H.

Anonymous said...

What? Is that this weekend? Just kidding, I know you're going to do great! Love! Dave!

BreeWee said...

YEAH for the massive pounds of ice! I am so with ya, crazy rule! I am 28 and they STILL call me 29 on the back of my calf every race this year, 29, not even the "E" for Elite or pro like the other gals get... a big 29!

Hope the travel and pre race fun is all good!!! Enjoy it...

Anonymous said...

It made me shiver just to think of all that ice. I hope you, Dawn and Trinette have a great day.

Shan said...

Can't wait to hear all about Boulder Long Course...I've just gotta do that one someday...

And in celebration of your race next week, let's go to Froglanders or Paradise!!!!! :)

Lauren said...

Sorry you have to race with "old" people :) That is a random rule!
I'm sure you equally excited to get QT with the family as you are to race. Good luck....and maybe a post before you go??? Love you!

Jennifer Yake Neuschwander said...

I bet if you posted on TCSD somebody would lend you an altitude tent:)

Good luck in Boulder. Have fun

Anonymous said...

Mer...I remember thinking the same thing last year "What do you mean I'm racing with the 30 yr olds??!!" It was kind of like a punch in the face....here comes 30. Anyways, good luck this weekend and tell Dawn and Trinette the same! Love, Laura

beth said...

i still cannot believe you did an ice bath...

good luck this weekend! cant wait to hear about it....

i'm riding w/ shan and christine on sunday. ONE DAY the planets will align and we can all ride together. AND since i have no coach i promise to do whatever amanda has prescribed (must be good!)
GOOD LUCK! HAVE FUN!

Anonymous said...

you are insane.. an ice bath?? do great this weekend and have so mcuh fun with your sisters!!
Love and huge hugs, Nicole Thomas (I have to use my last name as long as I still have it :-) )

Anonymous said...

Go Mer, go! See Mer go! And I sooo agree with you about the age issue! I especially love how Athlinks has gone back and adjusted peoples' race results and "aged them up" after-the-fact. It's really cool to podium and then have Ironman Inc. or Athlinks publish you in like 5th or 6th place. Whatevs, but I HEAR ya. You're a butt-kicker regardless, girl! And love the blog!