Kim's First International Distance
Oceanside International Distance October 26, 2014
This was my first international distance triathlon and my third race ever.
I have been training for triathlon for about a year (minus 2 months for eye surgery and 2 months to fight pneumonia). I completed a Sprint distance in May and was scheduled to do 1 other sprint distance race in June, but had to back out, because of the pneumonia. I was also scheduled to race in a relay at the Equinox Malibu Triathlon in September, but we had a family emergency that took us out of town over that weekend. On October 12th I participated in the Hermosa Beach Sprint distance triathlon with my family. It was a race I knew I could do and was looking forward to being with 2 of my 4 adult children who are also triathletes. It was such a beautiful day and I could not wait to meet with them at the finish line. I was in the last wave (wave 10 of 10 women 45 +). I noticed as each wave took off from the beach, the surf started to get more and more aggressive 
. I saw several people get fished out by the lifeguards. It was definitely something I was not used to doing in a wet suit. The surf was about 4-6 feet (they may have been bigger) and the waves were breaking shallow one after another. Without going through every thought and detail, I was one that ended up getting caught in a wave set and had to be fished out by a lifeguard. I do not remember much, other than being held under the water by a wave for what seemed like eternity. I came up without my goggles, which I found later around my neck, only to be tossed under another wave. I was eventually pulled out by a lifeguard who asked me questions I was not certain I answered correctly. He let me go after a few minutes. I guess I was not going to die. I then ran up the beach and saw my husband, Eric (4x 70.3 finisher), waiting for me by the swim finish. I immediately started to cry as I told him what happened, but he was not giving me any sympathy (he might have for a minute) and encouraged me to keep going. I ran into T1 got on my bike and went to the finish with a PR in my 5K run distance. I was so disappointed about the swim, I just could not see my run as a good thing; my confidence was shattered. I beat myself up for several days after Hermosa, but eventually dug deep and found it within myself to focus on the race I worked so hard for…Oceanside Lifetime International Distance Triathlon coming in 2 weeks!
Earlier this year, I completed the EN 20 week short course beginner training program. I was not able to complete the workouts fully and was taking a lot of recovery time. I decided I would repeat the program timed to finish for this race. By the end of week 20, I felt a sense of accomplishment as I completed each workout
.
The Lifetime Triathlon took place on Sunday, October 26th in Oceanside, California. We live about 2 hours away, so we drove down Saturday morning. As we got closer, I started to feel anxious and stressed out. It was hard for me to keep food and liquids down. I did not feel good at all, but tried to stay positive and sum it all up as pre-race jitters. Eric and I went straight to the pier and picked up our race packets with all the cool swag and then attended a course talk. We were able to meet Andy Potts and Sarah Haskins (really cool people). They took some selfies with us and signed my run visor, which I will never use for fear of ruining it now. Of course, I'm such a dork, I couldn't think of anything intelligent to say to either of them. I just stumbled over my words while I spoke; so 
embarrassing, but it took my mind off of the race anxiety. I also needed to organize my thoughts for 2 different transition areas. This was my first experience with T1 and T2 in different areas. It turned out to be fine and I did not have a problem figuring it all out. We dropped off our run stuff first, and then we drove to T1 to drop off our bike stuff.
After transition drop off, we checked into our hotel. Our room had a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean and our T2 area by the Oceanside Pier. I tried to enjoy the scenery and beauty of this place and felt thankful for the opportunity to be able do this while this body still could. After a nice dinner with my husband (which I had a hard time eating). I started to feel really nervous as I got ready for bed about 8 PM. I was able to fall asleep about 9 PM, but woke up at 11 PM….WUUUT!!! 
I had conversations with myself for the rest of the night about whether or not I will ever do this again. I could not shut my brain off or relax.
Fast forward to 5 AM, I climbed out of bed and started to get ready. I planned to eat about 2 hours before my swim start- I was in Wave 4 (Military/First Responder Men and Women) at 7:17 AM. Eric was in Wave 8 (Male 55-59). I tried to eat something….anything, but just gagged
. I was worried now that I did not get enough food or liquids the day before and now this. I tried not to let it mess with my mind, especially since this was a short course. We left our hotel about 6 AM and took the 20 minute walk to T1/swim start area. It was still dark out, but a nice walk along the strand. As we were walking, I spotted a Plumeria Tree in someone’s front yard. Plumeria Trees are my favorite! I picked up a fresh flower that had fallen to the ground and carried it with me taking in the beautiful scent every few minutes. There was something calming about doing this. When we arrived, there were volunteers everywhere to help with whatever we needed. They were the best! I made my way to T1 were I set up my drinks and gels on my bike, put my wet suit on, and arranged my wet and dry bags provided.
After the National Anthem the race began in waves (1-18 including the Sprint waves)
The Swim
The swim was .92 miles in the calm and protected Oceanside Harbor. We had some concerns about fog, but that never happened. The water temp was 70.9 F (not 71). Perfect conditions for an open water swim. My plan for the swim was to keep going without stopping, focus on technique, experience the beauty around me, and be grateful for the privilege of standing at this line with 1000 other fantastic people! The Pro Men took off while it was still dark! Then the Pro Women took off about 10 minutes later. The sun was just starting to come up when the Elite Men and Women took off (about 10 minutes after that). My wave was next! I felt so sick and I could not stop shaking. I was 1 of only 4 women and we all hung in the back of the pack together. They had us swim out to the start a little late, since most of us were not at the start buoys when the horn went off. Now there was only 2 minutes between waves and I had another 50 meters to swim before I was at the start. The lifeguard waved me through thinking I did not hear the horn, but my heart rate was so high I needed to catch my breath. After about 15 seconds I was finally on my way! I was able to make it to the turnaround buoys before the next wave caught up to me. People were swimming over the top of me, kicking me, scratching me etc….I could feel the panic start to set in, but I took a minute and moved to the right of the pack, so they could pass without drowning me. I was a little psyched about that and it really slowed me down. Not a scenario that is easily simulated in training; I just needed to get through this! I started to swim again and was very confident now I could see the finish buoy. I swam as far up the boat ramp as I could before a volunteer helped me to my feet. I was dizzy and a little disoriented, but managed to unzip my wetsuit and make it to my bike. Swim time 40:00.07 T1 to bike start 5:00.35. I was not ok with my time, I know I could have done better, but since I have only been a swimmer (and triathlete) for about 8 good training months, I needed to just shake it off, be proud, and move on.
The Bike 24.8 Miles
Speaking of moving on…I saw my husband in T1 and we ran out with our bikes together. Remember, he was in Wave 8! His swim time was 28:52.05. I’m slow and he’s fast, so it worked out that way. We mounted our bikes, and I followed him over the bridge. We were able to stay together until we got to Highway 76, when I noticed my derailleur was not giving me my 3 lower gears to ascend the slight climbs. Not good! Luckily, I inherited my East German thighs from my mother. Someday, they will be conditioned enough to produce some great power so cycling should be a strength, but not today. No! Not today I immediately started to cramp and could not keep my cadence up with the gear issues. I have heard of the dreaded cramps during races, but I have yet to experience it to this extent. I tried to take it easy knowing I still had a 10K to run. Now my goals for the bike turned from keeping a consistent cadence to just make it through without burning my legs out. The entire bike was, “On your left…On your left!” It was so frustrating
. The bike consisted of 2 loops on Highway 76 then back to the coastline for 2 loops before the finish. When I got to T2, my legs were like jelly. I hung my bike and sat down while I put on my run gear. I noticed my Plumeria Flower was still hanging on my drink holder behind my seat. It was kind of symbolic. Bike time-1:43.16 and T2 to run- 7:10.29. Just way too long! This was hard for me since I needed to run a 10K now.
The Run- 10K along the beautiful strand of the California Coastline
The first mile I took time to gather my legs and my thoughts. The volunteers and the crowd were so motivating. I found more fuel in the tank and I found that familiar rhythm; you know the one that allows your body to just keep going forever? It was so encouraging for me to finally get that and to hear the timing chip beeps as I passed each timing station. My legs were screaming the whole time, but I ignored them and kept going. My Garmin alerted me every mile and every 15 minutes instilling more and more faith in myself that I was going to finish. Just believe, persevere, trust your training, and do not stop until you are dead! Funny how the little things like a humming Garmin can help with this process.
About a ½ mile out from the finish, I just hit it and sprinted across the finish line with a huge smile across my face. I could feel my cheeks shaking and the announcer was quick to point out my smile and the fact I was military/first responder….Oh no! I thought, don’t say that. I felt a lot of emotions; both proud I did this and unworthy all at the same time. Run time 1:22:26 Total time 3:57:51 448th of 450….Well, at least I wasn’t last! I also noticed there were so many people with DQ next to their names. Does that mean they were disqualified? Why so many?
This was my third race, but my first international distance. I trusted my training and continued to work on the mental part of this sport, which I feel I succeeded for the most part. I did not eat well or rest well the 2 days before the race, which was something I could not control no matter what I did. Overall this race was a success (except for the bike mechanical issues): I had a good time, I met the personal goal of finishing, and got in my best workout ever. Surprisingly, I am just a little sore, but feel with time, training, and experience; I will continue toward the goal and find my place in this crazy world of Triathlon.
Thanks for reading. I am truly humbled by this community of great people accomplishing great things!
Kim
Comments
At the very least, you know that by following the plan you'll be ready, which should boost your confidence, calm your nerves, and ensure you can perform at your best.
Thanks Doug for the encouragement! That's what I love about this community. I'm doing the EN Out Season plan now. I did my 5K test yesterday and broke into my first 10 min/mile...A huge confidence builder, since I have been at 11:38 for what seems like forever. My Vo2 max increased as well. Yayyy!!
Kim