Lonestar Triathlon Race Recap!!

5:52:30

I am back. Back from Galveston, TX where I had one of the best days of racing EVER!! Here it is, the race report you have been waiting for.....

The day starts, I get up and eat large. As I have learned from Jeff W., I am not eating enough before I race. I am going in already depleted, so this race was about trying new things nutritionally since it is not my 'A' race. I get up around 5 AM, eat around 1000 calories before I load up the bike and gear and head down to transition. Get my race packet (thanks Adam!!), continue drinking water, warm up on the run, make sure all gears are working on the bike and grab my wetsuit to head down for a warm-up swim. I get in the water, swim for about 8 minutes. Salt water is weird and tastes funny.

I finish my bottle of water, eat a banana and wait for my wave to be called.

We take off at 8:05 and here is what happened.

Swim: It was a deep water start so I used the tricks that Texas Iron taught me for Open Water swim....I get about 200 out and I relax into my stroke, feeling good and efficient with my TPR. As we hit the second bouy, the water becomes a bit choppy and I panic as I am being slapped in the face in each direction. After about 5 minutes of mayhem I talk myself into calming down. I was happy to reach the finish and I felt good about my swim. 44:16 was the final time (2 minutes off my last Half Iron) I was sad about this because it felt like my time should be better. However when I talked to Mo (coach from T3) he told me that the swim was long and my time would have been better.

Bike: My goal for the bike was to get the calories in and to watch ONLY cadence in order to save my legs for the run. We had a head wind going out, but it wasn't horrible. The first loop out it was about 10mph and the second looped it picked up to about 13 mph. Thankfully we had cloud cover and so you were not overheating going into the wind. You got a nice tail wind coming back into racesite, so that was nice. My bike time was 3:00:45. (4 minutes better than personal best) Average cadence was 94 rpm's, Average mph was 18.6. Not bad for either actually.

Run: Here is where I took the course and totally made it MINE!!!! I headed out onto the run course and ran the first 2 miles with a small bottle of water in hand (a tip Jamie Cleveland taught me so that you don't go out too fast) I used the first two miles to just get comfortable and to stretch my back out again. Being aero for 3 hours is more painful than I thought. As I finished the first half, I could feel that my legs had enough in them to really go so I picked up the pace for the second loop of the run. The last 2 miles were 8:05 and 8:10 miles for me....Making my run 2:03:25!!!!! (9:25 mile average) I took 18 minutes off my 13.1 mile best which makes me MORE than happy! I never walked in this race and stayed in it mentally the entire time!!

Final time- 5:52:30

I went under 6 hours which had never been done by Colleen Renee Wilson. Took 24 minutes off my Personal Best for Half Ironman and had such a great time during this race!

A shout out to Carrie W. and Amanda A. for finishing their FIRST Triathlon!! They are training for Wildflower Half but did the Olympic yesterday to get in the swing of it all and totally ROCKED it! And to the rest of the Austin crew...Shelley, Mama T, Amber R., Naomi, Barry & Ryan...thanks for making this a FUN trip!! It was great to see you back out there Jodi, nice work! Way to go Billy for taking 2nd in his Age Group in Olympic Distance!!

In Jack & Adam's most recent newsletter Jack writes, "It is not about where you finish, what type of bike you have, what you do for a living, where you are from or where you are going. It is about having fun and that is it. You can have many goals in our sport without forgetting this key element."

So very true. I had some serious fun yesterday and had a great race at the same time!!

1:58, 7:55....get ready.

Those numbers above are:

1:58 for my 100m this morning and I was not pushing it terribly.

7:55 for my 400m (@ 800m pace) Felt great when I finished.

This is the FIRST time in the history of 3 triathlon seasons that I am excited about entering the water. I feel like I will make a small dent in what has been my nemesis all along in this sport.

As Chrissie said this morning, "You will start a bit fast but then settle in that same rhythm and all will go well."

Folks. This is gonna be a good race.

Getting ready for Sunday!!!

This Sunday is my first big race of the season. NOT my 'A' race but being in Galveston this weekend will be like racing back in Florida, so I am excited to see where my time takes me!! Let's take a look at the work done since good old Longhorn Tri in November.

Swim: Took the T3 clinic and have been swimming 2-3 times per week since mid-January. (I know this doesn't sound like much but if you knew how much I had done before this and how much I used to hate the water, this is HUGE) I have taken about 26 seconds off my 100m since working with T3 and learning to become more efficient in the water.

Bike: I feel strong be it hills, wind, flatlands....and this is flat....out and back (twice)along the seawall. Yes I could have a head wind one way but I just need to stay in a good place mentally and know that as I turn, a tailwind will allow me to recover. I would love to go under 3 hours for this bike and I totally KNOW this is possible.

Run: I am certainly stronger since October on the run as proved in my time at the Austin Half. I would really love to go between 2:00 and 2:15. The trick is going to be keeping the high cadence on the bike so I can save my legs for the run.

I would love to have a PR and I think on this course it is more than possible with the things that are IN my control. We shall see.....

Stay tuned for the race report come Monday!

This is my 4th Half Iron and I feel really prepared due to T3(swim), Texas Iron (nutrition, bike and run) & Jeff Williams (the guy that rides his mountain bike way ahead of me when I am struggling up hills on my Tri bike & also the guy that has taught me to love my life and stay positive no matter what!!!)

Did I mention I love this sport?

A bit of climbing...Team Magleen

I am super excited. Maggie sent me an e-mail this morning about going to Ft. Davis in May and getting a good ride + brick in before our Ironman. Here is what she wrote...

"Just a thought. Quick training weekend out in fort davis may 16th? I don’t know how much work i can get off – if any, but we could ride, i.e. climb, Saturday and do a brick or run on Sunday. Maybe jeff can go too and school us! Am i sadistic – b/c that looks like fun! However, i just read on the velossimo site that it’s a lot more brutal than it looks."

My thoughts..."Sadistic...yes, but I love that! Brutal...is my middle name!!"

Mark your calendars folks cause this what Maggie and I will take on come May...

Run Colleen Run

Today was a SUPERB training day!!!

Had a 2700 swim, which felt awesome. (I know, i can't believe I am saying it either)

Off to work where I am diligently starting the carb loading for this weeks race per the nutrition discussion with Jeff at Texas Iron Camp.

Then left work and headed to Texas Iron Run Workout.

For those racing the Half Ironman this weekend...

we did 4 Half Mile repeats at Zilker. 2 minutes rest in between.

Here is how mine went.

3:38
3:39
3:35
3:40

Not bad friends.....and I felt good at the end of it all!!

I am loving this training right now!

Then after the run, I got good time with Miss Magzilla as we ate to our hearts content at Casa!! YUM!!!

Good times catching up with my friend and good, healthy food!

YEAH!!!

What the????

As I completed my last post, I glanced at the countdown and saw TWO months. YIKES!!! I mean...it is really closer to 3 months being that it is 2 months and 27 days. But to say 2 months....AND...oh my. Yowzers. Check please, must go train.

Enough Alida!!!!

Ok....let me explain the lack of posts. First...I traveled to Salt Lake City last week, got back on Friday....hit the ground running and right now, I have NO internet at mi casa. I mean...NONE. I had a 4.5 hour ride on Sunday, absolutely BEAUTIFUL day and got to ride with some folks from the Cap Tex and Wildflower teams. (TNT folk) Got in a few hills, mainly rollers and just enjoyed being outside. (you jealous now Alida? Was it above 28 in Chicago?)

After biking it was onto church for a last minute rehearsal for Easter services on Saturday night and Sunday morning.

After that was completed on Sunday...I then came home for a 1.5 hour run (where my legs felt like lead). Drove up north to get my dog from Miss T. and finally got into bed exhausted at around 1030 PM.

Start of a new week.....Monday was a day off (went to Core class where my Monday night date put a hurt on)

Tuesday- Swim at 545 AM, felt great!!!
Texas Iron run practice tonight

Wednesday- Swim at Barton Springs 6 AM
Core class and 30 minute tempo run

Thursday- Swim at 545 AM
Bike workout in the evening

Friday- day off!!

Saturday- 2.5 hour ride

Sunday- LONESTAR Half Ironman!!!!! GET READY!!!!!!

Sunday afternoon, nap and a few beers.

I will try to get on the computer, download some pictures and tell you all about my adventures in Salt Lake (through pictures and a few other updates on life)

This post was boring....but if I didn't post, Alida might hurt me.

I ain't slacking...if you were wondering.

I am in Salt Lake City for a few days...new job could be on the horizon. And yes, I did the research and got in the training I needed to. However, I did NOT have a good time in the pool I went to yesterday. Let me tell you my story.

I found the Steiner Aquatic Center (has a 25m indoor pool and a 50m outdoor pool, heated and the view of the mountains is amazing from either indoor or outdoor) I arrive, purchase a new pair of goggles from the front desk as I realized I forgot mine. Found my way to the pool.....my first 1400m went really really well. I was swimming in a lane with one other woman when a third entered and asked if we could circle. We say, sure and I quickly realize they are not there to SWIM, they are there to be recreational. I see that the man in the lane next to me is by himself. I say...I am just gonna move over to his lane and share with him. The woman says, "oh, you are not Mormon." I say "nope." She says, "I can't share the same lane as another man." I decide it is best to just leave this alone and I continue my swim. I was following the workout per Texas Iron, and getting into a rhythm when a big hairy man in a speedo enters my story and my lane. We begin to circle and about 200m later, Hairy Man #3 asks to enter the same lane. (the first man in the lane was also hairy. By now I am severely disgusted as hairy backs make me want to vomit.) We are now circling except that 2 of these men put fins on and start to swim all over me. And I am being serious...one of them swam right over me. I am not quite sure what pool etiquette is but this can't be right. I mean, I was here....FIRST!!!???

At this point I was beyond frustration and didn't want to be in the Salt Lake paper for cussing out one of these individuals so I gracefully get out of the pool....go shower and make my way to City Creek trail. Now this was BEAUTIFUL!! It was right at sunset and I was running along this creek that was in between two mountain passes and all you could really hear was the creek running. I wanted no iPod, just wanted to take it all in. I only ran 40 minutes, but my lungs felt like I had been running 90. A little altitude training never hurt I guess!!

Today...Thursday I didn't get in a workout...it's ok, I did some Trigger Point and will enjoy a good meal with a really great friend. I will get back to Austin tomorrow and will run 60 minutes. Saturday is a bike ride and Sunday is a long run!! Hoo-yah!!

I am sad to say good-bye to Salt Lake....I seriously need my own TV series of showing people where to train while on vacation or on business in other areas. I have found, I can make it happen anywhere. Who wants to fund my show?

On the Road Again...

Off to Salt Lake City, Utah tomorrow through Friday morning. I have found a pool to swim in on Wed. afternoon, and I am going to get in a spin class on Wed. & Thur. Of course, I got the running shoes, cause if it's not toooooo cold, I will run!!! (Eric, I better not get called a wuss for writing that!)

Back on Friday and in for a great week of training!!

Swim and a bike on Saturday.....run on Sunday!!

Happy Easter!!

R.I.P Kit, my most favorite bike.

So you all know I am a proud member of Team FELT. I love my bike. I named her Kit because she was certainly an upgrade from my first entry level Giant. And sometimes, she talks to me....I digress.

Maybe it's that "16 year old, you worked a summer job to get a car when you turned 16 feeling." I bought this bike right after cancer. I bought this bike right after a really not-so-fun break-up. (are they ever fun?) And 7 weeks after treatment, this is me racing my first Half Ironman in Florida. I had already signed up for the race 9 months prior, I was going to finish it no matter what.

How did she go? Well, I took her into Jack & Adam's bike shop yesterday for a fit. See, my girly parts when riding?....not so good. As Jack began to examine the saddle and switch a few things out, he noticed the frame was cracked in a part that makes the bike not safe anymore.

Moment of silence please.

Of course, why do I love Jack Murray and his shop? Because not even 24 hours later, Jack had my problem solved. I have a Half Ironman next weekend, I need a bike for that. He got my frame warrantied, and I will pick up a new and improved Felt S22 on Friday, ready to ride Saturday for training.

And then he went even further.....Jack asked if I could keep my old frame (explaining the story to his FELT dealer) just because it symbolizes so much more than a bike to race with. It reminds me of a time when I fought like hell for each day and won. It reminds me that nothing can hold me back and that I beat the odds.

I won't go anywhere else in Austin. Jack & Adam's bike shop has taken care of me since I got off the plane from Florida last year and needed my bikes put together. I love those guys because they understand the small stuff does matter at times.

R.I.P Kit....you were super good to me for 2.5 years of racing. What shall I name my new bike????

The disappearing act of Colleen Renee'

First, I am sorry Alida for no updates since last week. I do have a few reasons.

Saturday- ran 1.5 hours & helped a friend at her TNT fundraiser, then worked at Jack & Adam's for 4 hours, then went directly to Mama T's to begin the move of all my larger items to my new South 1 bedroom Apartment!! :) Yes, I am now a true Austinite! I live about one mile from Town Lake....a few blocks from South Congress. It pretty much rocks. I got all that stuff moved and finally tucked myself into my new digs at 1030ish.

Sunday- got up for one of the BEST bike rides to date. Met Maggie & Jeff W. for the Fitzhugh Ride. We got out about 22 miles and turned around....Jeff says, "You and Maggie want to do Barton Creek and Lost CreeK? I don't like to do 71/Mopac Feeder going back to the city." Colleen & Maggie very excited, "OK!!!!!"***

***What we did not know. We had never done Lost Creek in its entirety. (is there a reason why it's called Lost Creek? Is it because we aren't supposed to find it??) Uh huh. There was some pain involved and maybe a few random/snide remarks towards Jeff. We finished up the day with a 50 mile ride- 3 hours and both Maggie and I felt tired and good.

Jeff is so damn awesome to ride with, (and you too Maggie!!) I learned a lot about my pre-race & on the bike nutrition. I also got some cycling tips and he is just super positive and pushes you to your limit. (I am glad Ed left him for T3, cause that means I get to ride with him!!!)

After the bike, quick 40 minute run and then I had a few other random things that afternoon I had to do.

Got some things unpacked in my new place and had a few beers to celebrate some more incredible change in my life. I love this town! I love where my training is right now!!

I Like Swimming!!!

I will begin with letting you know there is NO sarcasm in the title of this post. Read on.

So this week I made it to both T3 swims on Tues and Thur morning, swimming 2700 m both days! And then today, Friday I got up and went to meet the TNT group for swim and did another 2600 m. 8000 m total for this week and I am feeling a rhythm in the water that I have not before! I was weary of finishing the 2.4 mile swim but I am super confident that the swim is something I am going to ENJOY!! I will say that again for all my friends that have listened to be bitch about the swim.

I am going to ENJOY the swim at Ironman CdA!!

I look forward to 545 AM, three days a week and I can see myself getting stronger. I even moved up a lane at T3 on Thursday and my 100 time was 1:51. I know, not super fast but hey....when I started this whole swim clinic thing about 5 months ago, my 100 was well over 2 minutes, so I have improved friends!!

The weather is perfect in Austin this weekend!! I am moving to a new house today and tomorrow. I will run 2 hours tomorrow and ride 3.5-4 hours on Sunday!! Can't wait to be outside.....those you that are venturing outside, load up on the SPF, hydrate and live it up in this weather. (except for you Alida, cause you are in Chicago...I will ride a few extra miles for you outside. Please move back to Austin. I think I speak for a few of us)

Today.

I was still sore from Core Workout yesterday. Thank you Josh.

Got up for 545 AM Swim....Yes, I made it this time Eric!!! Swam 2700 m

Went to work, was hungry every 1.5 hours. Almost ate my shoes.

Left work at 4, went to Town Lake, did a 1 hr run with 15 minute warm up, 20 minute tempo and 10 x 1min fast with 1 min ez between. Then 5 minute cool down.

I am now home, going to make dinner, sit my ass on the couch and do some Trigger Point Therapy and oh yeah, have a BEER!!

Yum!!!

Happy Training!

Texas Iron Endurance Camp 2008, Recap

Camp

Camp is an experience that I won’t forget,
Did I love every minute – yeh you bet!
Even sleeping in cabins and Coaches daily talks,
Oh yeh and the skirt that was given if you walked!

We climbed many hills....and went fast going down!
We swam in the river and got lost in town.
There was Anchor Man impressions and chats along the way,
Anything to distract from the cold wind of the day.

On the first day the wind blew all the day long
Don't you worry us Triathletes, yes we stayed strong
When the temperatures dropped a few were in dismay,
But wind vests and arm warmers saved the day!

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the chip seal.
What the road was made of, and yes it's a BIG deal.
No matter what kind of shorts or seat is beneath you
Those special little parts hurt, and make you want to boo-hoo!

Talks on nutrition, open water and cycling.
Miss Maggie and I took notes while others did some imbibing.
I'm ready to race 140.6 miles.
And you better believe I will finish with a SMILE!!!

So here you go....the post you have been waiting for!!!

Camp freakin' ROCKED!! It was nice to have a weekend to just show up and train. I was in charge of no SAG, no meals, no cabin reservations. I showed up around 130 PM on Thursday at the Kerrville- Schreiner park, picked up my cabin key and got ready for a 3 PM run.

Thursday- The Guadalupe was not good to swim that evening so we did a core workout after the run. 45 minute solid run around the park we were staying in, a few challenging hills, but after driving 1.5 hours felt good to stretch the legs! At dinner we had a talk from Jamie on Race Nutrition and it was really helpful as I am trying to figure out exactly how I eat the day of my Ironman. After awhile the sugar gets to me. Looks like I will be packing some PB&J sandwhiches in my Special Needs. At least now, I have an idea of some things to try and I am going to do a sweat test soon so I know about how much I sweat out.

Friday- 900 AM departure time for a 41 mile bike ride. The terrain was beautiful, the wind was NOT. 21 mph winds and for some strange reason, it was NEVER at our backs. The 41 felt like 60 miles. Got back to the cabin, immediate transition into run...45 minutes. I felt good. Solid 9 min. miles on the run. Then some ART which felt awesome and time to put on the ole wetsuit for an Open Water Swim. As we all jumped in and got about 25 m out, the water was STIFLING cold...I mean...55 degrees cold. It stung everywhere and you wouldn't warm up like normal. Jamie and Andrea had us turn around and decided it wasn't a good idea to swim in that cold water. I was actually sad because I was looking forward to being in the open water. Oh well. Another weekend. That night we had dinner at the YO Ranch and had a talk about Carbo Loading from Jeff (one of the coaches) It was SUPER informative as well, he is the walking encyclopedia of nutrition knowledge. I am going to try a few things for my race in Galveston at the end of the month.

Saturday-830 Am departure for a 63 mile bike ride in Hill Country!! At mile 10 we came upon a hill that I have never seen before and I was determined to stay on my bike and take it easy getting up. As I watched others pop off there bike and a few fall over, I stayed focused and just concentrated on pushing down and pulling up....and I SUCCEEDED!! All the way to the top!!! Once Maggie, Scott and I finished this ride we got some more ART, ate a bit, had a beer and then rested up for Core workout (replace Swim) and an Open Water Clinic with Jamie & Andrea. A really great Clinic, I just wish we would have been in the water to work on some of the things...looks like Barton Springs and I have a date soon!!
After the clinic, time for a BBQ dinner and a cycling presentation with Susan. More great information on how to improve specific things in your cycling.

Went to bed...early....as the time change was that night and got enough sleep to get up for a 800 AM run. 1.5 hours for me...I made it out to the 5 mile water stop in 45 minutes. (solid 9 min mile, after 100 miles of cycling in 2 days...not bad!!) turned around and ran the 5 miles back in 42 minutes...so I was faster this time and I felt like I had more in me!!

That is what I am learning from Texas Iron is that you don't have to KILL yourself to train for an Ironman. You don't need to push to the max with every workout or you subject yourself to Injury or Burnout. Not worth it. It is still too early for that. Trust that the volume will come....it is right around the corner! Today is a day of REST!! Much deserved...and then tomorrow...yes Eric, I will be at the 545 AM swim with T3. ugh. No matter what the temp, I will be there.

Tuesday- swim & run workout
Wednesday- Core & trainer workout
Thursday- swim & run workout
Friday- swim workout
Saturday- 4.0 hour bike workout + 40 minute run
Sunday- 2.0 hour run & easy recovery swim

I love training right now!!!!

I will post a few pictures soon!! Camp rocked, I want to go this weekend.

CAMP

A longer post later....but here is my acrostic for you all.

C- Cycling all over Texas Hill Country. THE HILLS ARE ALIVE!!
A- Are YOU ready for my Ironman??
M- Maggie was my roomie, good times with a good friend!
P- Possibly the BEST training weekend to date. Can I go back next weekend?

I got a few pictures and a much longer post, but I need to focus on dinner and being in bed EARLY. CC Nay Nay is TIRED!!!

Hello Mother, Hello Father...

Greetings from Camp....Texas Iron!
I'll be swimming, biking, running...all to get ready for my big race in the summer!!

YIPPEEEEE!!! Only 40 minutes left before I leave work, go to a track practice and then go home and pack for a weekend of training. (Sick that I get a total adrenaline rush out of all this.) I will be making my way to Kerrville, Texas and it will be 4 days of 2 workouts each day and also getting to know Texas Iron folk a bit more.

What I love the most is no email or phone (i will check messages but will not carry this on me) Just me, cabins, my bike and some good time to myself. I am in total need of a weekend like this. I hope to come back tired and even more empowered for my Ironman!! So you will have NO postings this weekend (stop crying Brian) but look for some Monday morning....cause you know, I will keep track of all that I learn and take in!!

Don't miss me too much and have a great weekend!!

37 degrees

Some random cold front with A LOT of wind came through Austin in the last 36 hours. I am trying to make Tue. & Thur. my mornings to swim with T3, and this morning was particularly gonna be fun cause I was gonna swim, get cleaned up and go to Casa with my friend Brian. We had it all planned out.

As I lay in bed this morning, staring at the ceiling, wondering if I wanted to brave 37 degrees, an outdoor pool and wind...my phone beeped I had a text. (I mean, I wasn't gonna wimp out before Brian...COME ON!!!!)

Brian: I can't get the nerve to face these temperatures this morning. I am going to swim at lunch today to avoid the freeze.

Colleen: we are on the same page! (except that I wasn't gonna be the one to cancel)

(I am KIDDING Brian....or am I?)

Anyway, I looked at the schedule for camp and we get in 3 swims this weekend so I will just do my run per my schedule later on and not worry about missing swim today.

The weekend in pictures!!!

I swear I did my brick coach!?!

Day 2 of riding, me and Desiree B. take on the Dam Loop!

end of a long weekend...the reward? a 22 oz and a steak!!

Weekly Totals:

Swim: 5200 m
Bike: 113.2 on bike, 1 spin class
Run: 16 miles (due to the broken toe, taking it easy!)

2 Core Classes, 2 Yoga Classes

5 Beers total this week (I had to carb load for the heavy bike mileage) :)

Weekend of Riding...amazing!!

After 2 days of a rather stressful move I was certainly ready to get on my bike and put in some mileage....and that is exactly what happened!

Saturday was Pedal thru the Pines, an organized ride in Bastrop, TX that goes through a really beautiful park and then quiet, country roads. This was the first ride I did in Austin on arrival last year and conditions were worse last year. We had clear skies, amazing temperature & good company. We went 63.2 miles (thanks Ryan!!) and had an absolute blast. I will post some pictures later!! (63.2 miles at 17.1 avg.)

The rest of the afternoon was a few beers and some REST.

Sunday it was back up for the grind.....met Mama T and Desiree for 50 miles on the Mansfield Dam Loop. I was really glad we started at 7 AM because as time went on, the wind picked up and coming back on 360 was painfully hard.

My coaches told me light running this weekend because I have a broken toe that is on the mend AND with camp this coming weekend I need to be 100%. So later yesterday evening I did 30 minutes of just running on tired legs, went for a nice steak and beer with Mama T and was in bed by 930 PM.

It was such a good weekend....and I love the bike, I really really LOVE it!!