A Bumpy Ride through 70.3

So I thought I'd put a creative twist to the usual boring race report....let the journey begin!

I was given my instructions to take my spaceship to the planet Ocarina Fanil Minor. This is not my usual route. I was not looking forward to the flight as I knew my ship had been having some engine trouble lately. My test flights had hit some snags, and I knew at least 1, if not 2 of my 4 engines were already running on half steam. I unfortunately won't have time to get them full repaired, so I instructed the crew to throw a band aid on the engine failures, we were set to launch, so we'd just have to see what happens. At the very worst, we would coast in, but I knew for sure the overdrive propulsion system was going to be out of the questions. No lightspeed on this mission.

The journey would take us through 3 galaxies and was a total of 70.3 light years away. It was going to be a long haul. The first galaxy was the galaxy of Wims. A simple galaxy known for the abundance of liquid substances. Space was usually tight so it was critical not to get jammed up against the flow of traffic. Unbelievable that there is so much space in Wims, but everyone chooses the exact same vector so it ends up in a wing fight. This stretch usually gives me the heebeegeebees. Luckily I hitched some good rides and found that I was far more comfortable through this stretch than normal. I got through in better time that usual too. Since this has usually been an issue for me, having a successful journey though Wims was a victory.

The next stretch would put us through the galaxy of Kebi. Usually I'm not so concerned about about Kebi because I can keep out of trouble when the Kebitians try to slow you down, cut you off, or whatever tactic they use to keep you from exiting their universe. Torque up those boosters and just get out of there. This flight however, there would be no boosters to light and I would just have to depend on my ships aerodynamics to safely carry the precious cargo through. The good news was my transformer module was operational and my wings were easily tucked in for a more efficient flight. The bad news was... Kebi was expecting some weather to move in so I underestimated the ventosity vortex was sucking my fuel faster than anticipated. Engine #2 begins to fail.

The last leg was through Nur. Now Nur has historically been a challenge. With only 13.1 light years left to travel, it was still 13.1 light years away and typically something in the engine room quits on me through Nur. I hate this galaxy. No matter how well stocked I try.. I've learned it's just years of experience nursing your engines through this galaxy, as even the seasoned pilots remark that the engines tend to tank, it's just a matter of getting better engines. Damn. With 1 engine out to start, engine #2 failed, I'm wondering how 50% power will get me through this. So I enter the gateway to Nur. Systems check, 2 engines are still running. I'll back off power, try to get a steady economic velocity going and see how far it takes me. Half way through I smile, hey, both engines are still working! I speak to soon. A little turbulence and BANG! Engine #3 begins to fail. Crap, coast it, just coast it in. Can't turn up engine #4 until we're in the final leg through Nur, I need to make sure it last. Back on planet Earth, I would have birdied up the road like a blue-hair trying to drive in the left lane. Luckly the peaceful aliens at planet Love Stop were all gas and helped push my limping ship down the route. At 69.2 light years into the entire journey.... Engine #4 is now failing. My ship sputters, jolts, coughs and spits as I try to throw a little more juice in. I get nothin'. Ok, just be happy you get one of those 5 lbs "Mission Success" medallions.... I know I can coast it in, it's just not going to be a purty sight.

I see my point of docking. My journey has ended. My ship's a little burned and I have no fuel left to report of. It was a bumpy ride, but I made it, the cargo has been delivered, and yes.. they did give me my medallion for a successful journey.

But I do remind myself... I really like the shorter journeys. My ship will need some serious rebuilds if these endurance fests through galaxy after galaxy are to continue. So I think for now.... I'll stick to my favorite route.... to planet Plyocim.

Your Mission Captain,
Raja

Congrats to the Other Bellas who made it through the journey! Stacy D, Stacy S, Jess, Terri and Christine!
Dave had a rather bumpy ride as well, so while in the docking station, he captured this prime photo of me deck changing out of my flightsuit. Nothing like a wet flightsuit.... or "diapes" as I call 'em.

A Horrifying Tragedy

I am stunned, horrified and saddened by the accident that killed Kristy Gough & Matt Peterson and critically injured a third rider.

By a police officer no less.

Police should be required to escort cyclists... just so they see what we have to endure every time we hit the road, what some drivers will do to own "their" road.

Just this last weekend while I was out with a group on a 65 mile training ride, a woman in a very nice Mercedes came up behind us, honked and yelled something through her window. At the red light she rolled her window down and told us she was doing that for "our safety". Yeah... if you want to keep us safe.. STAY AWAY FROM US! Her voice was sincere, and I'm sure she meant it.. but was this how she was trying to "protect" us?.. really, is that what she thinks "protecting" us really is??? How about staying as far from us as possible???

Drivers... please be careful. Yes, there are those righteous cyclists who think they own the road.. but I'll tell ya what.. it's probably because they've been buzzed one too many times by you drivers... we aren't really going to hold you up. You do have a gas pedal and you will get there in time.

And riders.. please be careful out there! These three riders were riding on the correct side of the road, on (as I've read) a road with a bike lane which is highly travelled by cyclists, in single file and they still got killed. Brutally killed I may add.

As least they died doing what they loved.

Please be safe out there...

Pics from the Tour of California

Leipheimer

Gesink giving it his all...

Miller

More pics of Zabriski coming...

Pena

Boonen

Hincapie warming up....

Vogels??

Chipollini looking smashing in The Rock...even got to ride his own bike.

Tour of Cali!

I just got back from a trip to Ojai with my husband Dave, and our friends Stacy & Ryan Dietrich, to watch the Tour of California. Other than being fairly sick, not being able to breath and on antibiotics the entire time, I had a blast! I got some wicked pics of the time trial in Solvang, but I will put you in suspense as the pictures, all 575 of them, are on my husband's computer, and he is now on a business trip (yep, he left Ojai at 4AM this morning to catch his flight out of LA.. ouch!), so alas, we all must wait to view the photographic masterpieces!

I mean, did you know that both Hincapie and Cancellera stick their tongue out of the right side of their mouth when time trialing? Did you know that Hincapie has rather significant varicose veins in his left calf? Did you know that Lion King Chipollini smiles when doing time trials? Did you know that Levi looks weally, weally, widdle on a TT bike?

In the meantime, I'll leave you with this Pic from Stage 6.... up to KOM #3.... Our race leader opting for his National Champ jersey rather than the yellow....

ESA Magic

Wow, talk about getting inspired by the best. I was honored to represent the Triathlon Club of San Diego at the Competitor Magazine Endurance Sports Awards. TCSD had 3 tables of members whom attended the awards banquet, including Darrell & Denise, both of whom were recipients of the Jim McCann Tri Club Members of the Year. Denise was also the lucky winner of the Felt cruiser.. in flaming red! Congrats Denise!

Dave & I walk in to Sea World and I run into friend and former co-worker, Scott. It's funny to think that Scott's the one who taught me how to transition... amazing what you can learn at work. Back to ESA... I've met Macca previously, and just as I was going to say hello, Dave turns me around and says "Raja, you've got to meet Mark Allen." Uh yeah.. the real Mark Allen?? Since I'm still a relative newbie to the sport, Dave's been telling me about the legends of the sport. And Mark Allen, is a legend.

Next I proceed to play some carnival games, you know, the ones you played as a kid at the fair.. and I think any 7 year old could have beat me, I was pretty pathetic.. but it sure was fun being a kid again!

After the awards presentations I met the parents of Jon "The Blazeman" Blais and thanked them for their strength. If you've ever met anyone suffering from ALS, you understand just how tragic this disease is. When I was living in Los Angeles I worked at a small family run company in Westwood. When I interviewed with the owner of the company, I thought she was from the south as she spoke with a slight drawl. Her daughter, Julie, soon took over the business and as each month passed, we watched in horror as ALS took over. First she lost the ability to speak. Then eat. Then her body broke down and not long after, she passed away. It was truly horrible. One day may the progress in stem cell research bring hope and cures to those who needed it yesterday.

Before we left I got the biggest inspiration of all. Back in high school Dave was a star cross country runner. Running is in him, so he wanted to meet Ryan Hall and his beautiful wife Sara. Ryan gave an absolutely wonderful acceptance speech and really stressed the love and support he has with Sara to get him through the days that tug on your strings of doubt. Well, there is no doubt that Ryan is possibly the best American runner of all time. Sara herself is also one of this country's best as well. Truly incredible.

But I must say... after having my doubt strings tugged something fierce recently with my own confidence, meeting Ryan & Sara gave me more inspiration that I can tell you. Just to believe in yourself. It's normal to not feel on your game, you just have to keep pursuing. If you've never seen Ryan run.... then you've never seen a man run the song of grace and inspiration.

I had my best run today in quite some time.

The Sam and Saul Show

More on this post later, it's getting late and I need to get up early... but, I have to say, I really like my life. That's not to say that I'm not constantly pushing myself because it isn't' good enough, or that I don't have enough time to do the things I enjoy, or that I don't make enough money, or that I'm jonesing for a bear claw.. but really, it's really a wonderful thing to be surrounded my such wonderful people in TCSD. That of course, would be the Triathlon Club of San Diego.

Today we had a club meeting with Samantha McGlone.. I'm sure I've written about her in my previous posts.... but it was great. She's a great speaker and I do have to say... I'm all for the Canadian humor. And she is one fast-red-headed-Irish-named-freckled-freak. And I say "freak" in only the best way. She's fast, like mad-fast, and (when not racing) is quite humble about it. When she's racing... watch out, her hair's red because it's on fire!

She made some really great points - stick to your plan when you race. You will feel like crap, that's part of the plan.. just push through it and keep going. Apparently feeling like poo is supposed to be ok...

One day I wish I to ride like Sam.... I'll never run like her.. but maybe one day I may be a decent rider....

And then there was Saul. That is of course, Saul Raisin. He didn't speak at the meeting as he was at a local bike shop, Nytro, yesterday and told his story. I was bummed I couldn't make it, but I did get a chance to speak to him for a few minutes after the meeting, and I have to say - he is one gentle, warm & friendly man. He's been through a lot, and I can't imagine being the one who is told your career as you've known it is over. You cannot ride for your team. But it's still early. Maybe after some time when he can prove his healed body is worthy of racing again will they let him back into the carbon gates. In any care, look for his cause - he'll be promoting the funding & research of brain trauma. A whole new world just opend for Saul. I wish him the best on his new adventure.

Ok, time for bed....

The Mortgage Freakshow

Yep. A freakshow in the mortgage business right now. I work for Countrywide Bank and today alone we've seen the lowest rates for quite some time.. and rates changes I've never seen before... it's only 3:45PM and we've had 3 price changes today.. for the worse in response to all the market volatility. Those that got lucky this morning locked in to a 30 Yr Fixed rate in the low 5% range... fingers are crossed the rates come down as fast as they went up today.

No wonder I do triathlon! After days like these a little venting is required!

The Howard Experience

"We're going to see JH tomorrow" my husbands says. You know when you can refer to someone via initals... you're talking about someone who has iron branded an industry. You know, like LA. Here's your clue.. has to do with cycling.

JH would, of course, be John Howard. Last year I was lucky enough to buy a barely used QR tri bike off a friend who absoutely dispised the geometry. Last year I was also luck enough to have Efrat Veidman in town and show me the ropes about this whole cycling bit. She also introduced me to John Howard and convinced me to do a fitting with both my Trek road bike & radical QR TT bike. So, hence, I met JH in Jan of 2007. He did his magic, repositioned just about everything on my road bike (including a dramatic hike in seat height... almost 3 cm!), took one look at the QR and said... "oh, now this is a radical bike" and left it a little more conservative. I can't complain, the bike's done me well.

This year... I'll have a side of fries with my radical. We hooked up the QR and did all the fitting based on the QR this year. I've been feeling like a big slug, so I wasn't looking to smash my testing results from last year. I gave my first baseline test a solid effort (on the QR unchanged) and crushed my results from last year. Oh... I don't know if I can repeat that for my 2nd test post adjustments. Had I done too big an effort?? Crap, I was going to look like the idiot who sprints out of the start gates for a long effort and fizzles after 100 meters.

John first measured key angles and distances. The plumb line from my knee at 3 o'clock position was 5.5 cms fore of the ball of my foot. He hiked the seat up a wee bit and did his thing and went radical with my arm positioning. Not quite the Praying Landis radical, but quite a change. More aero. Better angles. Better access to my core. He re-measured the line from my knee...and voila, now I was only ~1 cm fore.... amazing to thing he didn't really change the position of my seat. By moving my bars up to a better position, it set me back in my seat and gave me a better leg position too.

We re-tested. My average wattage went up by 20 watts... a hot & spicy 379 watt average...

Swing Batta!

(pics from my fitting in Jan of 07 with John & Efrat)

When did the Olympics become the Pro Championships??

I've always been a fan of the Olympics. Since I was a kid I've had Olympic dreams. I was Olympic bound. I was going to ride that horse right into 5 rings of glory. Then I realized how ungodly expensive the equestrian sport is and came to my senses. Coughing up $25K to get you & your horse to the east coast for your US finals is just the start. To get to the finals will cost you nearly that much. Yeah, that wasn't going to happen! So, I decided I would ride horses for me, and perhaps a few lucky people who have me ride their horses.

Now I'm involved in Triathlon, another sport I love. I certainly don't have 5 ring dreams in Triathlon, in fact, not even in my wildest dreams. Heck, I don't have 5-ring talent in Triathlon! I never will and I certainly don't dream of it either. What it takes to make the Olympics is insane. You have to have rare natural talent & make training your profession. But, aren't the Olympics for Amateurs?

This is where I'm confused. In equestrian sports you need to have an amateur card to compete at amateur status. That means you can't receive ANY compensation for ANYTHING related to your riding for a solid year. I compete at the "Open" or pro level with horses because of this, even though it's not my profession.

I also understand that a country really does want to send it's most talented athletes to represent at the Olympics. That's big business.

But how many athletes at the Olympics are actually Amateurs? Even in the horse world, it's the top sponsored pros who make it to the 5-ring arena. When it comes to triathlon or cycling or whatever - it's the pros who go and compete for their country. I'm not really complaining as I do want my country to clean up and take as many medals as possible... but when did the Olympics turn into just another Pro Championship?

I was just pondering this thought and decided to share a little. I did grow up as a little girl with Olympic dreams, because the Olympics were for everyone, not just the athletes who already made a bundle on their sponsorship contracts...and as much as I hate to say it, the Olympics lost a little luster when I realized that it was just another Pro title to take home...

Oh well.. I'll still be pinned to the TV next summer. There's got to be a real amateur athlete in there... and I'll watch them podium!

In meantime... don't forget to smile when you're ripping your legs off... you're doing it for free :o)

Happy Training,
Raja

Swim, Bike Run, Eat, Recover, Repeat

Written for Rachel Michelson www.fitnessformommies.wordpress.com

Before I did my first triathlon I though, "Gee, this would be fun. Triathletes are cool, motivated individuals that are a bit off-center."

Yeah, I rephrased that during my first triathlon. "What the hell did I sign up for??! Triathletes are idiots! I feel like crap. They do this because of why?".

Now I have a slightly better perspective. Why do I do this? Because I can.

Don't get me wrong, no matter how hard you train, and no matter how well prepared you are, be it for a Sprint or an Ironman, you will curse yourself. You will wonder what you signed up for. You will wonder if this qualifies you as insane. But.. you will also know that the sense of accomplishments that envelopes your entire body & being when you cross the finish line is so powerful it can bring you to tears. You have done it. No matter how crappy you feel when you cross the finish line, you will smile. It just may take you a minute or two.

I remember my first half Ironman in 2005. Training had not gone as planned with all sorts of new injuries I had never felt before. The race hurt and I hated the run. I hated myself for subjecting myself to such ridiculous torture. I wasn't ever doing this again. Ever. I crossed the finished line, "Ok, I'm done, phew, torture is over." Then I saw fellow Velo Bella Whitney DeSpain handing out medals at the finish line. She gave me a monstrous hug and then I proceeded to weep like a little baby. I had done IT!

For me, I race for personal reasons. I nearly lost the ability to walk after a nasty accident back in 1999. For me to race as hard as I can is the joy of being able to walk, run, cycle and race. I race because I can. Why do you race? My first suggestion for new triathletes is to know why you're racing and believe in it. 'Cause you're gonna need every last bit of belief to keep you going when everything hurts and your logical mind is asking what it did to deserve such torture. It's amazing what can make you smile when you feel like absolute poo. (I mean stinky poo that's been well embedded into the bottom of a pair of cleats)

The next step is to train. You'll be surprised when you can find time for a workout. You thought your schedule was busy before you started triathlon! I have a candle. It burns at all 3 ends. There are so many variables when it comes to multi-sport. It's not just a swim event. Nor a bike race. Nor a running race. It's all three and then some. You've got nutrition and the mental fitness as well. Will all this, I believe the toughest part is really to identify your weaknesses, strengths and then align all elements so swim, bike, run, nutrition and mental strength all converge and peak at exactly the same moment. For this, I've hired a coach. I've only been in the sport for 3 years, so this really is still a guessing game for me. You can do it without a coach, but personally, I wanted to learn how to do this sport right and I knew I needed someone to tell me what I needed to be doing. I have been training with Peter Clode for 2 years now and I'm excited about heading into my third year of coached racing.

Who do you choose for a coach? There are a ton of online programs you can download, some for free, some for payment for online coaches. If you're self disciplined enough not to have personal interaction with a coach, go for it. For me since I have fairly extensive old injuries, it was important to me that a coach know me personally and be able to coach around all my flaws. I wanted someone who saw more in me than I saw in myself and could push me beyond my known limits. I wanted a coach who wanted it for me as much as I wanted it for myself. I wanted a coach with experience and who could point me to the right physical therapists when I started to break so I wouldn't get injured. I wanted a coach who was reality based, yet positive and encouraging. I wanted a coach who gave me results. I found all of that in Peter and his wife Neily.

At the end of each year (ie, now), I pick my 1) goal race 2) secondary goal race 3) training races and 4) training events. For me, my 2008 goal race is USAT National Championships in Sept. I'd like to qualify for Worlds 09. Will I be upset if I don't qualify? No. Will I be upset if I don't race well? Yes. My secondary goal race is CA Ironman 70.3 in March. I hate this race. But... it allows me to get a good base started for the entire year, so it's worth it. Training races are important. These are races you use in training but do not train specifically for. You need to race to race well. Transitions should become smooth and effortless. You just do them without thinking about what you're doing. Racing should be a reaction, an instinct, not a thought process. At Nationals in 2007, while it wasn't my best race of the year, every second counts. I beat the athlete behind me by 2 seconds. If I had even taken a pause in transition, there went my 2 seconds. I'm not aggro, I'm just competitive. When to eat, how much to consume and what you're eating are all products of racings. You won't know how your body handles racing until you race. The next thing to do is find training events. These are events you use to help motivate your training. Usually they're century rides (or half centuries), or club races, or running races or open water swims. I try and train with friends because it helps my motivation when I really don't feel like training. Any trust me... you'll have lots of those days.

After you've determined if you want a coach and have picked out all your key events you have to train. It's kinda key... You don't train, you don't enjoy your race, that simple. In general, you need to swim, run & bike at least 3x week each. That does mean you'll have to do double days. Use the weekends/non-work days to do double training, that way you only need 1 workday to be a double. Three workdays will be a single, and one day will be a day off. For me, since I'm strong on the bike, ok with my run, and weak with my swimming, I try to weight my swim & run workouts, especially during the winter months. I have another little hitch with my training as I'm allergic to chlorine and if I swim 2 days back to back, I'll get a sinus infection. Another one of my little flaws. Because of this, I have to use stretch cords to help strengthen my swim without getting into the water every day. For the run, I try to run a minimum of 4 days a week. I'll have 1 long run, 1 medium length run and 2 shorter easier runs. If you need strength running, just getting out and running for 30 minutes a day will help you a ton. As far as bike workouts, I will always have 1 long ride on the weekend (your key ride) and at least 1-2 shorter rides during the week. I change between hill workouts & interval workouts depending on where I am in my training. I also like to fit in 1 turbo (wind trainer) workout during the week. Riding a wind trainer is far harder than riding on the road and can really simulate race situations. Turbo workouts aren't Spin classes at your local gyms. While Spin classes are good, the windtrainer workout is a far better workout, you're on your own bike riding intervals designed for endurance time-trialing. I do these at night after work since it's dark and riding on the streets is out of questions. These Turbo workouts also are great for learning pedal stroke and how to run off the bike. You actually have to train your body to be able to run off of the bike. Ye'ol wobble legs doesn't magically disappear by doing nothing. Do transition runs off the bike at least once a week, even if the run is only for 15 minutes. You'll thank yourself later.

With training there is recovery. Recovery is essential. You'll stress your muscles in workout and the only way you'll be able to build on that training is to let the muscle heal and recover. (This doesn't mean take a week off because you're a little sore. Expect to be sore.. a lot! You'll learn to love the ache!) Books are written about recovery, but in a nut shell, let your body recover. (A great book to have is the Training Bible. It's on every athlete's bookshelf as it's a fantastic reference book for all questions related to endurance sports.) Stretching is key. If you don't stretch your muscles, tendons & ligaments will shorten and become less flexible. Less flexibility means less access to your muscles to train and workout. I'm completely guilty of not stretching enough. I often use The Stick before and after runs which helps me a ton. John Howard also has a fantastic stretching & strength program you can do at home. While I don't spend nearly enough doing strength work by myself at home, I do make it a point and go through his stretching routine after hard workouts. I really do recover much faster when I do them. Sometimes after hard runs I get awful pains in my hips. For this, I actually have to see an ART therapist. I see Gino Cinco in La Jolla and I can easily say he's kept me going with all my old injuries. There are tendons & ligaments that run deep in your hips which are not easily accessed by regular stretching. Another good thing to do is get a sports massage. I see Cambria at Cassidy's Massage Clinic in La Jolla every 1-2 weeks when my training picks up and starts getting beyond my own stretching abilities. If your body is telling you something, listen to it and get help. If you have back pain, see a chiropractor. I call Dr. Elleraas, "Dr. Crunch", and I know every 1-2 months my body will tell me to go see Dr. Crunch. Don't be afraid to go get some physical therapy. Find a reputable ART specialist, massage therapist & chiropractor in your area and get help when you need it. If you don't, you'll get injured and be out of commission for longer periods of time.

Nutrition is also important. Train yourself to constantly take in fluids & calories. Always use a drink mix on the bike. Hydrate & fuel your body at all times. What your body needs during workout is completely individual. I use Hammer products because they give me good results without upsetting my sensitive stomach. I mix a combo of Heed & Sustained Energy in my bottles and carry gels with me on long rides & runs. I'm still training my body to take on solid food during workouts. Typically I'll gel every hour on the bike. What should you use? Try everything. You won't know what works until you've tried a lot of stuff. Also, after every hard workout, eat. I'm not talking about drive through at Taco Bell. I mean have a recovery shake (I use Hammer's Recoverite) or a small nutritious meal. Your body needs carbs & protein to regenerate. Don't not eat because you want to loose weight, you're just hurting your chance of recovering quickly, instead eat something small packed with nutrition after hard workouts. I'm not a nutrition expert so if you want details, there's tons of literature online about recovery meals.

If you've done your homework, picked your races strategically, planned your workouts using the aide of a coach or training program online, figured out your nutrition strategy and gotten in touch with good therapists for maintenance help, you're on your way to having the race of your life! And when you race and you cross that finish line, make sure your family is there to see you ball like a baby with a smile they've never seen before. They won't understand why... but you will.

Happy Training!
Raja