Monday, May 17, 2010

Honolulu Triathlon

Yesterday was the Honolulu Triathlon 'Festival'. It's our only annual shot at an Olympic Distance Triathlon without having to fly away from the island, and pretty much the biggest event Oahu puts on each year. My personal opinion is that it's getting too big- not that the Triathlon itself was too big, but they tried to accommodate everyone by putting on a Sprint Tri, Olympic Tri, Sprint Duathlon, Olympic Duathlon, relays for all those events, a 10K run race, 1500M swim, 40K bike race (all individual events) and maybe even some others. It was bordering on ridiculous how many different events were going on. But I digress...

Anyway, I felt ready for this race and had a decent day! The swim was rather uneventful, which is how we always want swims to be... the biggest challenge we faced was the continuous wall of men we had to plow through. I didn't feel like I had a stellar swim, but it was fine. I ran up the beach with the girls I would have thought I'd be near (22:50ish) and once we got onto the bike there was just one more lead swimmer to go catch.

I took the lead for the women about 10 minutes into the bike and focused on pushing a good steady pace the whole time. There were still plenty of men ahead to pass and I felt like much of the time I was just riding out to the left and passing people. So that was fun. :) I heard that there were groups of people drafting behind me but I didn't see or pay attention much to that... Anyway, I felt fine about my bike. This course is flat and fast with nothing to slow us down but two u-turns, and it's just about a mile short of a 40K, so times were fast. The top four gals on the bike all split 1:01:xx and I was right in there with 1:01:34.

Coming off the bike I felt good- smiling of course because I was winning! :))) But then of course we had to start running (why can't they just end the race after the bike? LOL!) I held onto the lead for about a mile and a half before Ingrid caught me. She was flying! I didn't feel like I was running as fast as I wanted to be running (are we ever running as fast as we want to be running??) but held on for 3rd OA in 2:13:50ish, (within a minute of second place). I checked my split at the end and saw that I ran 46:xx (can't remember exactly the seconds) which is less than a minute off my open road 10K PR, and the race directors said this was a full 10K... so even though I want to, I really can't complain about my run.

After the race I was chatting with Ingrid and she was asking me how I felt about my race... I expressed frustration that I am not running faster- I know I am doing all the right things and I am getting faster all the time but it's just not magic and takes so much time and I just need to be patient and keep doing what I'm doing and it'll get better I know... but I told her I ran 7:30's but wanted to be running 7:10's. She laughed, and said that she'd like to be running 5:30's! So I guess this whole wanting to get faster thing is just a normal part of who we are as competitive athletes and it doesn't matter how fast you are- you always want to get faster! So I felt better after talking to her. :)

Here we are with our daughters after the race!


One great thing about yesterday was that I finally found a pair or running shoes that I can race in that don't require socks and are still super light and comfortable! Nalani and I both wore our Saucony FastTwitch 4's and I'm happy to report that I didn't even feel a slight hotspot anywhere on my feet (and I *always* run with socks so I was worried about this yesterday). How cute are we in our matching shoes? ;)


Anyway, last night Scott and I went to a little post-race party at a friend's house, then out for a very rare date night dinner by ourselves. Today is our Anniversary! Scott and I have been married for 2 years now! Phew. ;) I'd be lying if I said it's been sheer bliss the whole time, but the good news is that we are both committed for the long haul and I appreciate how patient he is with me. Especially in supporting all my early morning training and racing... Last night at dinner I gave him a new wedding band. I know that 2 years is not a 'Gold-giving' anniversary, but he lost his ring in the ocean (surfing) a little while ago and I was pretty set on making sure he has a wedding ring back on his finger. Call me crazy, but that man is not available and it should be physically apparent by looking at his left hand. :)

21 comments:

Beth said...

Congrats on a great race and happy anniversary too Michelle! I know how you feel about running - I feel that way about swimming...it's like "hurry up and get faster already!!" But I know you will get there! Oh, and those are the shoes I wear to race in too and love them! :)

X-Country2 said...

Congrats on a great race! Adorable shoes, kid, and happy anniversary!!

Jennifer Harrison said...

HOLY cow, I do not think I realized you were only married 2 years!!!! WOW happy anniversary!
AND congrats on your 3OA! And your mantra is, "My name is Michelle and I LOVE TO RUN!" :))

Audrey said...

How do you have the energy to go to a party after that kind of day? Is it something you just get used to over the years? I ask because I participated in my first 10k yesterday and my feet hurt sooo bad afterward and my toes were swollen so I just wanted to sit with my legs up the rest of the day.

Running and living said...

You are so right about always wanted to be faster, no matter what your speed is. So, so true! And I like it like this, because it gives one something to work towards. Congrats on the anniversary and the night out! And really awesome job on the race!

Angela and David said...

Congrats on the race! And, happy anniversary.

And good to know about the shoes, I've only run in them with socks but will be going sockless this weekend.

m said...

Congrats on your race! I love the green shoes--Saucony's are the best!

Happy Anniversary!

Marit C-L said...

GREAT job Michelle - very solid all around! And to be less than a minute off your 10k pr - THAT is fabulous! :) Happy Anniversary - yes...I would totally get him the gold band as well. Recover well and on to Honu - yea!!!

Regina said...

I loved this post. I think it was just the tone of the whole thing; positive, upbeat, smart and witty. Or maybe I am just in a good mood, nah, it was the post.

Congrats on the race, that is awesome. When you get to 7:10 pace and are done with your 7:30's, can I have them? I too would love it if the race could be over after the bike. I might win my AG a lot more; might.

Happy Anniversary!! Marriage is never easy, but as long as your in it for the long haul, it's all good.

Congrats again on 3OA!!

Regina said...

I loved this post. I think it was just the tone of the whole thing; positive, upbeat, smart and witty. Or maybe I am just in a good mood, nah, it was the post.

Congrats on the race, that is awesome. When you get to 7:10 pace and are done with your 7:30's, can I have them? I too would love it if the race could be over after the bike. I might win my AG a lot more; might.

Happy Anniversary!! Marriage is never easy, but as long as your in it for the long haul, it's all good.

Congrats again on 3OA!!

Megan L. Killian said...

YAAY nice race!

Lizzie said...

I am with you on the ring :) My husband lost his playing golf in Puerto Rico. Apparently I am now married to an iguana!! He still hasn't got a replacement yet . .. maybe for our 10!

Congrats on 2 and your local race! Sounds like (fun) chaos.

GoBigGreen said...

congrats both of you:) That is super. Its nice to know i am not the only newleywed who isnt 20:) LOL.
I love those shoes, I need me some:)

Angela said...

Congrats on the race and very cute shoes! On being married, I have to agree with you, it's not the "happily ever after" you always hear or see on the movies but it is about that person who understands and completes you, respects you and your dreams and encourages you...

There have definitely been struggles for Tim and I as well, but every one has been so worth it and have made the good times, that much better. Happy Anniversary and here's to many more beautiful years and wonderful memories!

Teresa said...

Super cute shoes, awesome race...and I agree...end the race after the bike!!!

tn

Trisaratops said...

Congrats on a great race! Love those shoes...I might have to try some. I'm a socks girl, too!

Happy Anniversary to you! :)

Katie A. said...

Nice job! Congrats on the 3rd OA, I am always in awe of you ;)
And, happy Anniversary! I hear you on the wedding band thing, it's like I have marked my territory! LOL! Have a great week!

Big Daddy Diesel said...

lol, they had everything but a aquabike. Congrats on the race

and Happy Anniversary!

kerrie said...

congrats on a smoking fast race! wow! does it ever suck to be in the W35-39 age group, especially in hawaii, cause you ladies haul ass. not so looking forward to honu!
have a great anniversay :)

Aimee said...

Woohoo for getting 3rd! That's awesome! How you feel about running is how I feel about swimming. It's so frustrating, but I know I'll get there in time!

Happy Anniversary! It's nice that you were able to have date night...it's a rare thing when you have kids! :)

Charisa said...

Awesome race and Happy Anniversary!!