Monday, May 28, 2012

Honu Race Week!

It's race week! I am stoked.

Honu is easily my favorite race of the year so I'm really looking forward to heading over to the Big Island in a few days. This will be my 6th time racing this event and I got to thinking about my history there... In case you're interested...

2006 First timer over there... All I really remember is that I had a blast and laughed a ton. Travelled with my friend Karen and she is hysterical. (Karen remember that year??) I got a flat pretty early on the bike and that sort of took the wind out of my sails... don't remember my finish time but maybe something like 5:30ish?

2007 I was super nervous for this race because I had my 3 year Hawaii residency thing at this point and I knew there was a shot that I could win the resident spot to Kona... This race was likely my turning point in actually becoming more serious about triathlon. I think I placed 6th 30-34 in like 5:22 but that was enough to get the resident spot to Kona. I cried very happy tears when I realized that I actually did it and was going to race Kona for the first time!

2008 Sat this year out as I was ~4 months pregnant with Moana.

2009 Took Moana over there when she was ~8 months old and set a new 70.3 PR with 5:16. Had a solid swim/bike and then DIED on the run but once again it was enough to get the resident spot to Kona so the death march of a run was dismissed in my mind! Plus, this is what Moana looked like back then. :)


2010 Solid day all around setting another PR (5:14) even with a flat tire. Missed the Kona spot this year but walked away feeling good about my fitness and was proud of the way I held it together mentally even after that unlucky break on the bike.


2011 Had a rare magic day... I do think we had a tailwind the whole time or something but I shocked the hell out of myself and everyone else biking 2:30 on this course... then I held on and still ran the best I've ever run over there even though I was sort of dying. They took away our resident Kona spots so that qualifying thing was pretty much out of the question given how fast the 35-39 women were over there... But a 21' PR and 4:53 was something I was elated about for pretty much the rest of the year!


So looking back on my history there and seeing that pretty much every time I've gone back I've gone a good bit faster than the year before is sort of scary to me at this point! My training data indicates that I am fitter and faster across the board than I was last year but wrapping my head around going faster than 4:53 is freaking me out. Like, can I really do that??? I think what I need to do is stop thinking about it and just go race the race and let it be what it is... If the winds don't calm down and are still gusting at 25 mph on Saturday I think I'll adjust my plan and not even start my watch on the bike... we'll see. Conditions can play a big part in finish times so I try to not concern myself too much with the clock. I will say that if I put together a day that resembles pretty much any of my key training days in the last six weeks, I'll be smiling when I cross that finish line. :)

Anyway, I'm starting to pack and Moana is getting psyched about heading back over to Kona! This will be her 7th trip to Kona (4th time at Honu- she's a seasoned vet). And she's old enough now that she understands a bit more about racing so she's super fun to have around with her pom poms and her cowbell.  

Let's do it!!

15 comments:

Angela said...

Although I don't feel you need a "good luck", I hope you exceed your own expectations and are able to put together a race that both satisfies you and leaves you training for more!

Beth said...

Have a great race Michelle!!! I'll be cheering from Pittsburgh! :)

Damie said...

you can and will do it.

OH MY GOSH. Cannot get over that cute pic of Moana!!! Really!!!!!!! That is the cutest thing ever!!!!!!!!!

Kay Carter said...

I enjoyed reading your history of Honu...impressive! Hope your trend continues. And I remember that picture of Moana! Good luck, sweetie!

Lizzie said...

Go Michelle go! How very cool to have Moana cheering for you and getting in on all the action and atmosphere. Have a really great race!!

Jennifer Harrison said...

HAVE a great race, Michelle! I know how special this race is for you!!! :) Make it great!!

GetBackJoJo said...

Good luck!! I can't wait to hear how it goes!! YEAH!

mtanner said...

We will be cheering LOUD from Cali and checking in! Just do it!

mmmonyka said...

Have a great race!!!!!
It must be really cool to keep coming back to the race you like.

Kiet said...

You mean out paths crossed at Honu 2010 and we did not meet? Here's what you do, you chase after that 4:53 PR and if you fall short, no worries, that's why it's a PR, it should be damn hard to break. Go after it!

Katie said...

bahahah, LOVE HER in that swim cap! chase that PR, make it bow down, you got this!

Julie Dunkle said...

Best of luck!!! Have fun and enjoy the day......

Iron Krista, "The Dog Mom" said...

I'm sooooo excited to "watch" this. IM LIVE betta be working!

Libby said...

love the recap of the years at honu, its always so amazing to look back and see how far we've come! have a GREAT race and remember tough conditions favor tough athletes (in other words, my money is on you!)

Katie said...

Have a great race! Excited to see you rock it :)!