Pre-Head-Banging. FIRED UP!
I think it’s funny that my last post was titled “T.G.I.Don’t.Know.”
I DIDN’T know a lot of anything after the race. I was totally out of it. So the verdict is that I had some sort of concussion, as evidenced by my complete cluelessness as to how I ended up on the side of the road. It’s scary to think of what could happen without a helmet, if falling on a turn (at low speeds) turned me into a rambling mess. I have been told I’m thick headed, which, when combined with a good helmet, may not be such a bad thing.
So my little email from my blackberry in the med tent was before I totally had it together (obviously). I don’t really remember calling Danny but I do remember crying for a long time. After I calmed my butt down, I realized what happened. My previously ominous post, mentioning my concern for a crowded course, was spot-on, but it wasn’t the cause of the crash. This was a very different course to race, because it consisted of 4 x 12mi loops. Consider so many athletes (pros and amateurs all racing different speeds) stuffed into 12 miles with 4 tight u-turns per loop, and there doesn’t leave much space for each athlete. As a result, I was definitely over-paced and out of my typical wattage range, but I was just trying like hell to move up and keep a clean race. There were some really strong age group men, and the only way to avoid a drafting penalty was to either drop back, or push harder and go past them. I chose option #2. The swim was incredibly hard, long, choppy, and into the current and waves the first 1800m— all the athletes were slower, and I was wayyyy slow. So I had some catching up to do. And I was doing it! By the end of the 3rd loop, I was on pace to bike a sub-2:08, which would’ve been with the top girls on the bike. But — COULDA WOULDA SHOULDA, right? I made the tight u-turn and one of those reflector bumpy things in the road got in my way (WHO PUT THAT THERE?!) . . . and that was all she wrote.
Next thing I know I was howling on the side of the road, crying hysterically, and just repeating, “But I came so far!! I want to race!!” … yet completely confused as to how I ended up there. (Not a good way to convince them to let you back on your bike.)
The funny thing is that I am very careful on the bike. I had never had a crash or a DNF, and I attribute that partly to the fact that I am so careful (but mostly lucky— it’s bound to happen). I’m not upset anymore; I’m just grateful that it wasn’t worse. I have friends who have been VERY badly injured in bike wrecks (Mikey, Matt, Pam…) and I am just walking away with some good bruises and road rash, all of which will heal. Thanks so much for all the nice words/notes on Facebook and email… I was really feelin’ the love. I mean that. The big picture is a GOOD one, and I’m feeling nothing but gratitude at this point– no longer disappointment.
A big part of that is because I have met some great people here and we have had an awesome few days exploring Perth and other areas of Western Australia. Over the next couple days I’ll post more photos. Stay tuned for wine tasting, kangaroo chasing, and delish pad thai on a completely deserted beach.
Before the race: Adam Jensen, Head Banger, Becky Witinok-Huber, & Jim Lubinski.
On a mission, but headed for asphalt.
- Med tent: race over.
Team USA’s Tim O’donnell was crowned the 2009 Long Distance World Champ — big congrats to this former military officer on a wicked fast race. Well done, Sir!
World Champ Tim!
I love DESTINATION posts; they are my favorite. There’s something about packing up and discovering new places that I find incredibly exciting, renewing, and always a very in-your-face time to learn about yourself. When you leave the comforts of home, you invariably get an up-close view of who you are. Like it or not.
Pensacola Beach seemed like a better option. And a 600yard swim, 18mi bike, and 5k run seemed juuuuussssssstttttt right. I’ve only done one other sprint before (in 2007), and I remember it “hurting like my head was being peeled by a cheese grater,” as my coach eloquently advised it should feel like. Whatever. A 70.3 hurts pretty damn bad, too, so at least a sprint race is over quickly.
We had a nice ATL contingency of some fast boys at the start line: J.Sipos, K.Brown, K.Patton, among others. Having swam recently with Jeremy and Ken, I was basking in my perceived new-found aquatic speed, and all too happy to talk big smack to those guys before the race.
That’s because I was still chugging along, god only knows how far back. Humble Pie tastes delish, let me tell you. My swim time wasn’t recorded, which is probably a good thing. The photo evidence is incriminating enough.
I had a good bike and had moved into the front of the field. I saw new power numbers during that race, and speed was good, too: 24.2mph according to my Garmin. While the hideously ugly face shield is supposed to be wicked aerodynamic, I am sure that my gaping mouth is NOT. I think I was just trying to get more air in my lungs.
The adventures continue (literally) . . . stay tuned for some exciting news.
First and foremost, if you’re like most people, when you think “AUGUSTA,” you think “GOLF.” Masters, specifically. And images of perfectly manicured greens come to mind, don’t they?
My plans to ride with superstar April G. were not to be. She was still celebrating her post-Louisville “I don’t want to train yet” recovery week, and good for her. I knew Tony Myers would be there, and I also knew that Tony is one competitive dude— I had nothing to worry about in regards to having to ride alone– he’d stick with me. And Tony didn’t disappoint. Thanks buddy!
As soon as you head out of transition, you’ll take about a one mile detour down a flat road before doing a u-turn and starting the bike course. Within a few miles, you’ll cross over the Savannah River (more on that later) and say ADIOS to Georgia; the majority of the ride is through South Carolina. The first hour is pretty flat and fast. The roads were not smooth as butter but not as wretched as the Nicaragua-esque streets of Richmond at Du Worlds in 07. After the first mile, more rollers ensue. Bottom line: mapmyride.com is a farce! This course is not as flat as the profile shows. It should be fast, but there are definitely some rollers as well as some climbs that slow you down (although I stayed in the big ring the whole day). There are also plenty of flat and fast sections, but my Garmin showed about 2500 feet of climbing. Nothing terrible, but just don’t expect a ride like Gulf Coast. I do think it will be fast, just not crazy fast.
The ride is scenic in its own sort of Southern way. You won’t see palm trees or beaches, but you’ll pass by many car “dealerships” (conveniently located right on the front yards), as well as multiple reminders about the big guy upstairs and what he expects of us. Remember, this is the bible belt. If it’s not working out for you on race day, you’ll have plenty of churches around to drop in and request divine intervention. Or, buy a 1982 Camaro and just drive back to transition.
Southerners are pretty friendly. And these two Aiken, SC cops were true to form when they mapped out my return to transition. I have a feeling that some of my single friends may be intentionally veering off course in attempt to find Johnny Law. When a man still says “Yes, Ma’am” to a sweaty, nasty girl at the tail end of a 60mile ride, you know their momma taught them manners.
