Oceanside 70.3 race report

Well I have broken the seal! I successfully finished my first professional triathlon. This Oceanside 70.3 triathlon was one that I had always wanted to avoid at all cost. The competition field is pretty much the toughest of the year, next to World Championships, rumored freezing temps, and a darn difficult bike course. So why did I make this my season starter, you ask? WHY THE HELL NOT!!

This year is a year about facing my FEARS and diving head first into living my DREAM to the fullest. I have been in California for the past two months training with the Team Sirius squad and felt it just made sense to go race since it was so close and I wanted to get the season started early. I am so new at everything and my coach and I figured what better way to start measuring my progress and fitness, than to saddle up next to the best in the world. So that's what I did

I spent a few days prior to the race in Oceanside with my good friend and teammate, Magali Tisseyre. We checked everything out as much as possible, got our bikes in order, took a dip in the fresh ocean. It was a perfect time to just focus on the big day. I have to say many thanks to Mags for really being there for me and showing me the ropes of being a pro. She is first class all the way!

Race morning came and I was feeling great. I usually get the nerves the evening before and after they settle, I wake race morning just energized and ready to roll. It seems at that point there isn't much else you can do except BELIEVE in your training and in yourself.

I have been working on my swim quite a bit and was really hoping to impress myself and show the progress I've made. To my dismay, I just didn't perform the way I wanted to in the water. I hung on to the pro women for about 200 meters and then I was all alone. I knew that was how it would be, but thought I could hang on to the back a little longer. I have really just begun swimming and do realize it takes patience and lots of hard work. So there I was swimming alone, got into a rhythm, but it wasn't as fast as I thought. When you have others around to draft off of or to push you it seems easier to know you are going strong. So I am disappointed that I didn't give it that extra kick that I should have, but I am taking a lot away from how I raced this course and will focus on what I need to change.

Transitions are something that I am pretty good at, so I went flying through T1 knowing I had a lot of time to make up. I went all out for the first 20 miles. The course is most flat there and with the wind at my back I was able to catch one of the other pros. From there the course got hilly and then the winds turned with the course and I was against the wind. It wasn't the worst wind, but when I was trying to make up time, it didn't help much. There was one big climb and one medium climb and then a bunch of rollers. I kept pushing as hard as I could without dying. To my delight, all of the women experienced the course in the same way. In addition, Camp Pendelton is closed to spectators, so I must say it was a little lonely out there trying to keep up and not a lot of crowd energy to motivate.

Back at T2, I flew. I got into my pace as fast as I could, keeping my cadence up. There was a lot of energy running out of transition along the harbor. Spectators on both sides of the road cheering on the athletes.  Just a few miles in, I saw Magali leading the run race. It was so amazing! It really inspired me to just go out there and give it what I had. I picked up the pace and just focused. Simple as that. I knew I had it in my to run strong. I just had to focus.

I came into the finish strong and had an overwhelming joy come over me. I had finished my first professional triathlon race. I had passed a few women pros on the run and had taken myself from dead last after the swim to 16th. In a field that was stacked with the world's strongest and toughest Ironman competitors, I was pretty satisfied. I know I have many many more races to come, and lots and lots of hard working days ahead of me. I can't say I didn't want more because we always want more. I have analyzed the things I was successful at and the stuff that needs work. I am happy to say that I had a wonderful experience and can't wait to go back and race this course again.

I have to say thank you to my coach, Siri Lindley, for her amazing support in training and in racing. Her love and energy is something that drives me everyday. Thank you to the other pro women for being so  welcoming and supportive of me in my first experience, especially you gals that are my friends and are seeing this crazy journey unfold. Thank you to Kiki Tisseyre for being my mom for the weekend and giving me so much love and care. And lastly, thank you to my friends that came from afar to spectate and support me in my first big race of my career. It means the world!!!

Winter training camp in the California desert

Well it has been two weeks since I left the Ohio winter for some "Sirius" triathlon training. I am living out in the southern California desert training with my coach, Siri Lindley, and the other Team Sirius athletes. This has been a whole new adventure for me. As a rookie pro, training with some of the world's greatest professional triathletes, can be a bit intimidating. I have to say,  however, that this is the most welcoming and energetic group I have ever met. I can't imagine being anywhere else right now and know that this fabulous ride has only just begun. 

 Our group is made up of all different men and women triathletes and a variety of focuses. We have everything from Olympic hopefuls to half and full Ironman racers. Everyone is here to become the best they can be, train hard, and to have fun while pushing ourselves to the limits.
The weather hasn't been quite what you would imagine a desert would be like. In two weeks we've had rain, snow,  horrific winds, and also plenty of sun.  I am still waiting for the warmer temperature, as we are layering up every morning. I imagine in a few weeks I may regret saying that.... I do not have a car here, so after a hard session, my idea of fun is not getting back on my bike to ride home and push through the wind at barely 5mph....What won't kill me can only make me stronger, right?!?!

 Since everyone is on a different game plan for their race focus, Siri makes sure that each individual is on a specific training plan. However, whenever possible, we get in key sessions together as it is awesome to be able to push yourself against your peers. The cheering and support is amazing as well. Sometimes Siri ever rides along in her car with her pack of dogs, radio blasting, motivating and coaching us to our potential. I have never had the daily eye of a coach watching over me. This has already become an invaluable experience for me in everyway imaginable, especially with my swimming.

As many know, I do not have a swimming background, nor have I really ever had proper direction on building strength, speed, and correct form.  It is amazing to have Siri watching and correcting me in the pool. She really cracks the whip since the pool isnt my favorite place to be. We call the pool that was created for our camp here, " the fishbowl" It is pretty much like swimming in open water everyday.

 Although I have only been here a short while I have made progresses, not only in my physical strength, but also mental strengths as well. Intensity is my new friend. Laughter, is an old one, that has come back to stay. I have laughed more in the past few weeks than I have in a really long time.( thanks Takka, Anna, Mags, Donna, Jenny, and Siri) My love for triathlon has really reignited. I am grateful for everyday I can continue to learn and grow out here.  I am grateful for the new friends that I have made. Their experience, wisdom, and hearts have made this experience more amazing than I could have ever imagined.  I can only hope that I will be able to give back to them someday in the same ways.

     I am a believer that there are no mistakes in life. This new adventure is proof.

Hawaiian Adventures: Jan 2011

This year has started off amazing. My husband, Rob, and I planned a trip to Hawaii for some good base training, warm temps, and of course a whole lot of fun.....and we've already received more than we could have ever expected. This is my first time in Hawaii and it has really proven to be an fantastic place.

During out first week on the Big Island we had to take advantage of doing the tourist thing and seeing the whole island. We first went up to Volcano National Park to check our the sites and hike. The weather is much cooler at 3,500 ft above sea level, so it was a good transition for my training from frigid temps to the tropics. I got up early to get my workouts in and then the days were ours to do whatever. We did a bit of hiking through the lava tubes and volcano caldera, and some coastal off-roading through the Puna district, south of Hilo. There were hidden lava pools and even an active lava flow that was close to destroying someone's house. Very interesting how nothing can stop lava, and I mean nothing!

A few days later we traveled over to Waikaloa to relax on the beach and great open water swimming. We got an opportunity to spend time with some Colorado friends that we randomly found out were on the island at the same time. What a lucky and pleasurable surprise. I also got my first wheel out on the famed Queen K. In addition, Rob and I had our first paddle board lesson with some friends and were hooked. We paddled 3 more times over the next week. It was so fun to try something new and challenging. I didn't grow up around water so anything aqua-like is an adventure for me:)

Week two was the reason for planning the trip to Hawaii. I participated in a triathlon camp, put on by the Playtri company. I wanted to build some solid base for my training and gain strength before the training season really gets under way. We were invited to stay with our friend's, Tricia and Al , who own a home in Kona. It was just delightful to have a wonderful cozy place to stay and to build a wonderful friendship with two amazing people.

During the 5 day camp, we did focus on all three triathlon sports, but the majority of the week was spent on riding. I rode 17.5 hours in 5 days, which is the most I've done since before Ironman Wisconsin, in September. It was a challenge but every hill and push that we made really fulfilled that drive and love for the challenge of what triathlon is all about. Thank goodness for my Kestrel 4000. She really hung in there with me and took a beating. She will be getting a good bath when we get home.

During camp I was inspired by an amazing group of athletes. Our group was filled with all different ages and triathlon experience, but everyone had that heart and determination to give it their all while in camp. On parts of rides where I was hurting, I'd look over and see someone else who was slower or less experienced than me, pushing harder and giving everything they had, determined to not give up. Our camp group was a total of 30, and a total of 30 made the complete Ironman ride from Kona to Hawi and back. Half of the group had never rode over 3 hours, let a lone over 100 miles. All I can say is WOW! This camp is really what I needed to kick start my training and my inner drive for the year. I am grateful for the opportunity to log good hours early in the season, to built new friendships, and share my passions with others who feel the same about this amazing sport.

ALOHA!

Giving Thanks

This has been a tremendous year to be thankful for. I started a new journey of dreaming this year and have so much love and support. Thank you to my husband, Rob, first and foremost, for standing by me through the hardships and successes of this year. It has not only been an adventure for me, but for Rob as well, as we embark together to figure out what its like to live as and with a full time triathlete.  Thank you to my parents for believing in me and encouraging me to be the dreamer that I have become. They also made their debut at my last race this year, in Clearwater, to join in on the triathlon experience. They had a great time and learning experience. It really means a lot that they are learning about what I am doing with my life, and that I am able to share with them.

I am thankful for my body. My arms, legs, and mind have carried me a long way. Without them all I would not be who I am today. My mind, especially, has been a key player this year in my life journey. I learned a lot from you, mind. You can be my companion and my enemy, but together we grow and learn and become strong. Along with that, I have to thank one of my mentors, John McMullin, for inviting me to join in the journey of wisdom that is life. The gifts that I have been given are priceless.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Take time to reflect at least one thing that has made your life amazing.

Ironman 70.3 World Championship-Clearwater, FL

   Well, this had to be my least stellar race of the year, unfortunate. I had come off such a great Ironman race in Wisconsin and had high hopes for this race.  I have raced at least once each month this season and this was the biggest two month gap between races. I went in not really knowing where I stood with my fitness. I felt great but my training volume was down from ironman training and it had been a while since I had raced. I just threw myself in the race believing I was where I should be....this however wasn't a reflection of my race experience.
   The swim was just horrid for me. I have not swam in the ocean very often, let alone the open wavy side. The practice swims were an eye-opener for me. I told myself to just remember to relax and just do my best.
Well, the gun goes off and I got off to a great start. However, the farther out I got, the wavier it got, and the less I had control of holding a draft, let alone some swim form. As I made the turn to head back in the sun was directly in my eyes and I just struggled the rest of the way in.
  My transition to the bike was awesome. I had two guys stripping my wetsuit that basically held me up in the air so I never had to touch the ground and kept on going. Grabbing my bike bag was easy and I had set everything up to run smoothy.....and it did. I jumped on the bike and just took off. I am a strong cyclist, but found this course to be a bit different than the rest. Of course everyone has heard of the Clearwater drafting, in a non-drafting race, but I can't even explain the magnitude of the drafting I rode hard, but when packs would come by, I took a cautious back seat, as I did not want to risk a penalty, or crashing. I saw multiple crashes and a penalty tent with more than 10 people in it. In my opinion, the course isn't bad, its just that the roads are all open to cars and the bikers only have one lane of riding and passing. When you have age groupers that are all similar caliber athletes, they most likely are going to be riding close to one an other, so a narrow course just isn't realistic.
   I had another great transition in T2. Gotta love the bike catcher in the 70.3. If only every race had volunteers to take your bike so you could skip the racking, wow that would be amazing.The first two miles of the run for me are a build into a good pace. I am always conscious of going out too fast. I actually had great run. It got hotter as it went on, but never really effected me too much. Humidity isn't my friend. The humidity seemed pretty low on race day. I finished hard the last 5 miles and passed a few of my contenders within the last mile to round out the top 10 in the 30-34 age group.
   Of course top 10 in your age group in the world is pretty good, but its not good enough for me. I always go into a race expecting to win, or at least do my best. This was not my day. There are many lessons to learn from this race. I find a lot of value in this, and will take this race as a building block for the next season. I had a wonderful triathlon season in 2010 and am very happy of all of the growth and successes I experienced.
   Thank you to Kestrel and Speedfill for helping me get set up pre-race. Especially to Steve H. and Frank from the bike shop for helping get my  Kestrel 4000 setup fine tuned. It felt amazing and was much better than I could have done myself.
  Next race report blog will be done as an elite. Lots of work to do until then....lots and lots.

"He who would go a hundred miles should consider ninety-nine as halfway."~Japanese Proverb

    I came across this quote today and it really hit home to what has been going on in my life recently. In February, I quit my full time (full paid) job, to pursue a career in professional triathlon racing. I had found my passion and anchored my dream to this star. For the last nine months, I have set my focus on quality training, racing, and becoming the best athlete I could imagine. (All which I could have never done without the love, support, and frequent flyer miles of my husband, Rob....love you!)

  This season my racing grew leaps and bounds and I finished every race on the podium. In September, at Ironman Wisconsin, I made my dream a reality. By finishing as the first place women amateur spot, I fulfilled the USAT professional license criteria. I made my dream of racing as a professional athlete become a reality and can start in 2011. AWESOME!!!!!WHAT NOW?

    Last week, I traveled to Dallas to do some training with my coach, Ahmed Zaher, and to take a swim clinic with Sheila Taromina, Olympic gold medalist and  the only 3 time, 3 sport Olympic athlete. The knowledge I gained in 3 days from the both of them was priceless. On Thursday, I went to hear Sheila speak to the Dallas area Playtri athletes. She expressed her story of perserverance while trying to make it into the Olympic Trials and onto the U.S. Olympic swimming team. She tried three times. On her final shot, she was turned away from the Olympic Training center program, and had to make some choices about following her dream and if she would have that dedication on her own to make it. She had little resources where she lived and had to put all of her faith into making her dreams a reality by setting and sticking to her goals. She did it, and got onto the Olympic swimming team, but that was just the beginning. That was the end of Sheila's speach, about making your dreams come true, but of course we all know that wasn't the end. She made it to the ninety-nine mile mark, and doors were opening for her, but the work load ahead, I suspect, grew and grew and grew.....as did her commitments and determination.

   So here I am, completing my dreams and goals for the year, listening and relating to a respected athlete that has gone through the journey, which I have only dabbled my toes into. I planned this year on going the one hundred miles it would take to become a professional triathlete. I am now realizing that I have just reached my ninety-nine mile marker. I have had to take a lot of time, and will do so even more before 2011, setting new goals and realizing the workload ahead of me is greater than I have ever imagined. I have had to decide, thinking with my heart, about my commitments to my career in triathlon  this next year, and the years to come. I have set small goals, and I have set large goals, neither being more or less important. I have hitched my new dreams on another star and am setting forth on the next leg of this incredible journey. Here I GO.........

Ironman Wisconsin 2010

    Well, I  have put off writing my blog long enough. I started writing a few months back and really enjoyed posting my race report. Since then, I sort of let it slip my mind because I didn't really know what to write. I have had a wonderful first full season of racing triathlon, thus far. Last weekend I had my best race of the year, and thought it was about time to write about it.
    I went up to Madison, Wisconsin to check out the bike course a few weeks before the race. It was in the 90's and 100% humidity. That was a really rough weekend of training for me. The conditions really brought my performance down, as well as my race confidence. I was pretty unsure about how the race was going to pan out for me, especially the 112 mile bike course.
    We got to Madison on Thursday of race week and it was just beautiful. I was feeling rested and relaxed at this point, and knew that I just had to trust in my training and perform to my best physical and mental ability. We built a bonfire out in the country that night with some friends. I love fires and took some time just to stare into the flames and envision my race and the strengths I would need for my first Ironman.
    Friday and Saturday went quickly. Friday was the welcome dinner where I got to meet some of my Erin Baker Triathlon Team teammates. I enjoyed listening to the many stories of athletes that were shared and drew a lot of inspiration from them. Saturday, Rob and I went to UW vs San Jose St football game. Rob needed as little break from the triathlon scene, as did I. Its not so good for me to spend a lot of time around so much nervous energy. I think that it can be counteractive and create doubts in your own plan by listening to others triathlon training and racing stories. I surprisingly slept like a baby on Saturday night, which was a huge blessing for me.
     SWIM-Lake Monona was super calm as the sun began to rise on Sunday morning. I was unusually calm as well. I had a growing excitement inside but was sure not to waste too much energy before the start. I somehow ran into every one of my friends that I knew were spectating and received amazing positive energy to build on from them. When I got into the water I knew it was going to be just the beginning to a fabulous day. The gun when off and I took off. The mass start wasn't as difficult as I imagined. I just had to keep forward progression and not worry about the fists, kicks, and pulls from others. There were people around me on both laps so I was able to find drafts almost the entire way. I came out just under 50 seconds of my predicted swim and was happy to see I was on the right track. Running up the helix into T1 was quite and event. Hundreds of people screaming and were cheering the athletes on. It was hard not to be pumped up.

     BIKE- I set out on the bike with a rigid plan that I knew I had to stick to. First off, was to keep calm and a slower paced for the first 20 miles. Knowing myself, I would get carried away by all the excitement. I rode the course and was confident about my pacing and choices I would make along the way. My nutritional plan was executed to a "T". I held a smile on my face the entire time and a joy in my heart. I felt so lucky to be able to be out there sharing this day with thousands of athletes owning a common love. The most amazing part on the bike were the spectators. They were everywhere. Most major packs at top of climbs where the knew every athlete could use the most encouragement. Crazy costumes and signs. My favorite sign I saw was, "Are you peeing?". They must have been athletes themselves....Ha!
    I came into T2 feeling amazing. I had no idea where I was placed in the pack, but I knew I had surpassed my expectations for the bike portion. The girls in the change room were cheering and all in a line waiting to jump at the chance to assist me. I told them they were just amazing being there and how cool it was. I started to tear up with all the emotions that came over me. The girls shouted words of encouragement as I sprinted out of the building.
     RUN-I also started the run for the first 20 minutes going easy and not to take off too fast. The last leg  of Ironman was still going to be long, and I wasn't planning on bonking that early! The first loop of the run felt comfortable even though I wasn't going as fast as I thought I would run. I was pacing comfortably and knew I could carry that a long way. As I got to the second loop, I found myself getting fatigued in my quads, but it wasn't anything that couldn't push through. I saw my husband at mile 17 and  knew I was slowing a little, but his encouragement was an uplift for me. We looped around State St. and the crowds were screaming and echoing through the street. Perfect for all the athletes struggling with their run. I got to mile 20 and my hamstring seized up on me and I got panicked. I couldn't stop because then everything would start shutting down. So I slowed a bit, and got the pain under control and then sped up to the fastest pace I was able to handle at this point.
     The last 300 meters is a lap around the capital building....uphill. I had such a rush inside that I just took off for the finish line. People were screaming from all sides as I came through the finish chute hearing Mike Reiley say, "Erin Spitler, You Are An Ironman." I thought for sure I was going to shed some tears hearing that for the first time in my life, but my brain was just in such exhaustion that I fell into the arms of the catchers and let them walk me to Rob, who was standing at the end of the street.
Then I heard the most amazing words I have heard all 2010 triathlon season come out of Rob's mouth.  "Erin, you won, you are 1st Place!" I was first in my age group and first overall amateur. I was just stunned. I had achieved a position I had been gunning for all season, and I did it in the hardest race. What?!?!
    This Ironman Wisconsin 2010 was the best racing experience of my life. Everything from volunteers, to registration and banquets, to course support, and weather, all fell into place with precision. Rob and I went back to the finish after dark to cheer on athletes that were still racing. This is when it all hit me. I realized, not only what I had accomplished, but what 2,500 others had accomplished, and started crying. What an overwhelming feeling. It is unexplainable to those who have never race an Ironman before.
 I will never forget this day. It won't be my last Ironman. I am looking forward to many more.