La's Soggy Muskoka 70.3 Report
La's Soggy Muskoka 70.3 Report
The race was soggy, hopefully not a watered-down report, though.
It was great to meet some new Maniacs - Scrummy & Denis, CnC & Dave, Mrs1Triatatime. I think I saw JLA out on the run course (as she went blowing past me in the opposite direction). I never saw Cattitude, though.
Plus, there were all the racers from my tri club, as well as some other random friends who were doing the race. It was a very social weekend, for sure.
The day started out OK. I had prepped everything the night before, so all I had to do was arrive in transition and get set up. Super fast and easy. There was a bit of drizzle, so I was sure to cover all my gear so that it wouldn't be soaked by the time I got on my bike, or back in for the run. It was surprisingly warm, considering the rain.
The swim was great. I finished in 42 minutes, which was much faster than my last two races at this distance, and much close to what I'm capable of. I would have been happier with 40 minutes, but I found the lake to be a bit choppy, so I'll take a mulligan on that.
Wetsuit strippers were awesome! Crowd support exiting the swim was AWESOME. The run up from the lake to transition, BRUTAL. I did put my orange crocks at the swim exit, so that helped a bit, but that hill was nasty. I had to take my time in transition because it had started to rain by that point and it made getting socks/shorts on a bit trickier. Headed out on the bike and there were my fans again! Awesome!!
The bike was really, really tough. On the newly paved section (around 15K mark) I came upon two guys who were trying to fix a flat. One of them asked if anyone had a spare with a long valve. I did, so I stopped and gave him mine. I said, "Wish me no flats, because I gave you my only spare," so he gave me one of his (that had a shorter valve, but would be fine for my rims). Thankfully, no flats for me that day! The crowd support by the locals and cottagers was amazing! I never expected so many people to be out in that crappy weather! Kudos to the residents of Huntsville & Lake of Bays region!!
Hills, hills, hills, hills, HILLS!! Relentless! And the ones in the last 30K were brutal - because by then the rain and wind had really picked up, so as if the terrain itself wasn't difficult enough, the elements added even more resistance. I had been hoping for a 3:45 bike split, but I came in around 3:55. I really struggled in the last 20K or so (bike computer conked out due to the rain, so I only had the course markings every 5K and my own knowledge of the course to know where I was and how far I had left to go). Crowd support coming into T2 was great - saw QC & dgrant huddled under an umbrella (thanks, guys!).
My legs felt surprisingly good at the start of the run. As long as it was flat or downhill, I had no problems running. Energy-wise, I felt great, too. Uphills, on the other hand... I just didn't have the energy or the hamstring strength to run up any of the hills (my right hams, glutes and piriformis were screaming at me). By the 2K mark, my stomach started to act up a bit. I was taking my gels but I could start to feel some distress in my lower GI tract. No relief at the port-o-potties, so I just soldiered on. The rain had really started to pick up by this point and I was feeling mighty sorry for myself. "This sucks," I said to myself many a time.
The aid station near the 10K mark was being run by one of the local elementary schools. These kids had the best attitude and were so happy to be there supporting us - they were awesome. This was also the point where I was feeling particularly sucky. Just as I was leaving the end of the aid station, I saw a handmade sign that said, Don't Stop! Never Give Up! You can Do it! And I actually started to cry. Here I was doing the thing I loved to do, when others can't (for whatever reason) and I'm complaining because of the weather??? I was wearing my RM Buff around my wrist at that time and I was reminded of Spencer and of MrBond's son, Stephen, and had to get a grip because if this was the worst day I'd had in a while, it was still better than some people's best day. So I decided that no matter how much it hurt, I was still going to run the flats and the downhills. I was not going to give up.
The last 5K are through the golf course at Deerhurst. Those were the toughest kilometers of the day. Hills, twists, turns, uneven surfaces... pain, pain, pain. I was so glad to see my fans/supporter out there in the rain. All day long I'd only been looking at my lap splits, not my total time. Finally, around the 19K mark I saw that I was already over 7 hours total time and that kind of let the wind out of my sails. I was going to be way over my goal time.
Crossing the finish line was great as it was a bit of a downhill finish. I saw my team of supporters near the finish line and gave them a smile and a wave as I ran past. My time was 7:19-something, and my run split 2:28. I'm disappointed with my finishing time, but putting everything into perspective, I'm not too bummed about it. To some extent, I got the result I'd trained for. I should/could have spent more time on my bike/run combo and logged a few more hours of training per week. So now I have something to reflect on for Lake Placid next year.
Although I don't like to say "never", it's highly unlikely that I will do this race again if the course remains the same. That bike/run route is a killer and really doesn't suit my riding style. I understand why Deerhurst wanted the last 5K to be on the golf course, but that was mentally tough. It would have made it easier on the runners if we'd done that part first.
A BIG congrats to CnC for winning the shallonge!! Well done! That was a smokin' fast bike ride in those horrible conditions. It was great to finally meet you, too.
I never saw BJH at all on the course (except before the swim start). With all the out-and-back sections, I thought our paths would cross, but they never did. Congrats to you, too!
Up next: REST! I have a 1/2M to do in two weeks!
La, out!
ETA: I just saw the race results that I finished 3rd of 8 in the Athena 40+ division! Too bad I didn't go to the awards ceremony.
It was great to meet some new Maniacs - Scrummy & Denis, CnC & Dave, Mrs1Triatatime. I think I saw JLA out on the run course (as she went blowing past me in the opposite direction). I never saw Cattitude, though.
Plus, there were all the racers from my tri club, as well as some other random friends who were doing the race. It was a very social weekend, for sure.
The day started out OK. I had prepped everything the night before, so all I had to do was arrive in transition and get set up. Super fast and easy. There was a bit of drizzle, so I was sure to cover all my gear so that it wouldn't be soaked by the time I got on my bike, or back in for the run. It was surprisingly warm, considering the rain.
The swim was great. I finished in 42 minutes, which was much faster than my last two races at this distance, and much close to what I'm capable of. I would have been happier with 40 minutes, but I found the lake to be a bit choppy, so I'll take a mulligan on that.
Wetsuit strippers were awesome! Crowd support exiting the swim was AWESOME. The run up from the lake to transition, BRUTAL. I did put my orange crocks at the swim exit, so that helped a bit, but that hill was nasty. I had to take my time in transition because it had started to rain by that point and it made getting socks/shorts on a bit trickier. Headed out on the bike and there were my fans again! Awesome!!
The bike was really, really tough. On the newly paved section (around 15K mark) I came upon two guys who were trying to fix a flat. One of them asked if anyone had a spare with a long valve. I did, so I stopped and gave him mine. I said, "Wish me no flats, because I gave you my only spare," so he gave me one of his (that had a shorter valve, but would be fine for my rims). Thankfully, no flats for me that day! The crowd support by the locals and cottagers was amazing! I never expected so many people to be out in that crappy weather! Kudos to the residents of Huntsville & Lake of Bays region!!
Hills, hills, hills, hills, HILLS!! Relentless! And the ones in the last 30K were brutal - because by then the rain and wind had really picked up, so as if the terrain itself wasn't difficult enough, the elements added even more resistance. I had been hoping for a 3:45 bike split, but I came in around 3:55. I really struggled in the last 20K or so (bike computer conked out due to the rain, so I only had the course markings every 5K and my own knowledge of the course to know where I was and how far I had left to go). Crowd support coming into T2 was great - saw QC & dgrant huddled under an umbrella (thanks, guys!).
My legs felt surprisingly good at the start of the run. As long as it was flat or downhill, I had no problems running. Energy-wise, I felt great, too. Uphills, on the other hand... I just didn't have the energy or the hamstring strength to run up any of the hills (my right hams, glutes and piriformis were screaming at me). By the 2K mark, my stomach started to act up a bit. I was taking my gels but I could start to feel some distress in my lower GI tract. No relief at the port-o-potties, so I just soldiered on. The rain had really started to pick up by this point and I was feeling mighty sorry for myself. "This sucks," I said to myself many a time.
The aid station near the 10K mark was being run by one of the local elementary schools. These kids had the best attitude and were so happy to be there supporting us - they were awesome. This was also the point where I was feeling particularly sucky. Just as I was leaving the end of the aid station, I saw a handmade sign that said, Don't Stop! Never Give Up! You can Do it! And I actually started to cry. Here I was doing the thing I loved to do, when others can't (for whatever reason) and I'm complaining because of the weather??? I was wearing my RM Buff around my wrist at that time and I was reminded of Spencer and of MrBond's son, Stephen, and had to get a grip because if this was the worst day I'd had in a while, it was still better than some people's best day. So I decided that no matter how much it hurt, I was still going to run the flats and the downhills. I was not going to give up.
The last 5K are through the golf course at Deerhurst. Those were the toughest kilometers of the day. Hills, twists, turns, uneven surfaces... pain, pain, pain. I was so glad to see my fans/supporter out there in the rain. All day long I'd only been looking at my lap splits, not my total time. Finally, around the 19K mark I saw that I was already over 7 hours total time and that kind of let the wind out of my sails. I was going to be way over my goal time.
Crossing the finish line was great as it was a bit of a downhill finish. I saw my team of supporters near the finish line and gave them a smile and a wave as I ran past. My time was 7:19-something, and my run split 2:28. I'm disappointed with my finishing time, but putting everything into perspective, I'm not too bummed about it. To some extent, I got the result I'd trained for. I should/could have spent more time on my bike/run combo and logged a few more hours of training per week. So now I have something to reflect on for Lake Placid next year.
Although I don't like to say "never", it's highly unlikely that I will do this race again if the course remains the same. That bike/run route is a killer and really doesn't suit my riding style. I understand why Deerhurst wanted the last 5K to be on the golf course, but that was mentally tough. It would have made it easier on the runners if we'd done that part first.
A BIG congrats to CnC for winning the shallonge!! Well done! That was a smokin' fast bike ride in those horrible conditions. It was great to finally meet you, too.
I never saw BJH at all on the course (except before the swim start). With all the out-and-back sections, I thought our paths would cross, but they never did. Congrats to you, too!
Up next: REST! I have a 1/2M to do in two weeks!
La, out!
ETA: I just saw the race results that I finished 3rd of 8 in the Athena 40+ division! Too bad I didn't go to the awards ceremony.
Last edited by La on Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:31 am, edited 1 time in total.
"Maybe I will be my own inspiration." - UltraMonk (Laura)
"Everywhere is walking distance if you have enough time." - Steven Wright
"Everywhere is walking distance if you have enough time." - Steven Wright
- scrumhalfgirl
- Lynn Williams
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- Location: Ottawa
Wow - that report took me right back!
Congratulations, La! That was a very tough day, and a very tough course - you dug deep when you needed to, and pushed through for a great finish. Amazing, inspiring work!
It was so nice to FINALLY meet you this weekend!
Congratulations, La! That was a very tough day, and a very tough course - you dug deep when you needed to, and pushed through for a great finish. Amazing, inspiring work!
It was so nice to FINALLY meet you this weekend!
Jesse's 2017 Plans
April - Boston Marathon
May - Sporting Life Ottawa 10K
May - Ottawa Half Marathon
April - Boston Marathon
May - Sporting Life Ottawa 10K
May - Ottawa Half Marathon
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- Lynn Williams
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The aid station near the 10K mark was being run by one of the local elementary schools. These kids had the best attitude and were so happy to be there supporting us - they were awesome. This was also the point where I was feeling particularly sucky. Just as I was leaving the end of the aid station, I saw a handmade sign that said, Don't Stop! Never Give Up! You can Do it! And I actually started to cry. Here I was doing the thing I loved to do, when others can't (for whatever reason) and I'm complaining because of the weather??? I was wearing my RM Buff around my wrist at that time and I was reminded of Spencer and of MrBond's son, Stephen, and had to get a grip because if this was the worst day I'd had in a while, it was still better than some people's best day. So I decided that no matter how much it hurt, I was still going to run the flats and the downhills. I was not going to give up.
ok that made me cry.
Amazing work La, I know there were some parts of the race that did not turn out how you had hoped but I am just in awe of what you did yesterday
enjoy your rest - your well earned rest
"Keep Going. Never Give Up" - Spencer
Don't give up before the miracle.
**formerly campbellskid**
Don't give up before the miracle.
**formerly campbellskid**
- Iron-North
- Jerome Drayton
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Hmmm all we hear about the race is how tough the bike was! And the run too. You did awesome. Looking at the time for this race should be compared to all finishers who took more than usual. Not to your previous times for same distance ... It was tough for everyone! Bravo!
Always North of something ...
Ironman Cozumel 2014
Vancouver to Inuvik on bike 2014
Ironman Cozumel 2014
Vancouver to Inuvik on bike 2014
campbellskid wrote:The aid station near the 10K mark was being run by one of the local elementary schools. These kids had the best attitude and were so happy to be there supporting us - they were awesome. This was also the point where I was feeling particularly sucky. Just as I was leaving the end of the aid station, I saw a handmade sign that said, Don't Stop! Never Give Up! You can Do it! And I actually started to cry. Here I was doing the thing I loved to do, when others can't (for whatever reason) and I'm complaining because of the weather??? I was wearing my RM Buff around my wrist at that time and I was reminded of Spencer and of MrBond's son, Stephen, and had to get a grip because if this was the worst day I'd had in a while, it was still better than some people's best day. So I decided that no matter how much it hurt, I was still going to run the flats and the downhills. I was not going to give up.
ok that made me cry.
Ditto. That part made me tear up as well.
I was so amazed at all of your training, and at your perseverence on a day that was not great to race in.
Congratulations! You should be proud of all you accomplished.
Me too!campbellskid wrote:The aid station near the 10K mark was being run by one of the local elementary schools. These kids had the best attitude and were so happy to be there supporting us - they were awesome. This was also the point where I was feeling particularly sucky. Just as I was leaving the end of the aid station, I saw a handmade sign that said, Don't Stop! Never Give Up! You can Do it! And I actually started to cry. Here I was doing the thing I loved to do, when others can't (for whatever reason) and I'm complaining because of the weather??? I was wearing my RM Buff around my wrist at that time and I was reminded of Spencer and of MrBond's son, Stephen, and had to get a grip because if this was the worst day I'd had in a while, it was still better than some people's best day. So I decided that no matter how much it hurt, I was still going to run the flats and the downhills. I was not going to give up.
ok that made me cry.
Congrats on a tough one, La. You're an inspiration, as always.
Life is short. Stop whining!!- Jwolf
Sorry you didn't make your goal time but the course seems very difficult! Add the rain... I think you did a wonderful job!! Congrats on finishing another half IM!!! You really inspire me to attack this beast one day
And YAY for the 3rd AG place!
And YAY for the 3rd AG place!
Sonia
7 marathons (PB 5:01)
31 halfs (PB 2:10)
----------------------------
The plan for 2014: 10K des glaces & Apocalypse 5K
2015: No plan at all!
7 marathons (PB 5:01)
31 halfs (PB 2:10)
----------------------------
The plan for 2014: 10K des glaces & Apocalypse 5K
2015: No plan at all!
- casual-runner
- Bill Crothers
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Earned good race karma by helping a fellow competitor - check
Had the mental fortitude to overcome self-pity and fight for those who can't - check
Worked with incredible strength through a very tough race course - check
Pulled off an enviable time in the tail end of a Caribbean hurricane - check
La, you are a wonder. I always get my strength and inspiration from you. You are my hero and you didn't disappoint in the least.
Rock on sista... bring on Waterfront!
Had the mental fortitude to overcome self-pity and fight for those who can't - check
Worked with incredible strength through a very tough race course - check
Pulled off an enviable time in the tail end of a Caribbean hurricane - check
La, you are a wonder. I always get my strength and inspiration from you. You are my hero and you didn't disappoint in the least.
Rock on sista... bring on Waterfront!
Chilly 1/2 - March 4
Montreal 1/2 - April 29
NCM 1/2 - May 27
Manitoba 1/2 - June 17
Army 1/2 - Sept
Montreal 1/2 - April 29
NCM 1/2 - May 27
Manitoba 1/2 - June 17
Army 1/2 - Sept
Lesley, this is just another example of your strength, courage and determination. I like that you got tough when the tough got going! You ARE a huge inspiration. Congrats on a podium finish on such a tough day.
Treat a child as though she already is the person she's capable of becoming. - Haim Ginott
Keep going. Never give up. - Spencer Dolling
Run like hell, feel like hell, look like hell! - Nick
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you have. - Cheryl Crow
Keep going. Never give up. - Spencer Dolling
Run like hell, feel like hell, look like hell! - Nick
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you have. - Cheryl Crow
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- Bruce Kidd
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Re: La's Soggy Muskoka 70.3 Report
La wrote:Just as I was leaving the end of the aid station, I saw a handmade sign that said, Don't Stop! Never Give Up! You can Do it! And I actually started to cry. Here I was doing the thing I loved to do, when others can't (for whatever reason) and I'm complaining because of the weather??? I was wearing my RM Buff around my wrist at that time and I was reminded of Spencer and of MrBond's son, Stephen, and had to get a grip because if this was the worst day I'd had in a while, it was still better than some people's best day. So I decided that no matter how much it hurt, I was still going to run the flats and the downhills. I was not going to give up.
This brought tears to my eyes.
I am very, very proud of you.
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- Abby Hoffman
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Congrats on 3rd place!
Fortes Fortuna Juvat!
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Never really ready but always ready!
In support of injured Canadian Forces soldiers, please donate to Soldier On! http://www.cfpsa.com/Splashpages/SoldierOn/
Never really ready but always ready!
Bravo Lesley, bravo!
2014
injured
2013
Snowflake 10k....stopped at 5k
Rest of the year a write off because of injury.
2012
Snowflake 10k Jan 1 done
Run 4 Kids 10k Jan 7 done
Harry's Spring Run Off 8k. April 8 a disaster, but I finished
Centurion 50k at Horseshoe Valley (cycling) done
Centurion 50 miler at Blue Mountain (cycling) done.....barely!
Snowflake 5k, Dec 16 - done
2011
Harry Rosen 8k. April. done
Rotary 5k fun run. May. done
CANI 10k. June. done
Canada Day 10k. July. done
Barrie Waterfront 5k. Aug. done
CANI 10 k. Oct. done
Base Borden Army Run 10k. done
injured
2013
Snowflake 10k....stopped at 5k
Rest of the year a write off because of injury.
2012
Snowflake 10k Jan 1 done
Run 4 Kids 10k Jan 7 done
Harry's Spring Run Off 8k. April 8 a disaster, but I finished
Centurion 50k at Horseshoe Valley (cycling) done
Centurion 50 miler at Blue Mountain (cycling) done.....barely!
Snowflake 5k, Dec 16 - done
2011
Harry Rosen 8k. April. done
Rotary 5k fun run. May. done
CANI 10k. June. done
Canada Day 10k. July. done
Barrie Waterfront 5k. Aug. done
CANI 10 k. Oct. done
Base Borden Army Run 10k. done
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- Jerome Drayton
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Congratulations, first on a great race, and more important having the mental balls to push through the hurt and pain and finish what you set out to do. Amazing performance. Good job
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