Race Report: 2011 CF Duathlon #1

My 2nd Duathlon was a great success, and a much better experience than the first one. It was also far better than my last triathlon in the same course. I felt really strong and had a blast. My goal was to finish in under 1:30, and I nailed it! All my splits were faster than I hoped for too. Let's break it down.

Overall Results

• chip time = 1:27:19
• age group = 2 / 5 
• females = 13 / 21 
• overall = 34 / 50 

Pre-Race
I woke up at 5 am, and got dressed. I opted for my green running skirt over tri shorts with my race ready singlet that has the built-in snaps for the bib and my "wanna race?" bondi band. We loaded up the car, grabbed a banana, and were on our way. We've done this race many times before, so we have the ritual down by now :) Packet pick up was quick and the swap nice enough. We got a tote bag and a nice t-shirt, though I wish they had the tech singlets like before. This was the 1st in a series of 5, and last year in the series some races had t-shirts and other singlets, so maybe there will be one in a future race.

Run 1 + T1 = 10:34

This is my official time, which includes T1, but this was clearly less than a mile because I am just not this fast. The time on my watch, from the start to the mat at the entrance of transition, was 8:33 + 2:02 for transition. The fastest I had ever run a mile before was 8:58, and I didn't feel like I was pushing that hard, even though I did push to run the whole thing to keep up with the pack while trying to keep my skirt from falling off. A friend logged it as .94 miles, which would mean a 9:05 pace. That's a bit more realistic, but still faster than I thought I was running. I guess the cool weather helped.

T1 = 2:02

Once in transition, I yanked off my skirt (was wearing tri shorts underneath), switched shoes, ate a shot block, shoved the gel I had in my skirt into my bra, put on my helmet and was off on the bike. A few things I could have done better at T1 was kick off my running shoes while I put on my helmet, and learn to run (rather than walk) with my bike. Mounting and clipping in also cost me some time, but it went relatively smoothly. 

Bike = 10.4 mi in 38:50 @ 16.1 mph

This is the time and distance I logged on my iPhone with Runmeter. I also mapped it on google, and this is closer than the advertised 10 miles (and also the distance I logged at the tri last year). The official results say 39:31 @ 15.2 mph, but that is based on a 10 mile route and includes the time it took me to walk from the exit mat to the mount line, mount my bike, and clip in. I started my app as I started moving, so mine is the average moving speed. Even though they only did top 5 overall, I had the fastest bike split in my age group, 8th fastest out of 21 women, and 24th out of 50 overall.

Bike Splits:

1. 15.13 mph 
2. 18.74 mph 
3. 18.25 mph 
4. 18.55 mph 
5. 17.97 mph 
6. 16.86 mph 
7. 16.91 mph 
8. 11.56 mph 
9. 12.49 mph 
10. 18.27 mph

Can you tell where the hills were? ;) Knowing that I would slow down at the end because of the hills, my strategy was to go out hard and push until I couldn't anymore. There was no sense holding back on a 10 mile ride. I'm thrilled I managed to average above 16 mph for most of the race. In fact, I averaged 17+ mph until mile 7 when the hills started and I began to lose steam, but I did even better than expected with those too. I just let loose in the downhills as much as I could then used that momentum to climb the hill.

The bike always makes me anxious because I fear of crashing into another bike while going so fast, but I always forget that we get really spread out on the bike, we have to keep at least one bike length between us, and being a mid to back of the pack I get the road to myself a lot. My training certainly paid off as I passed a lot people of people throughout the race and even on the hills when some had gotten off their backs and were walking up. I almost wish this course was reverse so we could do the hills at the start instead of loosing all momentum at mile 7 then trying to regaining for the last 2 miles.

T2 = 2:21

I'm a little surprised that T2 was slower than T2, but I think that's mainly because of the longer walk to rack my bike. Otherwise, I remember being in and out of transition pretty quickly.

Run 2  = 3.1 mi in 34:54 @ 11:15 m/m

This is the official time, which is 2 seconds faster than my watch. I didn't run with my iPhone since I had ditched the skirt with the pockets, so I do not know the actual distance, but the official results are based on 3.1 miles (not the 3 advertised). This makes sense and explains why my last mile was the slowest since it was actually 1.1. I took manual splits with my watch: 11:36 - 11:33 - 11:44 (1.1 @ 10:40 m/m). I negative split the run and I'm really pleased with the pace. I think most of my other duathlons/triathlon runs have been in the 12-13 min/mi range, so this is amazing for me. I initially planned to run with 3/1 intervals, but instead walked out of transition to get my legs back and drink some water, then ran until the first hill, walked up it, same with the 2nd, then ran except for the water stops. I really pushed hard during the last mile despite having a side stitch on each side.

Post Race

The post race food was great, even if I wasn't too hungry for it. In addition to the usual junk like cookies, donuts and chips (I did have some cheetos), they also had bananas, grapes, rice, and beans. I'm always really impressed with the support in this race, both during and after. I was a little disappointed that they only had top 5 overall for the duathlon, because I would have placed 2nd in my age group out of 5. That is significant for me, but it's ok because my amazing performance is reward enough. This was their first year adding a duathlon to the series, and they got a great turnout, so they'll be doing more with in the future. I'm thrilled to have another option right in my backyard.

Final Thoughts


This race was pivotal for me because it showed me how much I've grown as an athlete in the last 2 years. While it was not a piece of cake, because multi-sport events are challenging and cycling is not my strong suit, it was a lot easier than I expected and I exceeded my expectations. Riding with the Bike Bus has certainly made me a stronger and much more confident cyclist. I always feel amazing after doing these events because they are a bit outside of my comfort zone but oh so much fun. I just love the variety they bring to my racing schedule. I'm already plotting to do another one if I can fit it into my marathon training schedule.

Run Therapy and Brick/Duathlon Workout

I set my alarm last night to get up this morning in time to run at 6 am with the Galloway group, but I woke up at 4:30 am so I shuffled out of bed, got ready and met the group at 5 am instead. I'm so glad I did because it was a gorgeous morning with brisk cool weather and I would not have wanted to miss any of it. I was a bundle of energy this morning and managed to do my own little 3 hour duathlon. It was an amazing workout and I felt really strong the entire time! Bring on this duathlon! :)

9 Mile LSD Run

As I mentioned earlier, this has been a crazy busy week, so I was really looking forward to a long slow run  with great company. We started with 4 miles, then returned to GMS where I ate 2 shot blocks and drank some water before heading back out for another 2 with Carol and Christine. I was a bundle of energy and felt fantastic, so I went out for another 3 on my own. I ran a total of 9 miles @ 11:58 m/m pace using 2:1 intervals. Splits: http://j.mp/kwYJoD.

T1

I had a 30 minute break after the 9 mile run while I drove home, refueled and changed. I was going to ride in my running clothes, but I was afraid I'd freeze because my clothes were soaking wet and it was still cool out, so I quickly changed clothes and rode out before I lost the momentum and endorphins I earned on the run.

18 Mile Bike w/6 Hill Repeats

I rode from my apartment to the Cady Way trail then to the bridge and back including 6 hill repeats on Mt Cady. I pushed really hard on the trail and let loose on the down hills to make up for slowing down on the up hills. Mt Cady doesn't begin to compare to the Clermont hills, but it was a great hill workout. I had a ton of energy and didn't even need to downshift going up the bridge a few times. I'm thrilled I averaged 15.5 mph for the 18 miles, including those 6 hill repeats, and I seemed to get even faster during the 2nd half of the ride. Splits: http://j.mp/ll2Cpe. 

T2

I took 2 minutes to transition off the bike, changes shoes, eat 2 shot blocks and chug some water, then I was off on run #2. 

5k Run

When I first started running, I everything hurt, but that didn't last. I originally planned to run 2 miles just to get the feel for the brick, specially since I had already run 9 in the morning, but I was feeling really good and the pain stops after a mile so I pushed to a full 5K. I even added a few small hills to the mix! I ran with 2/1 intervals the whole time, and I still felt like I could keep running forever. I'm very pleased that I averaged 11:30 m/m, specially after having already run 9 miles this morning and biked 18 miles. Splits: http://j.mp/jMyD5X.

Cool Down
Since I throughly abused my body this morning, I wanted to make sure I stretched well. I did about 13 minutes of yoga with a tiny bit of core and upper body strength mixed in. I've really been neglecting yoga and core work lately, but I need to make it a priority again to stay injury free if I'm going to keep abusing my body like this :) 

I showered and had an epic homemade breakfast of eggs, homestyle fries, veggie bacon and toast. I still had lots of residual energy and talked Jason's ear off. Now I'm doing some laundry and fatigue is finally starting to set in. I see a nap in my future after I finish the laundry to recharge before going to a party tonight. 

This was just the workout I needed to release some stress and build my confidence for this duathlon. I can't wait for the race! =)

Let's Du It!

I finally took the plunge and registered for my 2nd duathlon tonight. My first duathlon was 2 years ago in Baldwin Park. That course sucked because it had no shade, I had to run 2.5 miles before and after the bike, and the bike was 13+ miles over 5 loops. I was also not in as good a shape for cycling. After I finished I determined that duathlons were not easier than triathlons and learned to swim. I went on to complete 5 triathlons, but I've always wanted to try a duathlon again with better training.

This duathlon, the 1st in the Central Florida Duathlon Series, will be in Clermont in just 2 weeks on May 14th. The first run is only 1 mile, which will be a great warm up :) The bike is only 10 miles, but it includes some nasty hills during the last 2 miles. The 2nd run is a 5K that is mostly flat with 2 small hills at the start. I'm not too worried about the run, as I've run the 5K there before and I'm a much stronger runner now than I was in 2009. The heat on the other hand may still be a problem, but nothing a little skirt and proper hydration can't handle =P

The hills on the bike worry me a bit, but I've done the course before when I did the triathlon last year, and we rode it last week. I'm also a better cyclist now than I was then, even though I still don't ride for speed much. Riding 15 miles each way to work with the bike bus is a great training ride, so I'm not too worried about finishing the 10 mile course.  However, the hills will still kick my ass because I just suck at climbing hills. I plan to push hard for the rest of the course until then since I know I'll slow at the end because of the hills. Tomorrow we'll either drive to Clermont to practice again on the course, or do hill repeats at Mt Cady :)

I'm getting excited to mix things up again and have some fun before marathon training starts in June. I wanted to do the entire series (there are 5 races in all, with a tri, du and 5K each day -- Jason is doing all 5 triathlons) but I'll be leading a running group and don't want to miss out on 5 long runs. Depending on how the groups line up, I'll probably have a co-leader that can cover for me so I may do another if this one goes well, and maybe even a tri if I ever get my ass back in the pool.

Race Report: Muddy Buddy Orlando 2010

I did Muddy Buddy with Jason this morning, and it was a lot of fun. Our team name was Alice in Muddyland, so I dressed up as Alice (or my take on what she'd look like as a runner), and Jason dressed up as the rabbit. Doesn't he look amazing? We were impressed at how many awesome costumes there were. I think being hosted at Disney brings out the creativity in people. We even found Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum while we waited for the costume contest to start. Unfortunately, in the midst of excitement and nervousness, I neglected to take more photos so I'll post more when the official ones are available.

After the costume contest, we quickly ran to the car to shed some of the accessories (wig, ears, nose, jacket), listened to the pre-race meeting, then lined up to wait for wave #7 to start, which took at least 30 minutes. Since I have very little experience riding off-road, I started the race running so I would run 3 legs and only bike 2. I did not wear my Garmin, so I have no idea how fast I was running but I was working hard. My goal was to run the whole time, and I did that. Since Jason is faster than me, he got a little break at the obstacle courses while he waited for me to arrive with the bike, but I had no such luck. I was moving the entire time. Every time I got to an obstacle, I was glad to get a breather and riding the bike was a nice change of pace. For a moment, I wished I was riding more than running, but when I ran I was glad I was not riding through some of that terrain.

The Course:

• Leg 1: Ran 1.4 miles, climbed a small rock wall, then climbed down a cargo net on the other side. The grips were pretty small, but the wall wasn't too big and I used the beam on the edge to help me up.
• Leg 2: Biked 1.23 miles, spotted Jason and handed him the bike, then ran to the obstacle. I climbed a 25 ft inflatable wall with a cargo net, then slid down the inflatable slide on the other side. Grabbed a sip of water and started running again.
• Leg 3: Ran 1.12 miles, then walked over a short balance beam. This was not as hard as I thought. Maybe I was not running fast enough because my legs did not feel as wobbly as I expected. This leg of the course had a mini mud pit and I was really glad I was running instead of biking and did not have to carry my bike over that.
• Leg 4: Bike 1.42 miles, handed Jason the bike and asked were the obstacle was. It was a lame crawl under a net a short distance. I wish they had substituted this with running over some tires instead, but I guess it was a nice breather before the final push to the end.
• Leg 5: Ran to the buddy meet up area, including some stairs towards the end where I found Jason. We crawled across the mud pit together, then ran hand in hand to the finish line. This last leg was a bit tough, mainly because I was so tired, but we were running on the side of the road at an incline. My foot felt really funny running lopsided like that.

We're still waiting for official results, but I wore a cheap watch to get an idea of our overall time, which was around 1:05. I'm pleased with my performance and this was a fun race, but I am not sure it's worth the price to do it again. One thing is for certain, I am in far better shape because while it was challenging I did not feel impossible. It was also the kick in the ass I needed to finally sign up for some triathlons. While I may not do my best at these events, I enjoy the variety and would miss it if I didn't try. So this afternoon I registered for the Central Florida Triathlon Series 3 Race Package. I'll be doing a sprint tri each month in June, July and August. I also registered for the Firefighter Challenge to round out my month of crazy adventures :)

Official Stats:

• time: 1:07:05
• coed 56-65: 92 / 149
• overall: 1007 / 1495 finishers

Race Report: Baldwin Park Duathlon (1:56:57)

I did it! I finished my first duathlon in under 2 hours and met all my race goals! I placed 3rd in my age group (only because the 4th girl didn't finish, but I'll take it!). This was a really humbling experience, as I finished in the very back of the pack, but I am in awe that I ran over 5 miles and biked over 13 all in a span of 2 hours.

Official Duathlon Results:

• Total Female Finishers = 24 + 2 DNF
• Total Finishers = 65 + 5 DNF
• Leg -- Time -- Gender Place -- Overall Place
• Run1 = 0:27:42.951 -- 21 -- 61 (11 min/mile)
• T1 = 0:01:35.581 -- 13 -- 37
• Bike = 0:51:43.290 -- 19 -- 57 (15.5 mph)
• T2 = 0:01:47.649 -- 14 -- 45
• Run 2 = 0:34:07.580 -- 22 -- 62 (13:20 min/mile)
• Total = 1:56:57.051 -- 21 -- 61

Run #1


The first run went well, even though it was already hot as hell. I tried to take it easy, but still managed to average 11 min/mile. I ran most of this and only stopped to walk for less than a minute at the 2 water stops. I was 2nd to last for most of the run, but passed a few people at the end to finish 5th from last. I was trying to hold back to save something for the bike and 2nd run and because the heat was quickly zapping my energy. The hill we had to climb into transition was cruel.

T1

This was pretty easy. I already had my cycling gloves on, so I yanked off my hat and put on my bike helmet, switched running shoes for cycling shoes, put on the camelbak, unracked the bike and was gone. I had trouble clipping in at the mount line, but I was on my way pretty quickly.

Bike

As I was finishing the first run, all I could think of was how I was going to bike 13+ miles when I was already feeling tired. I took in plenty of fluids and pushed really hard on the bike and was pleased to maintain a consistent average of 15.5 mph (20.6 mph max!) and 83 rpm (110 rpm max!). I tried to take it easy for the first few laps and vowed to give it all I had during the last lap, but I didn't have much left by then. I passed quite a few people, but I also got passed by a ton of ridiculously fast people. I was really glad when I got to the 5th loop because by then all the speed demons were running :) Of course, I got a wicked headwind as I finished the last lap when I was exhausted. At one point I feared I had a flat tire and stop to check, but it was all in my head. This cost me since I then had to negotiate getting back into the flow of bike traffic.

T2

This was a tad slower because I was exhausted. I got off my bike and slowly walked to rack my bike as I tried caught my breath. As I sat down to switch my shoes, I wondered if that was such a good idea and if I'd be able to get back up *LOL*

Run #2


The 2nd run SUCKED. I was hot and could not catch my breath. I had a side stitch for about a mile and was cramping up. I walked a great deal, hence my pace, but I was not about to risk heat exhaustion for a race I wasn't going to win anyway =P I was disappointed I had to walk so much, but the heat was insane and I had pushed really hard on the bike. I knew I'd make it under 2 hours, so I didn't care about anything else. The finish was a bit anti-climatic because I felt defeated and that I hadn't pushed hard enough to justify the final sprint. I'm still very proud that I did this and will be sure to do more brick workouts for the next one :)

Now What?

This was incredibly difficult (in big part because of the heat), but I am hooked! I'm already looking for the next one and more dedicated than ever to get over my fear of swimming because a du may actually be harder than a tri since I had to constantly use my legs for 2 straight hours. I think I'm going to register for the Lake Louisa Super Sprint Triathlon next month.

View more photos on flickr.

Duathlon Race Goals & Mental Dress Rehearsal

I picked up my bib this afternoon, got body marked, and took the guided course tour, which really helped put my mind at ease of where I need be when. With one less thing to think about, its time to make some predictions and do a mental rehearsal of the transitions.

Race Goals

• Finish! - Since this is my first duathlon (and multi-sport event) my main goal is to just get through it.
• Have fun and finish with a smile on my face! :)
• Finish strong and sprint across the finish line - this may be a bit harder than in the half marathon as I'll be exhausted from the bike and I don't feel I've had enough brick training, but I'll do my best.
• Finish in sub-2:15 - By all my conservative calculations, this is more than doable but I have no idea how long the transitions will truly take, or how much the heat will affect me.
• Finish in sub-2 hours - I would be thrilled if I can finish in under 2 hours. This also seems very doable if I can push as much as I intended to on the bike and my 2nd run doesn't suffer too much as a result of the exertion on the bike and the insane heat at 9 am, when I anticipate starting the 2nd run.
• Place in my Age Group - there are currently only 4 women registered in my age group, so it would be nice to at least beat one of them and place, but I am not holding my breath. This is my first multi-sport event after all.

---

Mental Dress Rehearsal

Pre race

• Wake up at 5 am and eat breakfast: banana, bagel with peanut butter.
• Lube feet and other hot stops, and get dressed (don't forget heart rate monitor).
• Check tire pressure and contents of saddle bag, then load bikes on roof of car.
• Recheck pre-packed bags and checklist, then load bags and buckets into car.
• Drive to race no later than 6 am.

Setup Transition

• Rack bike, place water bottles on bike cages, and place helmet on bike seat.
• Place big bright towel next to bike w/bike shoes, camelbak, and snacks (and maybe a bucket to sit on).
• Verify watch is configured to use multi-sport mode and relevant alerts.
• Put on sunscreen and run gear: headband, hat, watch, spibelt w/BIB (and maybe sports means and phone), bike gloves (so I don't have to put them on during T1), sunglasses, wrist sweatband
• Grab 8 oz water bottle w/sweatband and bag of sport beans, turn on watch, then head to pre-race meeting.

Run 1

• Meet at start line at 7:15 am for pre-race announcements and eat a few sport beans with some water.
• Start watch when I start to run.
• Start slow and listen to my body: either run using 5:1 or just walk at the water stops (every mile).
• Eat some sport beans with water at each water stop.
• Try to average an 11-12 min/mile pace.

T1

• Press lap button as I enter transition, and switch watch to the bike mount.
• Put on helmet on top of hat, change shoes, and put on camelbak.
• Eat some sport beans or granola bar w/water as I walk bike to mount line.

Bike

• Press lap button as I leave transition and enter bike course.
• Push as hard as I can on the bike and try to maintain at least 14-15 mph average.
• Drink plenty of water throughout ride and listen to my body.

T2

• Press lap button as I enter transition, and switch watch to the wrist mount.
• Rack bike THEN remove helmet and camelbak.
• Change shoes and eat some sport beans w/water as I head out of transition.

Run 2

• Press lap button as I leave transition and enter run course.
• Start slow and try to run the whole thing, but take walk breaks as needed (either 5:1 or at each water stop).
• Eat sport beans w/water at each water stop or as needed.
• Try to average an 11-12 min/mile pace.
• Sprint to the finish!

I think I'm ready! Any last minute tips?

Duathlon Pre Race Checklist

Less than 36 hours until my first duathlon! Time to put together the pre race checklists. Multi-sport events sure require more prep ;)

Night Before:

• fill water bottles and freeze: 8 oz, 20 oz, & 24 oz.
• charge Garmin watch, iPhone and camera
• configure Garmin watch
• pack pre-race bag (inside transition bag)
• pack transition bag
• pack post race bag
• lay out race clothes/gear: 
• tri shorts
• sports bra
• cycling jersey
• socks
• running shoes w/yanks
• body glide / chamois butt'r

Pre Race Bag:

• headband/sweatband
• hat
• bike gloves
• sunglasses / safety glasses (in case it rains instead)
• garmin watch
• spibelt w/BIB attached
• wallet w/ID, money & USAT card 
• iphone
• camera
• sunscreen
• chapstick

Transition Bag:

• towel
• bike shoes
• helmet
• water bottles
• food: sport beans, luna moons, granola bars
• extra socks
• camelbak
• floor pump

Post Race Bag:

• crocs
• sports bra
• race t-shirt / tank top
• shorts / pants
• jacket

What am I missing?

T-7 Days to 1st Duathlon

One week from today, I'll be doing my first duathlon. Yikes! I'm a little worried because my brick workouts have been few and not gone so well. I've only managed to run for 1 mile after biking (regardless of the ride distance), but at least I have tried it and know what to expect. My running has suffered a bit lately (in terms of frequency) due to all the biking and the weather, but I only have to run at most 5k at a time. My biking has been great, both in terms of endurance and speed, so I plan to push as hard as I can on the bike to make up for lost time on the runs, and I'll make it through the runs with my trusty run/walk method :)  That is unless I melt away in the relentless heat! Whose idea was it to do my first duathlon in the heat of summer? =P

Planned Workouts for Taper Week:

• Monday
• am - 14.5 mile easy bike commute to work
• pm - 14.5 mile easy bike commute to pool/home (weather permitting)
• pm - swim w/Trek Tri Meetup at College Park Pool (weather permitting)
• Tuesday
• am - easy 2-3 mile run
• pm - swim at Cady Way Pool if Mon gets rained out OR Yoga
• Wednesday
• am - 14.5 mile easy bike commute to work
• pm - 14.5 mile easy bike commute home (weather permitting) / Yoga
• pm - Race Webinar
• Thursday
• am - easy 2-3 mile run
• pm - swim w/Andy's Meetup at Cady Way Pool
• Friday
• am - Yoga
• pm - Critical Mass (super easy bike ride - more like a parade)
• Saturday
• am - Sleep In/Yoga
• pm - Packet Pickup/Expo
• Sunday - Race Day!
• Monday - Sleep ALL DAY & Recover 

TIART: Relays, Ultras, and Tris

This week's topic for Take It and Run Thursday at the Runner's Lounge Blog is Relays, Ultras, and Tris - Oh My!

It absolutely amazes me that I am even taking part in this topic when a little over a year ago I thought I'd never run a mile. Now I can run 3 miles in a row, or 13 with some walking breaks. Likewise with biking: I remember when 2 miles seemed like hell, and now I regularly ride 15+ miles with little trouble (damn you headwinds!). Now swimming, that is a whole other story, but I'll get there eventually.

Duathlon

When I started running, I found that biking was a great way to cross train and keep knee pain at bay. Now that I commute 15 miles each way to work 1-2 times a week, I figured I should put all that biking to some good use and venture into the world of multisport events. I've signed up for my first Sprint Duathlon on June 28 at Baldwin Park. I am excited, and a little terrified, but I know I can do this. The distances, 5K run - 13.4 mile bike - 2.5 mile run, are all distances I know I can complete. It is just a matter of how fast, but my main goal is just to finish.

Triathlon

Jason completed his first triathlon in March and I think it has really changed him (for the better). Now he wants to do an olympic and eventually a Half Ironman. Doing these 3 sports regularly is a great way to stay fit, and I want to train for one even if only for that benefit. I am not a strong swimmer (I can't even swim with my head in the water), and I am terrified of open water, but I really want to give this a try. So I found the perfect first triathlon for me and registered. On August 8th, I will compete in the Faces of Courage Reverse Sprint Triathlon: 5k run - 10.5 mile bike - 200 yards swim.

Relays

I was going to run the Gasparilla Marathon Relay with mom, dad, and Jason this year, but it sold out before we were able to register. It was for the best as the weather that day was awful, but it was disappointing since we were all really looking forward to doing this as a family. We'll try again in 2010, but I now also have my sights set on the Ragnar Relay. This one is a bit more ambitious than a marathon relay and I need a 12-person team, but I've had lots of interest and plan to put a team together for the Miami to Key West Relay in February once the info is up on the site. I think it will be an incredible challenge and great way to bond with some fellow runners.

Who knew that my little journey a year ago to get healthy and lose some weight would lead to all this? I am excited and eager to see what's beyond the next turn in my journey :)

New Plan: No Marathon?

I'm thinking of not training for a marathon nor joining the Galloway training group this year. I love running with them, and I eventually want to run a full marathon, but I don't think this is the right time because:

1. I am a little burnt out of having a set running schedule and not being able to do anything Friday night because I have to get up so early Saturday mornings for a run.
   
   
2. If I train on my own (or with Jason or other local running groups/meet ups), I can run every other day and my long runs can be either Sat or Sun. It will be really liberating to set my own flexible schedule and run for the fun of it.
   
   
3. I've been and want to bike more, and I fear the added millage for the marathon and biking will leave me exhausted. So instead of training for a marathon, I think I'll enjoy it more if I train for some sprint/olympic duathlons, maybe a sprint triathlon, century rides, or even a half ironman duathlon!

With this in mine, here are my New Goals for 2009:

1. Improve my running pace and run a sub-30 5K by the end of the year.
2. Run 1-2 half marathons and get a new PR (and ideally sub-2:30).
   
3. Run 5K without walking (at whatever pace). I can probably do this now, but I haven't really tried in a while.
   
4. Complete a sprint duathlon.
5. Complete a sprint triathlon (maybe -- with a pool swim).
6. Complete an olympic duathlon.
7. Complete a half iron duathlon.
8. Complete a relay race with family.
   

These are some of the races I am considering, other than tons of 5Ks:

• June 28 - 1st Sprint Duathlon at Baldwin Park
• Aug 8 - Faces of Courage Reverse Sprint Triathlon
• Oct 11 - Long Beach Half Marathon
  
• Nov 8 - Miami Man Half Iron Duathlon
• Nov/Feb - Ragnar Relay

Of coure, this is all bound to change and I may decide at the 11th hour that I do want to do a marathon after all, but just making this decision for now is a huge load off.