Tri #2: Columbia Triathlon, May 22, 2011

Time marches on and the 2nd tri of the season, the Columbia Triathlon (olympic distance) has come and gone.  One could not have asked for a more beautiful race day (that's 2 for 2!): sunny, blue skies, temps starting out in the 70's and climbing...o.k., the run did feel a little hot & humid by the time I was finally out on the course! 

(Tri pals: Frank, Sara, Chris, Polly, David, Deanne)

FYI, starting in swim wave 11 isn't exactly ideal for beating the heat!  But, the lake temp was a pleasant 71 degrees, perfect for a fast .9 miles.  I was also fortunate enough to have and end spot on the transition rack with a big orange cone next to it.  Only extreme delirium could have kept me from locating my bike!  Columbia's 41k bike course has something for everyone: beautiful scenery, rolling hills, roundabouts and a pasture of sheep that were loudly "cheering" us on!  Though the course was a bit crowded for me (wave 11!!), I relished bombing down those great hills - awesome!  I'm always grateful that the last leg of tri's is my strength!  Though this run was a test for the legs (considered a hilly course by triathlete standards, not by trail-runner standards!), I was happily able to muster sub 7's on the 10k.  I guess that my explanation for gradually increasing speed on the run is that the finish line is getting closer and closer!

And what a great feeling it was to finish, with fingers pointing skyward to signal my dad; hearing Chris' familiar voice cheering, "Come on, Polly!" as I approached the line.  In typical fashion, Chris and I had close finishing times...by close, I mean a mere 20 seconds apart!  It's nice to have such togetherness in life and in tri's!!  Race day was also shared by some of our special friends from the Philly Tri club and also Bryan from the HCM team.  Awesome to have such great company and support out there to remind us of what makes racing tri's so great: the comaraderie of friends, pushing yourself to the limit and racing for a great cause. 
Thanks to everyone for your support!!

Here's a rundown of the results for me and Chris:
Polly:
Swim: 25:43; T1: 2:11; Bike: 1:17:55; T2: 1:12; Run: 42:38; Total: 2:29:36; 2nd in Age Group

Chris:
Swim: 26:45; T1: 2:29; Bike: 1:14:32; T2: 1:24; Run: 44:08; Total: 2:29:16; 24th in Age Group 
Link to results: http://chiptimes.com/?TabId=65&EventID=544

April's Training (Therapeutic and Reflective)

April's training will forever conjure up some vivid memories.  As life became more fragile, drive and efforts intensified.  Some images eternally etched on my brain and in my heart are Chris and I waving to my dad at his window as we started off on a run in Michigan.  Then, running with Chris by the cemetary plot on the day of the funeral and seeing the spot where my dad would soon rest beside my mom.  Swimming, biking and running evolved into the best kind of therapy.  Here is a recap:

Sunday Apr. 3-Saturday Apr. 9
Bike: 3:11/58 mi.  Run: 3:20  Climbing: 1 day  Bike Commuting: 42 mi.

Sunday Apr. 10-Saturday Apr. 16
Swim: 2000 yds.  Bike: 5:25/82 mi.  Run: 2:11  Bike Commuting: 35 mi.

Sunday Apr. 17-Saturday Apr. 23
Swim: 2000 yds.  Bike: 2:45/38 mi.  Run: 39 min.  Climbing: 1 day  Bike Commuting: 38 mi. 

Sunday Apr. 24-Saturday Apr. 30
Bike: 50 min./14 mi.  Run: 2:01  Bike Commuting: 21 mi.

Thank You, Dad Part 2: Bassman Half-Ironman, May 1, 2011

It's amazing what you can do sometimes on sheer will.  Leading up to my dad's passing, I was all prepared to scrap this race as life and death happen regardless of the calendar.  After all the arrangements were made and it turned out that the race was still a possibility, I was determined more than ever to do it.  When Chris asked, "Are you sure?" my reply was, "Oh yes, more than ever now.  I want to do this.  For Dad."

With a forecast high temp of 68, race day morning started out a little chilly, but the sun was shining on us.  Set in Bass River State Forest, the Bassman included a 2-loop 1.2 mile lake swim, 2-loop 56(ish) mile bike (flat...it's New Jersey!) and a 2-loop-ish, crazy, chase-your-tail 13.1 mile run through the campground area.  Water temp was estimated in the low 60's, which aside from some numbness in the toes, felt just about perfect.

Some may say May 1st is a little early in the year for a Half-Iron tri.  True.  I can't say that physically I was ready, but the power of the mind over the body is not to be discounted!  From the start to the finish, my dad was on my mind, especially through the hardest parts of the race (2nd bike loop and around mile 9 of the run!).  I was literally talking out loud to myself for the first time ever saying, "Ok, Dad...you gotta help me through this."  Having Chris racing with me and his mom there to support us was an essential boost.  I can't thank them both enough for their strength and encouragement.

I missed calling my dad to tell him the result, but I can picture him smiling.  Here's the breakdown for both me and Chris:

Polly:
Overall:  35th out of 114 finishers
Age Group (35-39F):  1st place
Swim: 32:52; T1: 1:56; Bike: 3:03:05; T2: 1:06; Run: 1:32:41; Total time: 5:11:37

Chris:
Overall:  32nd out of 114 finishers
Age Group (35-39M):  6th place
Swim: 35:37; T1: 1:46; Bike: 2:47:36; T2: 1:28; Run: 1:42:54; Total time: 5:09:19

Thanks again, Dad!
Link to Facebook album: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=207262209304207&set=a.207261875970907.53812.100000612870969&type=1#!/media/set/?set=a.207261875970907.53812.100000612870969

Link to Bassman results: http://www.fasttrackcoaching.net/timing/Results/2011-BASSMAN-HALF-DISTANCE-TRIATHLON-RESULTS.txt

Thank You, Dad

On Tuesday, April 26th, 2011 we lost my dad to cancer.  Seems appropriate that Chris and I received the news of his passing while we were out on our bikes.  Fortunately, we were able to spend Easter weekend with my dad and our family which seemed to bring him happiness and peace.  His funeral was a beautiful tribute to a life lived in generous service to others.  I believe his legacy will live on forever through my sister, brother and I.  We lost our mom 12 years ago and are so grateful for the wonderful example our parents provided for us.  I thank them both for the person I am today and hope to become each day moving forward.

As I work through my racing schedule this year, I look forward to channeling my dad's energy and racing in honor of him and his memory.  It is him that I have to thank for the will and ability to strive forward and do my very best.  I have no doubt that I will picture him alongside me during each race and at each finish line.  This year is for you, Dad.  Now more than ever.

(Photo is my sister, brother and me with Dad on Easter day)