Finally on my new ride & first OWS...

[Urlea]

As of last Wednesday I am finally a proud owner of the Cannondale Synapse. w00t!

This is me and my new ride. *Those of you who follow Fatty's blog will recognize the jersey. Proceeds from it go to support his wife Susan's cancer treatment. Go Susan!!



After my husband's bike pedal was lodged in the spokes of my Mnt. bike tire during the car ride home from our last triathlon, riding has been wobbly & rough. I didn't see much point in getting the tires "trued" again when I knew this bike would be off lay-away in a few weeks.

Anywho, so far I have 25miles on the Tangerine and I am thrilled with it. Getting used to riding a road bike wasn't as intimidating as I thought it would be. Then again I had a few months to mentally prepare myself, something I am now thankful for. Learning how to shift and get my shoes into the baskets is an adjustment though.

If I didn't have to taper for my next triathlon on Sunday I would be out riding every spare moment my schedule allowed. Yay! for a fast & agile bike.

Now for the OWS... Either my swim buddy (my DH) loves me & knows I need to be pushed or wants me dead. I haven't decided yet.

Since this weekend's triathlon will have an OWS we took advantage of the only opportunity we had to train in a lake last Saturday. There were 20+ mph winds and plenty of whitecaps.

Three things I learned during my first real OWS...

1.) Swimming out far from the shore is a bit un-nerving especially when your
swimming skills leave much to be desired.

2.) When it is that wavy "sighting" more often to avoid zig-zagging is prudent.

3.) Learning how to inhale some water without your body instinctively
freaking out and wasting valuable energy is necessary.

And the two things I definitely didn't expect...

1.) Appreciating my husband telling me I was doing good or fine and encouraging me to swim out further. Mind you I'm coughing from just inhaling the tip of a whitecap when he (having no notable difficulties swimming himself) says this.

2.)The desire to try again and again despite having "breathed" water (several times) & needing to do the recovery stroke or tread water in order to catch my breath on the previous attempts.

It was very very hard, but good training. Hopefully the conditions wont be so poor on Sunday when it really matters and I can make it thru.

A few more trips to the pool with no wall stops are in store for me before this weekend rolls around I think.

I will keep you updated.

It's good to be back! With only 2days of from work last month I am ready to kick back into gear for what is remaining of this year's tri-season.

[Tri Girl]

Your new bike is soooo pretty (and you're just too cute, too- you make a great pair).

You're going to do fantastic this weekend- so just relax, go with the flow, and have a good time. Swimming in rough water is tough, but you can handle it if you keep a calm mind. It's good that you got a feel for some choppy water, because even in a calm lake, when there's swimmwers all around it can be pretty choppy and crazy. You're just super prepared for the weekend. Definitely let us know how it goes (and we are a demanding type who'd like to see lots of pictures!).

[Urlea]

Thanks for the encouragement Tri-gilr! There are 400 people in this race which is about twice as large as the last triathlon I was in so there is a much higher likelihood that the water will be pretty churned up. Should be fun!

I'll be sure to remember my camera this time around. I'm still trying to talk some of my family into coming and spectating at the triathlon. It would be nice to have more cheerers and someone to take pictures during the race.

We'll see what happens!

[teigyr]

Urlea, your bike is fantastic and I love the way it matches your jersey

I'm sure the water will be better for your tri but it's always good to train when it's worse, at least for me. How far is your tri?

Hopefully your family can make it. Pictures are always good to have and it's great to have people there who support you.

I second what Tri Girl said about relaxing. I've always had problems swimming and while I don't care about if it's in OW or a pool (just no walls to hang onto in OW), my last tri I decided I was going to relax and not get out of breath. It worked! I just swam my own pace, went along with the water instead of fighting little waves or swells, and I finished faster than I ever have and I wasn't tired.

I can't wait to read your tri report

[kacie tri-ing]

Hey!

I love your pretty bike! I just worked up to transitioning to a road bike too. She is pink and precious. I am glad that you love her! It really isn't that hard to moveto a faster lighter bike is it? So cute!!!

[jesvetmed]

Urlea: Great job getting out there and preparing!
Remember, with waves, breathing on both sides can be helpful -- you can turn your head away from the waves.

You will do great! Just RELAX and have fun. The swim will be over before you know it!

The bike looks awesome. And matches you perfectly. I've decided you need to get some matching socks! How about these?

Have a great time this weekend and let us know how it goes!
Jes