How Hard Can It Be? 5.0

[Veronica]

Here's the website for tracking me on race day. If it works. I'm number 2137.

My back is much better. I had a good workout with Shawna this morning. She's going easy on me this week.

I do believe I could PR this race - not a huge OMG PR. But being the geek I am, I've analyzed all 4 of my past results.

Swim times have ranged from 34 - 41 minutes. My goal this year is 40 minutes. Last year was 37.

Bike times have been 3:18 - 3:37 - goal 3:30. Last year was 3:28.

Run - my fastest time was 2:50. Last year was 2:54. This year I want a 2:44. That's a 12:30 average pace. I've been running my long runs at just under 11:30. But I've done almost no brick work this year. Plus there are some good size hills. My mantra is going to be, "Shuffle." Not an actual shuffle mind you, but a slow paced run.

Transition - last year I spent 12 minutes in transition and that's what I'm targeting this year. I've started wearing a bike jersey and arm coolers to avoid sunburn. It's probably a little late to start worrying about my skin. But happily, I did not burn at all last summer. So it's worth it to take the extra time in T-1.

Last year they changed the run in and out of T-2. Both are much longer with run in being on a concrete sidewalk. I didn't like running it in my bike shoes and walked it last year. I was 7 minutes in T-2 last year. If they've changed it back - I'll be a little quicker.

Add it all up, you get a 7:06. That's a PR by 3 minutes. Yeah, I'd like that sub 7 hours. I could get it by swimming and biking faster. But a better run would make me very happy.

Weather currently looks good with a projected high of 82.

Veronica

[Susan Otcenas]

Enjoy the day, Veronica! You've worked really hard to get here, and I'm sure you will be successful.

[Wahine]

Yay!! It's almost here. I'll be cheering for you.

[colby]

Final countdown! Very cool!

[Veronica]

It was good. Report and pictures are here.

Veronica

[Veronica]

Recovery Week - Had a trainer session with Shawna yesterday, lots of core work and 160 push ups, done in sets of 20 mixed in with other things.

Easy run this morning, legs felt like lead and my left calf kept cramping up. I've been spending a lot of time on the couch watching the Olympics or napping with the cats.

Veronica

[Veronica]

Thinking about next year - Half Aquabike has a lot of appeal. It would be nice to focus more on my swim and to just lay it all out on the bike - something I've never done because of that 13 mile run.

The thing is - after 5 years, I actually enjoy running. I suck at it, but I like it. I'm kinda leaning towards more sprints and Olympic distance events and the Half Aquabike. It seems like a good combination.

I've got two more races this year and I'm already thinking about next year. Geez....


Veronica

[sgf726]

Hi Veronica,
Nice report - thanks for sharing and congrats. I envy your ability to barely swim train and still do 42 minutes, my HIM time is about 55 minutes an I swim 3x per week.

Interested to see what you think of REV 3 Maine. Thinking of doing that race next year. I have heard good things about there races.

Sharon

[Veronica]

Thanks - I wish I could run like you!

Check out the medal for Rev3 Maine. It's kinda cool.



I don't have any Finisher's Medals quite like that.

Veronica

[Catrin]

Thanks - I wish I could run like you!

Check out the medal for Rev3 Maine. It's kinda cool.

.....

I don't have any Finisher's Medals quite like that.

Veronica

I think you need one

[sgf726]

Very cool - think I will need to add that one to my collection (next year).

Have fun!

[Veronica]

My next event I'm only swimming and running. We're borrowing the in laws RV and I even get to shower in between.

I saw this and decided, if I can't be fast, I might as well be cute.



Veronica

[Wahine]

I like it! It's very cute.

[Veronica]

It gets even better. I decided to add a skort, 'cause I can.



I am a girly girl at times.

I just hope I like running in a skort. I'm going to test it out next weekend.

Veronica

[Wahine]

I think running skorts are great. I've not run in one but I always think they look fantastic.