The season that was 2008 and a teaser for the report to come

So we just returned from our weekend adventure in the Hudson River Valley (never been before, check that one off the list) and I realized I haven’t posted since we launched into September. There’s been loads going on but not a lot of free time to write about it.

The last event we did was the Survival of the Shawangunks (see the results here) and by far one of the most beautiful races I’ve done and the most difficult. It almost goes without saying that I got a bit over my head, didn’t take it seriously enough, pay it enough respect and slacked between Barb’s Race and this event. The distances were 30 mi of biking, 4.5 mi running on trails, 1.1 mi swimming, 5.2 mi running, 0.6 mi swimming, 8 mi running, 0.5 mi swimming, 0.7 mi running with a 1k ft gain (whew). I finished in just over 7:30 which I feel is respectable, given that I haven’t run more than 7 miles in the last month. My victory was that I wasn’t last and I finished with a smile and the ability to climb a crazy memorial tower at the finish line.

Here’s a few photos of the lakes where we swam:

Lake Awosting

Our first swim, straight out 1.1 miles

The Mohonk lake leading to the finish of the SOS

If you recall that on Jan 16, 2008 I laid out the following events for this season:

March 29th: Nations Half Marathon (done, PR)
June 8th: Escape from Alcatraz (if I manage to get in via lottery in Feb) (done, the swim wasn’t so bad)
June 14th: Harpoon Brewery to Brewery ride (143 miles) (done, longest bike ride ever)
July 13th: Muddy Buddy in Richmond http://www.muddybuddy.com/events.php?id=4 (done, loads of fun with friends)
August 2nd: Vineman 1/2 Ironman (Barb’s race) (done, won my division!)
Sept 7th: The Survival of the Shawangunks race in New Paltz, NY (www.ulster.net/~sosnyta/) (finally, done, time of 7:40 something)

Looking back on all the fabulous times, I wouldn’t change a thing except for maybe taking a few of the events a bit more seriously (a la Barb’s Race and the SOS) and training with a bit more focus and determination.

Its official, I’ve become that woman with whom I crossed the finish line at my very first triathlon who said “whew, I didn’t even train for that”. At which I was PISSED, since I’d trained for 6 mos for my first ever sprint distance race. Well, that was more than 6 years ago and I’ve gone much further and experienced more adventures than I’d ever imagined. Stay tuned for the full SOS report complete with my conversations along the last run with the previous year’s final finisher.

Barb’s Race, check! More confirmation that I AM a goddess

Its about 7 p.m. West coast time but frankly I could care less what time it is…its vacation time, which means I haven’t worn a watch in several days and every day is Saturday! I do know that its Tuesday and that means that the 1/2 Ironman race I did is now 3 days removed. Long enough to be “done”. We came to Sonoma with the intent for J to complete his first Iron distance race and as an adventure for me to do my 3rd half. We’ve been training like crazy and this season was all about swimming and biking, haven’t been so good on the run lately. Additionally, my friend Meghan was coming too to do her first Iron distance race and she had a solid plan going so I had no doubt that she’d succeed.

Barb’s race is fast approaching; are YOU ready?

In a few weeks we’ll be headed back to California for a week (or 10 days if you’re counting) to participate in the triathlon-fest that is Vineman/Barb’s Race on the first Saturday in August. Maybe its because I’ve been training nearly constantly since February or because its Summer but whatever the reason, I’m not feeling that I’m in tip-top shape especially where running is concerned. The hip pain is back (not that I’ve been good about stretching or anything) and I’ve started feeling some tightness in my right Achelies. Maybe I’m just getting old…or lazy.

On the work front, I’m trying to get organized to hit the next two races head on. Luray is in mid-August and Savageman is in mid-September. And on the “day job” front, I’m dreading being sucked into a black hole of a project that is the poster child for how not to create and manage a project. My challenge is deciding on how much I’m willing to get sucked into this project and sacrifice my sanity.

Letter to friends and family

Dear friends, family and colleagues,

As some of you may be aware, I am competing in several triathlons this year. I engage in this endurance sport to stave off the inevitable; age. I’m not sure if its working but I’m having a great time trying.

One of the races I’ll be participating in is Barb’s Race (http://www.vineman.com/barbsrace.htm). The race is held in gorgeous wine country in Healdsburg, CA and the bike course goes through some of the most beautiful vineyards in the region.

Barb’s Race is being held in honor of Barbara Recchia, a long-time Vineman volunteer and race committee member who has twice been faced with the daunting task of fighting cancer. Twice she has taken this challenge head-on and is currently living a full and healthy life. Barb’s Race has raised $213,000 for the Vineman Cancer Charities through entry fees, athlete fundraising and donations. Past donations have been made to cancer research, cancer support organizations, and most recently to help develop the Sutter Breast Care Center – to assist and support women through their journey with breast cancer.

If you or someone you know and love who has battled breast cancer, or any other type of cancer for that matter, consider donating even a small amount to support cancer research.

Donate here

There is no obligation, I’ll still value you all as friends and loved ones, but I wanted to make you all aware of the opportunity to support me and my efforts to raise funds and awareness for cancer and cancer research.

Much love to you all!

Volunteers and happy hour

My brain is full of info about recruiting and managing volunteers for two key triathlons this year; the General Smallwood tri in Indian Head, MD and the Savage Man Triathlon in Deep Creek, MD. Both are great races and I’m officially working with both RDs to help garner community support for each race. I happened to call St. James’ Episcopal Church and spoke with Reverend Denise Cabana who couldn’t provide volunteers for the event but referred me to the town activities director (who knew there was such a position?) who was extremely helpful! She’s the person I’ve been seeking! The one who has community connections, knows all the groups personally, and can channel them to me (hopefully). I’ve also been in touch with a few folks about motorcycle support for the race and maybe I’ll be able to procure at least 4 motorcycles for the race.

For Savage Man, I’ll be going to Deep Creek for meetings on May 21st to talk about, hmmmm, not sure what we’ll talk about, but I’ll figure it out on the drive.

These two events will hopefully help to pay for the races and travel I’m doing this year, which include two trips to the West Coast (one for Escape from Alcatraz in June, and for Barb’s Race in August), one to Boston for the Brewery to Brewery ride (Harpoon), and one to New Paltz, NY for the Survival of the Shawangunks. This is indeed the year of the unusual, the extreme and I don’t think I’m actually registered for a “normal” triathlon at all. We’re also doing the Richmond Muddy Buddy and have convinced several friends to do it as well.

I’ve also been trying to help plan the May happy hour for the tri club and trying to conceive of suitable venues with outdoor options that aren’t already over crowded is a challenge. I’ve got a plan, and a back up plan too.