Hello from BEAUTIFUL Coeur D'Alene

I arrived in CDA on Wednesday, and was greeted at the beautiful home of Marie and Tom. They've hosted a number of athletes in the past, and graciously opened up their home to me for the weekend. Their welcome mat says it all!! And the view out of my window when I woke up the next morning was a quick reminder of why I always knew I had to return...

 It was 2003 when I first ventured to CDA (from Michigan) for my first Ironman, and second ever triathlon-Go big or go home, right. I got into the sport of triathlon with the purpose of racing an ironman, however never dreamed that 8 years later I would be back in CDA to race my first ironman as a professional. Back then I just wanted to do an ironman before starting the dredges of law school, and the demanding law firm life thereafter. Life sure does throw you curve balls and opportunities! Embracing this one has been a blessing and will continue to be an incredibly journey.
When people talk about the cold water, and potential cold weather that comes with this race I struggle to picture it. I was still a MI girl back then, and although I hated the cold just as much, I certainly wasn't the softy I am now. Plus, race day in 2003 brought temps that soared over 100! The problem then certainly wasn't keeping warm. Each day lake temps are rising. Slow, and still won't even reach 60, but 58 is better than the 54 of last weekend. The weather will be what it will be, just have to bundle up.

My taper for this race has been a bit out of the ordinary. I've always been honest on this blog, and honestly last week I was in a bad place. I returned from San Francisco with one goal- REST. My lactate testing proved what my body and mind were feeling....I was exhausted: physically, mentally and emotionally. Craig and Chris both concluded that it was time to shut it down...and hard. Last Sunday-Tuesday I could hardly get out of bed. I won't lie, I was worried. But I also knew the hay was in the barn and if I could just freshen up and rest up I will be golden. I tried to tell myself that this could be a blessing in disguise and would really force me to rest. However, the inability to even get on top of the pedals during rides, or run without feeling like I weighted over 200lbs and was trudging along, did not help the psyche. I could tell Chris wasn't excited to cut so many workouts short, or all together, but he was very careful to really ask how I was feeling each and every day. Each day we reevaluated the plan for the following day, and more often than I'd like to admit this involved "day off again tomorrow" texts or emails. However, this weeks everything started coming around again, and as things stand 2 days before race day I AM READY! I am mentally recharged, physically feel I'm right where I should be and emotionally couldn't be better.
I am beyond excited to race amongst this talented group of girls.  A text from Chris yesterday sums up what lies ahead for me. Suffer fest ;-)  "Sunday will be about racing, not fitness, it will be about learning to race (and suffer) different than any AG race..." I'm 100% in this and up for the challenge. It's going to be a day I know I'll never forget, so I better go out there, dig deep, push myself to new levels, and see what I can make of it. This is exactly where I belong, and I'M READY.

Professional Christening

My Florida70.3 race weekend was magical, and not just because anywhere you go within Disney you're told to "have a magical day." The entire experience was new, exciting and inspiring! Even my pre-race glitches (significant bike issues, and almost getting hit by a car) couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I was the most relaxed I've ever been for a race. Honestly, it didn't really make sense...I always thought I would be more nervous pre-race as a professional, because "it would matter more." Turns out, it's all about perspective! This was another new and excited adventure that God guided me to, and I was/am excited to see where it will take me.

I awoke, at 4am (yes, that was 1 A.M. to me!) to strong wind, rain and thunder. I didn't panic, or even think of a canceled swim. It's Florida, and with 2.5hrs until the start I knew it could easily blow over. Once in transition it was dark, still raining, and still storming. While attending to my bike and setting up transition (under layers of towels and plastic bags to keep things dry), race director T. Ziebart came over and showed me the radar weather forecast. "No worries" he said, we'll get you guys in there. (a much better attitude than what I experienced at NOLA).  So, while it was still raining we made our way to water's edge. We couldn't see the first, let alone second or sixth buoy, but we were ready....ready to wait. They delayed the start a bit allowing the sun to sneak over the horizon and light our way.

A special thanks to stud/studette pro vets Cait Snow, Heather Gollnick, Andy Potts and Ian Mikelson. Each of them welcomed me to the pro field and made me feel right at home. There were a few other first timers out there, so together we kept the mood light and fun. I had never formally met Heather or Cait. These little gestures went a long way with me. Thanks for keepin' it real girls!

Swim: TYR ready. Always out front...so that's where I started. Ok, so I wasn't "as" confident as I am amongst the age group women. So I started right behind the girls I thought would lead the pack. I was right. Within 10seconds they were off. Within 2minutes I was alone.

I am right in front of red suit girl

I picked my head up to see how far ahead the lead girls were. 3 girls ahead of me, all swimming alone. Head down, no one on my feet. You're good girl, just GO! Kick, remember to kick. Pull, hand entry, freaking go! I was working, I swear. Once to the first turn buoy Gollnick appeared out of no where. Ok, we're probably 4th and 5th, get her feet. I'm on. Go! Then she started viering to the right. I always tend to go a bit left, so this was a bit uncomfy for me. Where are you going girl, buoy's that way. To stay on the feet and swing wide, or to create my own path? (the water was very murky so it was tough to see her feet even when they were 2inches ahead of me). I stayed to my course (which clearly was the wrong decision, since she beat me out of the water. Lesson learned. check).
2nd turn buoy, bring 'er home. Go! Kick, pull harder. I felt good. On the way in the chop picked up, and I swear I saw a water snake right under me. Ick! That got me moving again. One of the buoys was a bit off course, and far right. I don't like going to my right so I aimed past it. 20feet later Disney's finest lifeguards were yelling at me. Were they cheering? I lifed my head up and they yelled at me to stay right. WTF, it's not a turn buoy. But it's my first pro race and I'm not letting something dumb take me out of it. I went back a bit and rounded the buoy. Smart? Maybe not, but I heard the same thing happened to a few others. Whatever, keep going.  When I exited the water the cheering was intense. I felt good. Thankfully I didn't see my time or I might of been pissed. Top 5, not too far out of it, I'm good. My time doesn't show it, but I was swimming well. I'm ok in this department. A few lessons learned for sure!

Bike: Alright Quarq Cinqo, let's see some numbers! The plan was to somewhat ignore the wattage numbers, and instead chase anyone ahead of me and hold off anyone behind me. Around mile 5 the first pass was made, and in case you can't guess by my bike split, it wasn't me doing the passing.

Both of us eating...I'm sure the pass happened soon after this shot was captured

Grrrr, come on legs it's like the Wednesday group ride, jump within a legal distance and hang on...let's reel them in. My legs answered with a big fat NOTHING. Ummmm, hello, I said "Go. Now." Nothing. Ok, maybe they aren't in it now, but stay positive and they'll come around. The next pass was made around mile 15. Another opportunity, ride with someone. Nothing. Without going into the details of the next 56 miles I'll leave it at that. My legs just weren't there. It was bad, like zone 2 training ride bad. The goal was to be with the group, to push with them, answer back and ride strong with them. I missed every opportunity to jump on and be within the mix. A group of 5 formed, and I was left behind for a solo session.

Run: When I came into T2 the announcer welcomed me and told me I was in 8th. I believed him, but I'm not sure why. I knew there were at least 10 girls ahead of me. But why wouldn't he be right?!?!?! I ran out of T2 like I stole something. I probably looked like it too. My hands were full of every variety of GU nutrition you could ever want. I like options ;-) Chomps, Roctane, salt, Gu Brew/Carbo Pro mush...let's Go!

 Within the first mile I dropped half my salt and passed one girl. Ok, I'll trade salt for moving up one position. Who's next. Ahhhhh, no one....anywhere. I asked a few people where the next chic was and the answers weren't pretty: "4minutes" "between 5 and 6 minutes" "it's been a while since I saw one." Awesome. Mentally I was weakening. My pace wasn't fast. I quickly learned why this run course hasn't produced any record breaking run splits. They description says there are some "off road sections." Picture a field of unmanaged grass, random divots and holes, and tractor wheel carve outs guiding the way.
My stomach wasn't happy. It was warm, but not hot. I wanted hot, however maybe my stomach wouldn't of approved to any more heat. Good thing I packed options, but none sounded appealing. My mental and physical state remained stationary...until I saw a group of girls within reach. I only had 4.2 miles to go, but I was excited to play again. "Alright Caroline, set the treadmill at 6:20 pace and go. You've done this how many times? Garmin, show me 6:20. Grass or no grass, just get-a-move-on." I was smiling again, and back to the chase. Within a mile I caught one girl. I paused for a few seconds behind her. Yeah, she was holding a much slower pace, no reason to stay here. Grass again. Ugh! 2 girls right ahead. I twisted and turned my way through the age groupers (3 loop course= busy busy!). No time to pause. I'm good, I can take them. I still didn't feel great, but passing people sure does help the whole mind over body thing. Final mile, ticked off one more. Ugh, does the run have to end, it was just starting to get fun.

Through the line, and the announcer welcomed me as 5th. Huh? I was a bit delusional, and believed him for a minute. Then I saw a slew of pro women hanging out around the finish. Unless they arrived here some other way, other than through the finish line, I clearly was not 5th. When I realized I was 8th I felt a bit sad. But once it all soaked in, and I really looked at the big picture, I WAS SO HAPPY! (yes, you guessed it, coach Chris talked some sense into me).

Thanks: where do I start! The messages before and after this race ALL mean a ton to me. I know you read various blogs put out by pro athletes, and the all end the same way. But the reason, is because the support we get from family, friends, and sponsors really means something. Race day is exponentially enhanced because of the people we share them with. So thank you for the calls, texts, and messages! 

TYR: My loyalty to TYR is firm! There is a reason 90% of the professional athletes at the start line were wearing TYR. Their increased product line this year is amazing...and I can't wait to see what they'll come out with later this year and next. Thank you for your support. I'm beyond honored that you believe in me and allow me the opportunity to promote my favorite swim and triathlon apparel!

 Newton: It's simple, their running philosophy, science, and shoes are the reason running has become my strength. If things keep improving as they have this past year I'm going to be one very happy triathlete. Plain and simple, my improvement is a testament to the shoes and Newton's dedication to speed.

Quarq: I swear my cycling is coming along. I know when it appears in my race results the proof will be in the power...the power meter that is. Training with my Cincqo has been key! Stay tuned, I know I'm going to be in the mix on the bike. Not only has Quarq been amazing, but I can already see the strength they're gaining from the SRAM acquisition. 

Thanks for reading! What's next??? All eyes are set on Ironman Coeur D'Alene. 8 years ago I completed my first ever ironman on that course. I can't think of a better place to jump into the ironman professional scene.  

Florida 70.3 With Smiles!

I am honestly so excited for tomorrow! The weekend thus far has been amazing, and I know I'll top it off with a killer first pro race. Thank you to everyone who's sent good luck messages....they really do make a difference and keep me energized and digging deep come race day.
One of my closest friends and teammates from college will be racing with me tomorrow. While rowing at UofM, her and I had to work our asses off in hopes of deserving a second of attention from our coaches. The two of us were two of the only lightweight rowers to survive amongst the wicked talent of open weight girls. Let's just say, we formed a very strong bond over years of sweat, tears...and probably some blood too.  Ever since Jeanine got into the sport I've been dying to race with her. She's a little fireball, and one of the hardest working athletes I've EVER had the privilege of calling my teammate. After NOLA I knew I wanted to fit in a May 70.3. Knowing Jeanine would be here made the decision easy. So tomorrow I get to share my first pro race with an athlete and friend that I admire beyond words!

Yes, she's TYR ready! Good luck Seeger...I can't wait to throw a few Go Blue's your way!!
Race prep has been pretty stress free, and loads of fun. I did have a bit of a hiccup today while out on my training ride today (other than coming 2inches from being nailed by a Disney tourist speeding for mickey mouse), but thankfully Zipp and Ironman wheels came to my rescue. Just another example of the great people behind the awesome brands within this sport.
I'm crazy excited to take in every aspect of tomorrow's race day experience. It's going to be painful, but that's exactly what I want. My fellow pro women are going to make me dig deeper than I ever have, and I can't wait to answer the challenge.
Race #48...off to bed!!!

One more BIG Change!

In my last post I left one really big change off my list. After Kona last year I really began throwing around the idea of getting my pro license. I've had a tough year, but triathlon is a door that keeps opening doors for me. When people would ask if I was going to get my pro card I sincerely dismissed the idea. However, after Hawaii the list of "reasons to get my pro card" started to grow, while the list of "reasons not to get my pro card" lessened.  Although the wheels started turning in my brain months ago, there were some major road blocks that I first needed/wanted to overcome. In terms of athletic capability, the largest of these was to gain confidence on the bike! Having a strong swim and run simply won't cut it if I want to toe the line with the top women in the sport. It's one sport, not three!!! It's great to excel or specialize in one of the three, but in order to compete you can't have a real weakness.
In looking for a coach I wanted to find someone who could help me make the pro card decision. This is why Chris was such an amazing match for me. He's been there! He raced professionally, while also holding a demanding job. Triathlon was a component of his life, not his entire life...and he excelled at it! This is what I was after. I believe the only way to be your best is to race the best. Although I was excited about the opportunity to race at the professional ranks, I ultimately want to maintain perceptive. A professional triathlete's career, even if they're lucky/crazy talented, is extremely short....an attorney's career-much longer. And fact is, I enjoy using this brain power that I paid so much for ;-) I enjoy being challenged...both intellectually and physically. Chris understands this "honest reality" I have with myself, but also believes I can really make something happen if I believe in myself!

Soooooo after NOLA we had a few talks. Immediately after the race I didn't feel like I proved (to myself) that I was ready. He did. I thought I should of been closer on the bike to the top pro's, he thought I was there. After a few days of digesting I agreed with him. I trained, prepared, and didn't taper similar to how a pro would prepare. Chris gave me a racing strategy that was pro minded...not amateur. I honestly didn't realize how different racing as an age group athlete was until he started pointing out these mental and physical differences. He was getting in my head, and in turn prepared me to BELIEVE! I'm there! I'm ready! I'm EXCITED to COMPETE with the best!

I can't wait to RACE! I had a ton of fun moving up among the amateur ranks, but I want to race! I don't want to wonder where I am in comparison to others, and feel like every race is a time trial format. I want to race! I want to see how fast I can go when I'm pushed to my limits by other amazing women! I will get my chance next weekend. Florida70.3 will be my first pro race.
I am so appreciative of everything Chris has done to help me get to this point...mentally, emotionally, and physically. His coaching reaches far beyond the training day...he keeps me in check, keeps everything in perspective, and reminds me that together we can do this! AND HAVE FUN!
To those who've supported me and helped me reach this decision, THANK YOU (you know who you are)!!! For those who continue to support me now that the journey begins....my appreciation is endless! (I have also finally joined the twitter bandwagon: if you want to follow me...ckgregory)
Ok, speaking of Coach Chris...time to get back to my IM St. G online spectating. He's killing it out there! Fastest amateur swim (duh...by far!) and he's hanging right in there at the front with some young studs on the bike. Inspired??? Yes!

My Big Easy Experience

When we pack our bags (and bikes!) and travel to races, it’s often for more than just the “race.” We, or at least I, seek an experience. I hope to get a taste of the local culture and see new and different cities/venues.  Well, the big easy was certainly a different experience (I’ll leave it at that)….so it shouldn’t of come as a surprise when we were thrown a few obstacles on race day.
I rolled into transition around 5:45. Body markers were not only there to slather us with ink, but to also “the swim has been canceled.” Disbelief. What? Seriously? But the wind is way less than yesterday.  Moments later, when the race director confirmed this, I started shaking. We were told it would be a duathlon, so we figured a 5k run to start the day instead of a swim.

 

Then the news became a bit worse. They couldn’t set up a 5k run course, so no duathlon, just a bike-run. There was NOTHING I could do to change the situation. I had to “be an athlete about it” and deal with the adversity. I came to this race with 4 goals: 1) fastest amateur swim split; 2) fastest amateur bike split; 3) fastest amateur run split; 4) fastest amateur.  Goal one was dead. But 3 remained in play. During my bike racing days this winter I always wished the time trials I did this winter were longer, and here was my shot.

The pro start was orderly and spectator friendly. They announced each athlete to the line, and off they went -30 seconds apart. The amateur start on the other hand, a totally cluster-F.  By the time I walked towards the line I had been at the race for 3 hours-hunger was soon to be an issue. I enjoyed an additional Roctane GU and moved into the corral. I was hurdled like cattle towards the mount line. Every 3 sec. 2 athletes were shoved through.  I started towards the beginning of my wave. I wanted to start last (rather chase than be chased), but I was ready and sick of waiting. 

So….on to the race:

Bike:  The bike course is flat, with the exception of a few small bridges in the first and last 5 miles.  I couldn’t get around the mobs of people for about 2 miles. It was ridiculous. I went around a cone and got yelled at by an official. The road was packed. I stayed calm and just dealt with it. Within 5 miles I was able to finally get into my rhythm and speed. Time wasted, but other faster cyclists would have to deal with the same issue. Head down and race!  I settled into my quarq powered wattage plan. I felt great. My legs were cooperating even though I was worried I went into the race a bit tired.  The next 25miles were into a strong head wind. It hurt, but I was moving right along. I felt strong, and could feel the benefits of training with my new BFF: Quarq. Steady, steady, steady, strong strong strong.  Then, my power began to fade. NO!!! I wanted this, and if I could hold my power up I didn’t think there was anyone that could out bike me. Slipping, NO! GU, need more GU. Energy was back up. We made the turn around and I couldn’t wait for the tail wind. It was still hard. I was hurting. I focused on leg turn over and pushing the pace.

With 10miles to go I hit another slump. I needed something to get my engine going again. A guy, Carlos (no clue who he was, but I saw his bib and decided to act like this was my new training buddy), made a strong pass. I jumped out of my saddle and went with him. Power come back up, now! I remembered Chris telling me that opportunities would present itself- opportunities to race, opportunities to change my plan and go with it, opportunities to dig. I sat a solid distance behind him and zoned right in on his back. Power was back on. Up and over the last bridge.  I looked down and saw that I’d be close to the 2:30 mark. This was going to be a new bike PR. At this point all I wanted to do was make it back to transition without getting a flat. The roads were awful, with potholes galore. I rolled in and saw my computer still under 2:30. I was aiming for a bit faster, but with the wind…solid!

Run: Where the heck am I? This format of racing left you to wonder all day how you were doing in comparison. But, this was MY challenge. A race against myself. A race to build confidence, a race to challenge myself, a race to take risks. Here was my risk. Run- FAST! My plan was to start fast, settle in and find comfort at this uncomfortable pace, hold on for dear life.

I ran out of T2 (or was it T1 since we never had a T1??) moving pretty good. My pace was quick, but my legs didn’t feel all that stealer. Let’s just say my first two miles at 6:20 were already uncomfortable. I quickly reminded myself that last weekend I ran 11 miles averaging 6:30 pace (and this was after a very solid 4.5hr ride). I can do this.  Grrrrr, come on legs. I was back on. The run hurt from the beginning. 3 miles in I started looking to see if there were any age group women ahead of me.  I didn’t see any. This meant I passed them all on the bike. Yowsers. 6 miles in my feet were on fire. Still holding onto 6:30 pace. The road surface was less than par. I constantly had to focus on the ground to make sure you didn’t trip or land wrong. 8 miles in, I saw a girl behind me, close behind me. Oh no, was she always there. Did she start before or after me. Who cares, just run faster! Ouch! Coke, now. 9 miles in, only 4 to go. 2x2 miles. I was going to break 1:30 for the first time, but by how much. Could I hold onto this pace. My average was sliding up. Mile 8: 6:40. Ugh! I am fading. My feet were killing me and the surface was getting worse. Chip seal would of felt cushiony in comparison. Then we made a left turn and the head winds hit. The run was incredibly lonely. No one cheering, and it seemed like there weren’t many competitors even out there because of the point-to-point nature of the course. I was searching for anyone/anything to will me on. Nothing. Up to me. My pace slowed more into the head wind and I was-a-hurtin'. Mile 10-12 were closer to 6:50. Heck no, I want 6:30. I forced the pace back down. I actually threw my nutrition at the last aid station, threw my head down and just asked my body to suffer more. Right turn, head wind gone, whew. Sprint towards the finish. The announcer brought me through the line, announcing that I was the first amateur to cross the line. Dang, I passed all those studetts. But now I’d have to wait. Shortly after crossing Sarah came up to me. We compared splits and quickly knew she got me on the bike and I got her on the run (but not by enough). Man, the swim would of helped me ;-)

After the race I felt really empty. I felt like I didn’t get to put together the full race I wanted. I felt like something was taken from me. I know it sounds extreme, but I went to this race looking for something…looking to prove something to myself…looking to build confidence. It took a while, and a good nights sleep, but once I talked through the race with Chris I realized my goals were accomplished. I ran a great 13.1 miles on pretty tired, untapered legs. My power output on the bike was strong and I executed my race plan. Oh, and I even made my way to bourbon street before nights end.

Congrats to Uli on an awesome race amongst a stacked pro field!!!