Eagleman 70.3 Race Report (Part I) -- June 10, 2007

Well the race is done. I've been procrastinating writing my Eagleman race report for many reasons -- I guess mostly because the race didn't really rock my world...like I had hoped it would. ...Like so many races before have rocked my world for me.


I'm not sure why but I suppose I thought since I was attempting something so difficult (something that many days I doubted I could actually accomplish) something so big, that surely it would have a bigger impact on my life than smaller less important races. I guess I don't want to dwell on it too much...but I supose it is a combination of not performing as well as I had hoped and realizing that I'm not as strong as I thought I was. Pretty ironic for a race that is supposed to test your limits (and it did) and when you complete it (which was your goal) you actually feel weeker.

I guess I will tell my story. Perhaps when I am done, I'll have a better understanding of it all and my feelings. (And yes, this is a long one, so for your sake and mine I'm gonna break it up a bit).

Leaving the kids.


The anxiety gods were kind....I didn't worry about leaving my kids....even though I had only slept without them both once before, for only one night (when I was doing IronGirl). They didn't seem to mind to much that I was leaving (since Gramma and PopPop where here) and actually Redfish didn't even want to talk to me on the phone when I called on Saturday night. I guess maybe he was secretly mad at me for leaving.



Race morning, I was surprisingly calm. Our homestay rocked and was only about half a mile from transition and on the run course. I could have walked, but Mr. Preschool didn't want me to carry all of my stuff. Got to meet Nancy Toby again (we met the afternoon before at the expo when I recognized Buttercup, her bike with Nancinator written on the top tube). She was very nice and tried to alleviate any last minute fears I might have had. That was pretty cool, since she's kind of a mentor for me in a strange sort of way. And Mr. Preschool took this photo of us before the race.




Swim 1.2 Miles.
The weather gods were kind. On race morning it was actully cold enough to want pants and a sweat shirt. The Choptank river was not as choppy as it had been the night before and white caps were few and far between. Despite many jellyfish tales, they were just tales, as not one was in sight. After watching several waves I picked the spot I wanted to start in, just in front of the left bouy -- surprisingly I didn't really have any company! Everyone seemed to bunch in the center, and I had no trouble with anyone kicking, pushing, or swimming over me. Unlike the IronGirl start, where we had to tread water for 5 minutes before the race in a holding pen-- the in water start was so shallow that we could just stand and wait for the count down. Endorphin's Michael Harlow had taught us at a recent open water clinic to basically go after hearing the count of 2 (instead of 1 and then going) and that seemed to be what everyone was doing. I had planned on "dolphining" until I could no longer stand, since it was so shallow, and since I saw the leader in several of the waves was either the person dolphining or running in the water. This worked well until I realized that my wetsuit was biting me in the neck. I sure felt like the velcro teeth were digging in deeper with each stroke and with each turn of my head...but after several times of standing up and refastening the back of my wetsuit I realized that it couldn't be the velcro teeth digging into my neck but the wetsuit itself. I could tell I was drawing blood, but what was I going to do? Stop? No.

With every turn of the head and breath it worsened. Sort of like a rubber rug burn. Despite the pain I was able to draft off of several Athena's shoulders....changing drafters only when they slowed down too much or swam off course. The chop in the water was unpredictable. I definatly swollowed way more water in Eagleman than I ever did in any other open water swim. At Sandman the ocean waves were huge and rough, but none-the-less predictable. At Eagleman there was no logic to the waves. I have a hunch that many were caused by the wave runners and rescue boats and the taste of diesel fuel filled much of the swim. Strangely, the water out in the river was warmer and it was cooler close to shore. I stayed close to the buoys and there always seemed to be a jam up of people at everyone I passed. At one point after the turn (day glow orange bouy) I started swimming back to the yellow buoy I had just passed, but a man on one of the rescue boats told a handfull of us that that was the wrong bouy and we turned again. I could see really well with my prescription goggles and they are the best $20 I have ever spent! Without them I would not have even been able to see any buoys!

Who cares if I look like a dork...or a fish for that matter.







The problem with the chop was that you were just sort of unable to see much in general because you always seemed to be lower than everything else. I got in a good rhythm several times during the swim but that was usually interuped by a back-up at the buoy. As I started to see people from one and 2 waves ahead of me, I realized I was actually doing pretty well. I looked up at one of the yellow caps from the wave ahead and realized it was TRIgirl MaryJo. MaryJo had been pretty nervous about the swim and I told her she looked great and that we were almost there. I couldn't believe I found her in the water in the middle of all that chaos and all of those people. As I came up on the boat landing, a blackness replaced the light brown water from before. I had checked out the slimy, rocky swim exit and knew I had to swim all the way up the ramp. Mr. Preschool was waiting out on the pier and as I took my last 5 breaths I could see him with each one, cheering for me and I even waved. One of my favorite memories of the race...and he got it on film!





I chose not to run in transition...something I had read on the IronStuck website. That worked for a while. And then I saw Laurie Mehler, our local race director...and in her excitement of her cheering me on (while she was racing the aquabike), It seemed like she was telling me I better run, and I did. Now I was going against 2 pieces of Ironstruck advice....1. don't run in transition on your first Half-Iron or Iron race and 2. Have a game plan, which I did....and stick with it -- which I didn't.




30 seconds later I was changing the game plan again -- grabbing my asthma medicine from my race hat...that I had planned to use on the run and sticking it in the back pocket of my tri suit. At the time I was worried that I would forget to grab it on the run (and I knew I would need it) but that was foolish, I wouldn't forget it if it was in my hat! Oh well. I grabbed my race belt, because they were requiring that we wear them on the bike. Mr. Preschool announced that I was in the top quarter of my heat....actually I was 4th out of the water for the athenas -- so that was great. I grabbed my bike and I was off.

I'll post more tommorow. Thanks for reading about my journey.

Eagleman Race Results and Finish Photo

Eagleman Race Results

(I will post a race report soon)

BIB : 2019
AGE 33

SWIM 39:20

BIKE 3:33:28

RUN 3:14:27

OVERALL 7:39:06
POSITION 1494

TOTAL SWIM 1.2 mi. (39:20)
2:04/100m
1229
TOTAL BIKE 56 mi. (3:33:28)
15.74 mph
1597
TOTAL RUN 13.1 mi. (3:14:27)
14:50/mile
1494

TRANSITION
TIME
T1: SWIM-TO-BIKE
6:54
T2: BIKE-TO-RUN
4:57

PENALTY
TIME
TOTAL PENALTIES
--:--

Last Post Before Eagleman

Well, this will be the last post before Eagleman....we are leaving early tomorrow morning.

The Ironman Live website will be tracking athletes live via their timing chip and will be covering the event on line. I don't yet know my race number, but you certainly can search for me by name if you want a real-time update on my progress. Thanks for all of your support in helping me get to the starting line....It is going to be a hot one....and with a little luck, I should be finishing sometime between 3 and 4 in the afternoon. Cross your fingers for me!


Here is the web address below

2 Days Until Eagleman -- Taper Hell

Nancy Toby is a local girl. So I hope she really knows what she's talking about when she says it is going to be 78 -82 degrees (depending on the source) during the Eagleman and only 3-5 MPH winds! Not that I'm counting on it...but just praying!

She did send me comment hinting at deer flies on the bike at Eagleman -- and guess what? The very next day at West Creek I was plagued by them on the bike and the run! I have NEVER seen any kind of flies out at West Creek until Tuesday, so go figure!

Mr. Preschool says that recently I've been exceptionally anxious (read bitchy)... and taking it all out on him. I don't know what he's talking about. I'm perfectly fine. Just flippin out at the thought of what have I gotten myself into! AND I just got a little upset when he said he was going to bring his bike and go on his own little adventure while I did my 1/2 IM.

He has supported me a hell of a lot by picking up the slack at home and watching the kids...and he'll be driving me home from the race....but still, that wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I asked him to come. I told him I was happy he was bringing a back up bike thought in case mine looses a major part or something! That is rational too, right?

The saga continues....Man, If I could just go run and bike for a couple hours, I think I'd be O.K.

Revised forecast

Yep, I knew the forecast for Eagleman was too good to be true. Maybe MSN weather wasn't the best place to find my weather info. The National Weather Service forecast is seeming much more realistic.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.

But after yesterdays Monsoon-like tropical depression, that arrived just in time for the Powersprint...I guess a high near 85 isn't too bad. Yesterdays horizontal rain, cool temperatures and incredible wind brought out the best in the TRIgirls. With the worst race conditions I'd ever seen in my 5 years of racing, the baby pinks (girls doing their first race) provided there own sunshine. I didn't hear any whining and no one even talked of not doing the race. Amazing. I am so lucky to be part of this amazing group of women.

Photos will follow.

The Eagleman Forecast

Sunday Jun 10
AM Rain
Hi: 76° Lo: 69°
Mostly clear skies. High 76F and low 69F.
50% chance of rain

I know it is early....and it seems to good to be true, but Mr. Preschool usually comes through for me....and the forecast for Eagleman looks great! A high of 76! That is all I could ask for....now let's hope it doesn't change.

Eagleman 70.3 Homework

I've been trying to do my homework in preparation for Eagleman. I keep reading as many race reports as I can find from last year and years before with the hopes that I will garner some crucial piece of information that will make or brake my race. All the while trying also not to get freaked out by others mis-fortunes.
So far, I keep reading about wind, jellyfish and flat boring scenery. Jellyfish? What? I was told when I signed up for this thing that jellyfish weren't out yet. That it wouldn't be an issue...but then keep reading race reports of folks getting stung. God, I hope I don't get stung on the face.
Trigirl 40 is looking into buying some Sea Safe that we found out about from Nancy Toby...but there seems to be some discussion as to whether it would actually work.
So far I can say, I won't finish the race in 5:10 or 5:15 like these guys and maybe that is why the heat wasn't a problem for them. Plus they start a whole hour earlier than I will. I can also say that I'm happy that I won't have to drive and get stuck in traffic on race morning. And I'm REALLY happy that I'm not camping. It would suck to have folks packing up their car/gear while you were trying to sleep. And then sparking the race to the race, to see who can get set up first.
Entertaining stories aside, I will remember to rinse my feet well or at least try them and wipe them as best I can before putting my socks on. I keep thinking socks are the way to go for the bike and the run...but then that will mean no peeing on the bike (not necessarily a bad thing)...these final details and decisions are killing me!

IronStruck

There are quite a few TRIgirls, including myself who are IRONSTRUCK.

TRIgirl Jones recently posted a link to this site, and in preparation for Eagleman, I have been reading it every chance I get....even if it means shirking the dishes and the kids!

So far, I've been focusing on the top 10 first time Ironman mistakes sections...and seeing that I have NOT made these mistakes (so far in my preparation) has given me a slight (and well needed) confidence boost.

So far, I think the best advice I've learned from this site in preparation for my first HIM is NOT to run in the transitions. It really won't affect your time too much in a 6-7 hour (maybe more) race, and rushing in transition can lead to costly mistakes. I'm relieved to think that I can walk the transitions if I want. Running in bike shoes always sucks anyway!

Of course, it doesn't hurt to learn about men's leg shaving either. In the Shave or not to Shave section. I'm looking forward to reading more in preparation for my race. And of course, the RACEDAY section is a must

Now that we are in the homestretch, I'm starting to think about things like:

Confirming my Homestay

Directions to race (and dinner)

Racking my bike the day before and checking out the swim

Packing my bag ( and remembering all this STUFF!)

Visualizing my race

The pre-race meeting with VITO the race director

Maybe going to the The Spinvervals Pro Forum with Troy Jacobson and Q & A with Guest Panel of:Natascha Badmann - Chris Legh - Desiree Ficker - Luke Bell

Missing my kids the night before the race, and being worried about them all day while I'm racing

Getting my derailleur cable tightened after having had in changed out yesterday at 3Sports (they usually stretch out after 2 rides

Getting a final test in on the wetsuit

And....

Figuring out how I'm going to have the strength and endurance to pull this thing off.

Riding with Nature

Last night I rode on the early side, I was trying to catch up with 'lil sis Ann, but by the time I got there, she was basically done. So, instead of riding with the Tgirls, I rode with a white tailed yearling dear (who almost got hit by a cyclist....now that would have been a mess!), a turtle, a hawk (or buzzard, not sure I was going to fast to spend too much time looking at the sky), a really cool electric blue-tailed lizzard. As I was packing up to go home, the rest of the team arrived. It was much cooler by then and I was happy for them...but also happy for me that I got a good heat acclimation workout in.
My biking felt really fast (17.3 mph average) but when I realized that I averaged 17.8 mph at the Crackhead open, I realized I wasn't as fast as I thought I was. I guess the heat really did affect me after all. The run was miserably slow -- a foreshadowing, i'm sure, of how i'll react to the heat while running on race day.
I was thankful for the taper -- a 90 minute workout instead of 2 hours was a nice break.

75 Mile Bike -- Saddle Sores Really are Real!

Yesterday was our last super long workout before Eagleman -- a 75 mile bike ride. Mr. Preschool had warned me that miles 60-75 would pretty much suck and well he was right. Particularly because for the last 15 miles I was confined to West Creek.
After a late start, Liz, Kate O., Lynn and I made our way out of West Creek. For me it was the for the first time this season. I had almost forgotten how great it is to ride early in the morning out in the country. The smell of honeysuckle was thick in the air. Everything had sort of the misty morning look -- It was so beautiful and it was all rolling hills.
From Patterson we turned on to 621 and then took Broad Street for about 1 mile and turned back on 623. After one 8 mile loop at West Creek, I was ready to leave and go out on the open road again. I grabbed my lil' sis Ann and we were off. We did another 18 mile loop on 621/623. Yes, it's true I told her, no hills, no traffic, smells like honeysuckle -- and it was true the last loop. This loop however, it smelt like manure and there were trucks pulling horse trailers and other traffic. I think her idea of a hill and mine are different -- but hey, at least we weren't in West Creek.
I was so proud of her. Until yesterday she had only ridden 18 miles. By the time we got back, she was at 45 miles! Ah, but the sad news was that she was done and now I had 30 more to go. I needed to find someone to ride with!
I hooked up with Lynn and Kate O. again and we rode and rode. Lynn gave me water becuase I'd run out and that was a true blessing, I dumped most of it on my head. A group of crit guys blew past me and I tried to hang on and let them pull me but I couldn't.
And then, before I knew it we were done. I checked my cooler for water and remembered I'd put a container of frozen pinapple in there. Man that was the best treat ever!
When I got home, I quickly learned -- saddle sores really are real and they suck -- especially when you pee. Hopefully they will be well healed by the time Eagleman gets here -- in 13 DAYS -- OMG!

The Final Countdown, Swim Waves etc.

Well, first off, I should say that I am addicted to the internet. It has been 6 days now that we have been without phone, or dial up. All, in an effort to get a larger needle -- upgrade to DSL.

Sixteen measly days left till the race...OMG! Eagleman swim starts are up, and as I predicted I am in the last group of triathletes, starting at 8:08 a.m. I know, get ready for HOT, HOT, HOT. What I would give to do the swim last, so I could cool down and enjoy it!

That's it for now. Off to pick some strawberries!

The Crackhead Open

It's not named the "Crackhead Open" because someone cracked their head open, but because we decided that our coaches were on crack when they elected to have us all race against each other for our final long BRICK workout.

I know I am not the only one who was terrified at the prospect of it. Certain "anonymous" blog commenters agreed with me that we really shouldn't have to do it...but I also know the coaches were right. You don't train 6 months for a race and then not try to simulate the conditions before the big day. They wanted any mistakes that we made to be made at a mock race, not on the real race day. The good news is that hardly any of us made any mistakes. Everyone looked very strong.

Believe it or not I actually and truly thought I was going to come in last on the bike. And I knew I was going to come in last on the run. I had been dreading this day for months -- as soon as I found out there was going to be a day when I had to run 16 miles. When I signed up for Eagleman half iron, i never intended to train for the run. I figured I'd just limp along as best i could on the run and walk most of it -- just trying to finish. But I'm also one of those people who just follows the rules. And there was so much guilt associated with not doing a workout, I decided it was easier just to try my best to get it done. And with very few exceptions, that is exactly what I have done. True, I haven't followed all the swim workouts -- mostly because I am a strong swimmer who enjoys open water and who doesn't have access to an indoor pool or health club -- I do all my workouts at Maramarc or with TRIgirls.

Anyway, I'm rambling... I never ever expected that I would do so well on the bike. Now I know it is for several reasons that I "appeared" to do better than I actually did.

1. Cyndi didn't race with us (she would have rocked out!)

2. Liz and Susie got bumped up to the Ironman-Maramarc racing group and also rocked out!

3. Although there was no public acknowledgement of it, I'm sure there were several girls who could have performed better and raced faster but were silently protesting.

So, Anna Mac came in first. I came in about 10 seconds later...and actually everyone else was RIGHT behind me. There was really no big gap between all of us who finished. (unlike on the run when after that big gap would be me!) It turns out I like racing. It was fun being passed by Anna and Carmen and then passing them back and then being passed again by Anna.

Mark was sorta upset when I told him that I planned to run for an hour before the "race". Actually, he wasn't upset at all. Basically, he told me not to and I'm the one that got upset! Then he said, you know, you do what you gotta do. He wanted to see me race on fresh legs. I wanted to get a jump on the run so I didn't finish an hour (or more) after everyone else. I sort of compromised...running 4 miles before and running 12 miles after the bike race. For the 4 before, I took it really easy, it was difficult to shake Mark's advice not to run at all. I walked up each hill. The morning was cool. The sunrise over the lake was lovely and I really enjoyed my time. I allowed about 15 minutes when I got back to rest my legs before the race. Sharon was so cool and got everyone race "packets" with water, race numbers and a first aid kit, which I needed almost immediately -- I busted open my thumb right before the race while pumping up baby pink Kim's tires. Certainly, this is a fun group to train with. I love the spirit and the humor of this team.

Here are my times for the bike race:

26.40 1st 8 mile loop

28.16 2nd 8 mile loop

26.41 3rd 8 mile loop

Total time 1:20.41

average 17.8 mph

23.97 miles

Unfortunately, the run didn't go as well. Including breaks it took me almost 3 hours to run 12 miles. And, although it was about 75 degrees, windy and beautiful, I found that I was hot and didn't have enough water. I'm looking forward to water stops each mile during the race. Blake gave the great advice to ask for a cup of ice at each water stop put it in your hands and anywhere else it it'll fit to help keep cool. I counting on putting it in my bra and my hat. I know I'll need it. Mr. Preschool has promised me a nice day, not too hot for Eagleman (you didn't know he was a Shaman, did you)....but says that in the process it might have to rain. Anyway, I know I can't count on it. I'll be trying to find some hot afternoons to run. I was walking way more than I had anticipated on the 12 mile run and wasn't able to be as consistent with my run to walk ratio as I would have liked.

Running 6 miles before the bike and 6 miles after the bike, or breaking up my run in other ways on long run days, really has been much easier on my body and perhaps has not been the best way to train for a 13.1 mile run. Regardless, I feel optimistic that I will finish -- especially given the moonings, and cheering section that I'm anticipating at Eagleman.

Water Slide Triathlon Start -- Only in My Dreams!

Have mercy on me. The pre-race triathlon dreams continue. As do the 4:30 a.m. wakings. Please don't let this last through Eagleman...I'm not sure how much more I can take!

Last night, not only did my big race start inside of an office building...hmmmmm, I think it was on the 4th floor, but also, it was a water slide start. You know where they count down 5-4-3-2-1-GO and swwwwoosh down the water slide you go --headfirst. When you get to the pool at the end, then you start your swim. What? You've never done a water slide start in a triathlon? Well you should, It was fun!

And, it beats getting kicked in the face during a wave or mass start! I was so preoccupied, in fact, with the anxiety of the whole race that I forgot to actually to my "homework" when I got to the venue. You know things like checking out the swim start and exit, checking to see what the slope and the floor of the water are like. Visualizing each transition, and where I will be and how I will be racking (or un-racking my bike). Driving the bike an run courses...that sort of thing. Maybe this is my body telling me to make sure I arrive at the race site early on Saturday so I have plenty of time to check things out and worry! And wish that we were having a 4th story water slide start!

Triathlon Training Tips

By the way, check out Desiree Fickers Training Tips, she's got some great ones!

Eagleman Weighing on my Mind

Two things have been weighing on my mind. O.K., way more than 2 things! The triathlon race dreams have started. I think it is all being caused by the fact that our coaches are making us race each other this weekend on our 28 mile bike. After that, I don't think I'll have much left for the 16 mile run....so I'm planning on running 6 before the bike and 10 after.

My first response to the whole racing thing was "that's crazy!" why do they think they can pit us against each other like we are racing! I mean we are friends -- not competitors....that is SO taking it up a notch. But, I know how silly that is. The truth is that we are all in it to race -- even if some of us don't view it that way. Personally, I think -- well, I'm not going to win, so I'm not really in it to race. But the truth is we are all in a race. And Eagleman, more so than any other race I've ever done is a true race with serious competitors.

Nancy Toby, tells me that last year, the Athena's (150 lbs. +) had a primo spot in the transition area, racking next to Natascha Badmann (Six-time Ironman Kona Champion) and Desiree Ficker (last years 2nd place winner at Kona). They are slated to compete again this year at Eagleman and the thought of that is quite intimidating for an age-grouper like myself who is quite in awe of their accomplishments. I've heard that Badmann rides with ONLY aerobars on her bike....I'd kinda like to see that!

The other thing that is weighing heavily on my mind is that yesterday at our 2 hour brick workout I injured myself -- for the first time this season. It is really no big deal....basically I was just trying to catch TRIgirl Cyndi (impossible) and pushed myself a little too hard. I turned my ankle kinda' funny and although I knew I could certainly finish the brick, I chose to cut it short and go home and ice it because it was hurting with each pedal stroke. At this point in the season, I know it would be devastating (to my confidence) to miss a major workout like Saturday and if I did, it would make me doubt whether I was fully prepared for Eagleman.

The good news is that 2 hours of icing seems to have done some good. It was quite stiff this morning but is feeling only a little sensitive now, later in the day. At the same time, I can't believe how much not being 100 percent for a workout and how much cutting out an hour early affected me mentally. I guess it is a good thing that I'm pretty much a go by the rules girl. Because when I don't go by the rules and do a prescribed workout I feel like crap! Even if I have a good excuse.

On another note, we went to the pool yesterday, the first day of the outdoor season. The water was perfect for a wetsuit -- I'd say maybe 65 degrees. So, I'll be testing one out later this week. Too bad Daisy didn't have one for her swim. But, I guess she didn't mind too much because she was swimming around like a fish!

60.28 Miles

Yes, I did feel a bit like a gerbil going around and around in circles for my 60 mile ride at West Creek. But I got it done anyway. A new distance PR for me. It took me about 3 hours and 40 minutes of riding time....so I guess I know what kind I've time I'll be going for at Eagleman.

Fun? hmmm I'm not sure if I'd call it that. But 1. I was glad I was not doing 60 in the blue ridge mountains like many of my teamates and 2. I really enjoyed riding with half Iron hopefuls Mary Jo and Becky.

Eagleman Half Ironman Forum

My stomach is now starting to knot. It always does when I look at the swim wave start times for
my next big race. Don't go rushing to see them....they are NOT up yet for this year...I was looking at last years swim starts. But, a little birdy told me they will be up VERY shortly!

I was curious because I found the official Eagleman Forum where someone asked about the current. A very knowledgeable forum member provided the low tide time: 7:22 a.m. and said that the current shouldn't start picking up and be bad until about 8 a.m.
Well, when am I swimming? I thought. I hate being last to go. Not only do I have to finish later because I started the journey later, but also it is hotter! And I hate standing around with early morning jitters -- the worst hurry up and wait of my life.

If they do it the same as last year, I will start with the Athena's at 8:08 a.m. in the third to last heat. My goal is to swim fast because the longer I take, the worse the current will be after the turn around especially. My only consolation is that if I was not an Athena, I'd only get to start 5 minutes earlier at 8:03.

So, for now, I'll take a deep breath and worry more about that 16 miles I have to run in 8 days.

The Worst News....

I have the worst news....for me that is, not for you. This is life alterning. Things will never be the same again kind of news.
Redfish has given up his nap. No more blogging about workouts during naptime. No more talking to friends on the back porch or checking up on the news. No more sneaking out to the garage and getting a little cardio on the trainer in.....O.K. wait...I never got around to doing that, anyway.
Naptime is officially out the window....so forgive me if I shed a little tear.
It was bound to happen eventually....But my little boy is growing up so fast.

Brick Sandwich (Bike + Run = ick)

7 Miles Running (8 minutes running, 1 minute walking)
Plus 28 Miles Biking (in the rain)
Plus 7 Miles Running (5-7 minutes running, 1 minute walking -- in the rain)
Equals a BRICK SANDWICH!

That is all I have to say about that.....Workout DONE!

Triathlon Training Tip No. 1

Eagleman Triathlon Training Tip No. 1.

You know it's OK to skip a workout (or half a workout in this case) when you ......only have 3 running bras and they are all in the wash. Not because you slack at doing laundry....but becuase you worked out that morning, you worked out the night before...and the night before that! And besides, it's raining out there.

Hmmm.... I guess if I was hard core I'd just put a wet bra on and bike in the rain anyway.....maybe someday, but not tonight. OK, How many of you were out there biking last night in the rain? YOU are hard core!