USAT Age Group Nationals Race Report

What an amazing day!! Pressure was high, but as Billy Jean King says "Pressure is a Privilege". I gave it all I had, and I'm trilled and honored to be an AG National Champion.

I decided early this season that I would forgo the long Ironman specific training and go after my goals at Nationals. Initially, I was dreaming of a podium AG finish and a top 5 overall, however as my season progressed, and I continued to feel strong (and when RR decided to stay home), I adjusted my goals. I was going for it!

I was extremely nervous and anxious race morning. Those of you who’ve been to Nationals know: Everyone looks super fast/fit and therefore very intimidating. Despite the nerves, I was trilled to be out there. I was confident and ready to see what I could do.


Here’s the 30-34 start. We started 8 minutes behind the 25-29W and 8 min ahead of the 35-39W.
Cindy Bannick and I lined up together at the far end of the wharf and ended up doing the entire 1500m together: Thanks Cindy for the fast ride. I knew if I came out of the water with Cindy and Catherine Sterling I would be in a great position. I hurried through T1 and started hammering on the pedals. With the endless roller coaster hills, I was having a blast!!
The course is two loops and when I came through the first loop in 30 minutes, I figured I’d better ease off a little to save something for the challenging run. I had to remind myself that it was in fact a triathlon and not just a bike race. I still worked very hard on the climbs, but tried to flush the legs a little more on the descents.

To be honest, I was very intimated by the hilly run course. I didn’t have a chance to check it out before the race, but based on last years run splits I knew I had to set my expectations appropriately. I just gave it all I had and didn’t worry too much about pace. It’s an out and back course, so after the turnaround I was able to see how things were shaping up behind me. I saw a few people in my AG, but I remained confident that I could hold my pace and my position to the finish. Of course, I wish I could run like 30-34 AG winner Mark Harms!
When I crossed the line, I was the “leader in the clubhouse” but I knew the strongest of the AGs, the 35-39 AG, started 8 minutes behind me. Of course I figured Super Star Brooke Davidson would be crossing soon (in fact, I made the comment at the start of the race, that my goal was to just cross the line ahead of her)!! Sure enough, about 4 minutes later, Brooke was crowned Overall Age Group Champion in her very first season. Not only is this women fast, but more importantly, she’s absolutely delightful. I can’t wait to watch her improve, and turn heads in the pro ranks next year. Here I am tying my hardest to convince her to turn pro before the US OPEN in two weeks-Sorry folks, didn't work!!




The Men’s and Women’s Elite race was held in the afternoon, so we stuck around Hagg Lake to enjoy the days festivities. All of these Pro's are amazing athletes, and so fun to watch, but my heart went out to Mary Beth Ellis. She spent most of the time riding on her own behind the 1st pack, but used her unbelievable bike strength to significantly bridge the gap. She was a machine, but on the last corner heading into the park she went down. It was brutal to watch as she scrambled to get herself up and rolling again. She is such a fighter and I was amazed at her strength. She put it all on the line, and despite her crash, she got up, and ran incredibly well.


A few more shots: I'll let the photos do most of the talking!


Love this "pro march" to the pontoon. This was the beautiful hill we had to climb out of the water into T1.


Lead bike pack...check out the deer in the background.


Chillin with the coolios from the Timex team.



The most amazing athletes of all. Unfortunately Sister Madonna will not grace us with her presence in Kona this year. She told me she'll be attending her 60th HS reunion. How cool is that??!!


Coach Kris from SCS Multisport at the finish line. He was there on official USAT business, but it was great to have the local cheer squad during the race. Thanks!


Here I am with Becky Lavelle. I had to get a shot with the Local MN Tri Heroine



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I have a big training week ahead. 2 hour bike/2 hour run on Wednesday (longest run of the season), and then a 5 hour ride on Saturday. One last chance to cram in Ironman training.

I have another big decision ahead for next year: Stick with the short course and go to AG Worlds in Australia, or do Ironman Wisconsin. I have a few weeks to decide…I’ll save the pro’s and con’s list for another post…Time to unpack my bike and get ready for the week ahead.


Kerry posted a highlight slide show on Yndecam

The Ironman Fix

Just last week I was starting to feel the effects of the LONG season. Thirteen races completed this year, 3 BIG races left, and thoughts of being undertrained, (but probably overtrained) were starting to enter my mind. The classic signs of late season burnout! THE CURE?? Go watch an Ironman, and preferably Ironman Wisconsin. That quickly restored heightened motivation!!

Initially I was going to skip the road trip to Madison this year: I was there in ‘05, ‘06 and ’07 and well, I have a few VERY busy weeks ahead. As the weekend approached and the ironman buzz was floating among the ranks, it didn’t take long to fill Jmac’s car with cowbells, snacks and energized “spectathlets” (thanks for the term ELF) en route to Madison.

I’ll skip the crazy details of Saturday night, but there's indeed a good reason Madison is frequently called MAD TOWN. Luckily I was the self appointed designated driver, but the lack of sleep certainly had an impact on my race day spectathlon SPUNK!

We arrived at the race in time to see the sunrise and hear Mike Reilly encourage the athletes “INTO THE WATER”. As always, the Start was something else, and the energy was amazing. We met up with a few additional friends and then made our way to “Cowbell Hill”, where the grills were plentiful and the party was ON. It was wonderful to see so many athletes putting their heart and soul into their race day performance. We were fortunate to witness hundreds of amazing stories unfold...

As we moved to State Street to watch the run, my interest in ‘racing’ another Ironman started to creep back. WHAT?? There’s just something that happens when you watch an ironman that reminds you of the magnitude of such an event and challenge. I am doing the Ironman World Championships this year, so yes that counts, but I will not be racing in KONA. I made the call early this year to stay focused on Short distance racing in preparation for USAT AG Nationals, and the US Open, so my goal for KONA is to simply eliminate expectations and enjoy an inspirational day.

Madison would be such am amazing course-I LOVE hills and I thrive on spectator energy. This course has both, and what makes it even more appealing is that Erik, Jmac, Kate Monster, Cathy and Terry are IN!! It would be an amazing summer training together (I’m sure Kerry would do it too) with frequent road trip to Madison and sharing the ups and downs of the long and emotional training... HUMMM…Well I missed online signup-I wasn’t ready to make the commitment this morning, but I WILL decide after Hawaii. If its in the cards, I’ll do a charity slot (this is what I did for IMFL) or attempt a 70.3 qualifier next spring. SUCH FUN!!

A few photos...

The Crew at the Finish line ( Julie, Erik, Jmac, Myself, Merilee & Jen):



THe famous Helix ramp leads to T1, with the lovely Cindi Bannick waving from the top:


Erik taking his volunteer duties very seriously:


Hanging with Kate Monster (love the Gear West Kit):


Elizabeth (E.L.F) & Jen Harrison being So Cute at the start:

Celebration of Life Ride

As I left work Friday afternoon I knew it was going to be a great weekend. The weather forecast was perfect, plans were quickly shaping up, and well, the Monday Holiday speaks for itself.

The entire weekend was action packed, but a purposeful outing included a Memorial ride for Julie Casey on Monday morning. I did not have the privilege of knowing Julie, but we shared many friends in the cycling community. I’ll spare the gut wrenching details of how Julie passed, but at least she was doing what she loved. Lifetime Fitness helped coordinate a ride in her honor and it was really special to be part of it. The route map included a photo of Julie and her Husband John: it was so meaningful to see the photo of them together (in cycling clothes) sharing their passion. I couldn't help but think of the thousands of photos Kerry (my husband, my best friend, my side kick) and I have in the same exact pose (like this one). With plenty of refection, hugs and kisses were flowing freely among the riders all morning. Just the way it should be.

I heard someone say there were about 40-50 people riding. The ride started off very conversational, and before too long a few small groups formed. I had the opportunity to ride side by side with Marta (like the Brazil Soccer star, this Mpls Marta is also famous by first name). Marta, a fellow Gear West team member, is one of those women who you could spend countless hours with. She is the epitome of positive energy and vibrant spirit. She’s an extremely talented athlete, yet it’s her wonderful social spirit and top notch attitude that really make her AWESOME!!

Marta and I eventually joined up with Kerry, Sue and Chris and we had a nice pace going, but then TWO REALLY fast guys decided to join which certainly changed the dynamics. Before we knew it, Marta and I were hanging on the back for dear life…going 27mph uphill. I’m sure my PowerTap thought my bike was hijacked because numbers were popping out that I have not seen before. Conversation had ceased except for the occasional acknowledgment that I was still “ON” the back. This insanity lasted until the “gift from above”... I was saved by the Rest stop at mile 35!! The second part of the ride my much more manageable. We had Braham (LTF founder and CEO) with us stirring the conversation in the group. After 50+ miles, we were greeted at LTF corporate HQ with great music and refreshments to keep the celebration going. It was amazing to meet so many new people and share such a great ride and memory together.

Of course I did get the guilt trip from Braham (in photo below with Patti and I) regarding my plans to skip the US OPEN in Dallas. Must have been that bear hug/head lock when he said something like “I’m paying, you have to go” … that got me back on board. Indeed it will be a fun trip, and who cares that it's just 5 days before KONA. PARTY ON!! This ride, made complete with all the amazing people, was yet was another reminder to take all of the opportunities and GO for it. More adventures ahead!


MY CELEBRATION OF LIFE WEEKEND:

Kiersten completed her 2nd Tri on Saturday morning. I couldn't believe she was so fired up to do it, and it was so nice to be able to cheer from the sidelines! After her first track speed session on Wed, and her first XC meet on Friday, she was definitely POOPed Saturday after the tri.

Of course, NO Teenager is too pooped for Back to School shopping! I skipped the mall frenzy and opted for the post Mall of America fashion show.



We enjoyed a great Backyard BBQ at DKT’s Sunday night. It was fun to see everyone, but of course as the crowd thinned, it was time for us to battle on the Guitar.

Post Track workout recovery Float Sunday afternoon: 600 lbs of Epsom salts for the fried legs.



Gunther’s Annual Labor day TRI party. Steve and Helen are so amazing to open their beautiful home to the Tri Geeks. Aside from the frequent parties, they also host weekly OW swim workouts from their dock. Here's Helen driving the escort Pontoon.



Good Bye party for Hector at Brit's Pub. iwilltri will be studying hard at Kellogg for a few years, but plans for a reunion in Australia next September are in the works!


Monday Night Cap…A prefect reunion with buddies. Julie and Erik were back in town and we enjoyed a fun evening catching up.

I'll find more photos later, I'm off to make my favorite Raw Kale Salad (the kids are SO excited-NOT).