Sunday, August 06, 2006

"You ain't cool...."

"unless you pee your pants." --Billy Madison

"If peeing your pants is cool, consider me Miles Davis." --little old lady at the field trip in Billy Madison

I am so excited I could almost pee my pants. But I won't. And despite what everyone's telling me, I just can't bring myself to do that on the bike. I know, all you speed demons...getting off the bike to pee during IM doesn't "make sense," as it's harder to get back on and get in a rhythm, your legs hurt, whatever....all the IM people are doing it....real IM'ers pee on the bike....but ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? Must I really DO THAT????

I just can't wrap my head around that one.

Anyway, the reason I am so excited is because of yesterday's ride. I would say about 80% of or ride was on hills--many of the same hills I slugged through last weekend at Sweet Corn Ride. Here are the stats:

Total Ride Time: 7:01.25
Total Distance: 106.39
Avg Pace: 15.5 mph

Because my computer screwed up again (my fault--I pressed buttons before reading the manual, and now it's in a different language or something!), I had no idea of my pace, speed, or distance. So I waited until we were done, and THAT'S what it was.

Now, for all you fast dudes and chicks out there, I have to explain: my initial goal I set a few months back was to come in under 8 hours on the bike.

The pace I just did at the HR I just did it at with no taper or anything would have me at somewhere around a 7:15.

This is really really really exciting to me. I've actually (gasp) made some significant progress.

Now, there are lots of factors: weather, wind, flats, etc. So--I am NOT going to get ahead of myself here. BUT--what this has done is showed me that I'm better than I thought I was. I felt so good on this ride. I will definitely have to file this one away and pull it out when things get tough on race day. I felt like I could ride forever. Those who were with me on the hilly rides I did back in May and June will attest to the fact that I have come a LONG way--both physically and mentally--on a hilly ride.

That's pretty exciting.

I know I couldn't have done it without some great friends to help me out: TriEric the IM King rode with us for the first hour or so, and taught me the wonders of using my watch timer to beep every 10 minutes. Then I 'd know to eat or drink.

As the Guinness Guys say, "BRILLIANT!" :) Thanks, Eric! And thanks for riding with us.

TriAl and Cassie met up with us randomly--we passed each other just when Iron Johnny and I hit about hour 4:30-which for me is when things get really tough. I was so out of it I didn't even know until they passed! They came back for us and even did some extra climbs just to ride with us for a while. That was awesome--we had fun riding and let's just say TriAl had a funny incident with some Chamois BUTT'R.....

Good friends, good weather, good nutrition--everything just clicked today and my good friend Iron Johnny and I rocked the course. Then, we had a GREAT 3 mile run afterwards at about 10:00/mile pace. We were both surprised how good we felt! It really didn't feel too hard. Again, I am filing this away for the 10th....I have to remember how good I felt on this ride and on yesterday's swim, and draw on that.

So it's been a rough few weeks here....moving my long run to Tuesday with my coach since it's been a little draining this weekend. Off to celebrate our anniversary! :) Must get packin'.

I am soooo behind on comments but thanks for all the encouragement. Hope everyone had a great weekend and the Steelhead Racers kicked some butt! Habeela, E-Speed, Rob, and everyone else racing this weekend--can't wait to hear the reports!

15 comments:

Cliff said...

that's great TriSaratop..just reading your last post..u are a fish..

Rachel said...

15.5 mph is nothing to sneeze at especially when you're going for so long.

Brooke said...

Just pee in the water...

E-Speed said...

I think some guy was peeing on his bike in front of me, actually I think 2 did. It made me disgusted!!! Don't give in! Don't do it!!!

Great freaking job on the bike!

Awesome news for Matt! I am so happy he will have a job he likes!!!

RunBubbaRun said...

Racing tips from IRONMAN TALk podcast. They are pros/elites so no big deal for them.

How to pee on the bike during a race:

1) Wait for a downhill section.

2) Stop pedaling, feet at 12 and
6 o'clock positions.

3) Relax

4) Be careful with your drink bottles on the frame. You don't want to pee on your drink bottles.

5) To get rid of a wheel sucker, just let it rip, don't wait for #1

6) Grab a water bottle at the next bike aid station to rinse yourself off..

Okay, I don't plan to do that during IMWI. But wtach out for others. Great job on the ride. Doing great.

Chris said...

I confess that I peed on my bike last year at Wisconsin. I really don't plan on doing it again this year. Unless you're really trying for a Kona spot or something, it's so entirely not worth it.

Great job with that ride!

Papa Louie said...

Good job on your progress! Keep up the great training and you'll be on your way to become an Ironman next month!

Tracy said...

YOU FREAKIN' ROCK SIS! Awesome AWESOME job!!!!!

Battman said...

Back after a break!!

Great ride! Inspiring...

With you as far as peeing on the bike. Watch out during the race; if the wind is just right...

Rich said...

I'm glad to see the jury is still out on 2P or not 2P. Don't give in! I'm only a runner, but I don't think I'd like to see the person running in front of me peeing in their shorts!

teacherwoman said...

Did I read that right? 7 HOURS of consistent biking? Wow! I can't even imagine that right now! Maybe someday, or in another life time!

TriBoomer a.k.a. Brian said...

That's a great pace for that long in the saddle! I use the countdown-alarm-repeat function on my watch all of the time. It's a great idea and saved my ride in the St. Croix 70.3 this year.

Stay tuned...

BuckeyeRunner said...

Great job, Sara!! I am so impressed with that!
(I seriously have trouble peeing in the lake (only had to do it once) so I CANNOT imagine peeing on my bike!!!!!!!)

Lloyd said...

Wow, what a two-day double you had: 4600m + 106M...mindboggling to me.

I happened to see you, Eric and Iron Johnny at the start of your ride. I ran with the Sat morn group from Mastick.

Best of luck in your final preparations.

Scott said...

Great stuff Sara. I'm totally inspired by your training journey.