Power Sprint Triathlon 19 Weeks

I am a week behind on posting my race recap, but wanted to still post about it.

They were predicting rain for the race, but we ended up with good weather, a little humid but no rain, so I was happy.

We had to get up at 4 am to get to the race on time. I never seem to have a problem waking up early for a race. I was especially excited to wear my new racing shirt that my friend Sonny had made for me.

We got to the race site and set up our transition area. I posed with my new shirt.


The transition area closed around 6:50 since the first swimmers went off at 7. I wasn't getting in the pool until a little after 8 so I got to hang out in my swimming outfit, which was just a sports bra and tri shorts. Because of this I decided I needed to write something on my belly. I was feeling a little self conscientious thinking people would just think I looked fat and not pregnant.

Audrey helped me out and everyone definitely knew that I was expecting.

Swim
Distance: 300 meters
Time: 6:30 minutes
Pace: 2:10/100 meters

My swim went pretty well. I was excited to start and knew that I couldn't/shouldn't push it too hard, especially after how I felt after Smithfield. I wanted to make sure I stayed hydrated and fueled up.

I'm not a fast swimmer so although I would have loved to be under 6 minutes, I haven't ever swam that "fast" even without being pregnant. I felt good the entire swim and never felt like I needed to stop. I think all of my 1,000 meter practice swims have helped me out. I did get passed by one girl but I wasn't too concerned, at least I felt good.

T1 - Running from the swim portion to get my bike

T1
Time: 3:24

My first transition was super slow. I made sure to take it easy, fuel up and not push it too fast. Even though I'm super competitive I didn't push it and made sure I was feeling good as I got my bike.

Bike
Distance: 20k (12.4 miles)
Time: 43:57 minutes
Avg Speed: 16.2/mph
Avg HR: 151/bpm
Max HR: 164/bpm

My Garmin only clocked 11.81 miles at 43:49, so I think the course was short. The time above was my official time, and the speed and HR are from my Garmin. The ride itself felt good, it wasn't fast but I did pass quite a few people including that girl that passed me on the swim, so that made me happy. I got passed by a ton of other people, but I'm just glad that I was able to pass people as well. I had Sean take my clipping pedals off of my bike once I started getting a little bigger so I wouldn't fall and hurt myself while pregnant. Because of this I didn't have the advantage of pulling while I was cycling, but I still held my own.

Riding towards the finish

T2
Time: 1:05 minutes

When I got off my bike I was a little tired and therefore walked my bike back to the rack instead of jogging, which I normally would do. I grabbed some water, some GU Chomps, Blueberry Pomegranate flavor, and was ready to go. I remember to grab my Garmin off of my bike, and my race belt but forgot my watch which I clip my Garmin to, so I had to hold the Garmin watch face in my hand during the run. Since I decided to wear my racing flats on the bike I didn't have to change shoes which helped my time even though I walked and didn't push it too much.

Run
Distance: 5k (3.1 miles)
Time: 31:11 minutes
Pace: 10:04/mph
Avg HR: 158/bpm

Max HR: 176/bpm

The run itself felt great. It started to get hot so I made sure to drink water at the water stop. I did get a little competitive and pushed it towards the end but I was able to talk, I cheered on others that were going the other way (out and back course) and felt confident that I wasn't over exerting myself.

Just starting the run

"Sprinting" to the finish (I didn't want this guy to beat me)

Final Time: 1:26:04
Overall Place: 327/493
Age Group Place: 22/36

Considering I was 19 weeks pregnant when I was racing I am happy with my results and I was glad that I wasn't tired and I felt very strong at the end. Overall a successful race.

Sonny, me, Sean and Audrey (plus the sign Audrey's sister made for us)

Sean and I posing with our sign

It was a great day and I think the fact that we had great friends not only racing with us, but cheering us on made the day even more fun. Thanks to Suzy and Ali for all of the race photos!

My next Tri isn't until June 27th, which actually isn't too far away. It'll be here before I know it. I have two other running only races in between which I am excited to run, especially now that I have an "official" pregnancy racing shirt. Let's hope I can continue doing what I love.

Tree on House

We got a text from our neighbors last night asking us if we knew we had a tree on our house. I thought they were kidding. We walked home, we were at a different neighbor's house, to find this.





Sean got in touch with our insurance company and a tree removal company come out today, to take the tree down. The only damage was one bent shingle and it wasn't really bent bad, barely noticeable.





And this is how we spent our lazy Sunday afternoon.

Soccer and Baseball

Sean and I both took a half day from work on Friday so we could make a trip up to NoVA and Maryland.

We went to NoVA first to visit with Sean's sister Amy and her family. Usually we don't leave until after work and than by the time we make it up the kids are in bed. It was nice to arrive around 5:30. The weather was gorgeous, mid-high 80's, so we hung outside for awhile and just enjoyed the weather.

We went out to get pizza for dinner and than back to the house to relax and play with the kiddos.

Saturday morning we played with the kiddos before Anna's soccer game.

Jack is such a happy baby!

Lucy LOVES her Uncle Sean

We went to Anna's soccer game around 10. It was too cute watching a bunch of 4 year old kids run around and try and kick the ball. Unfortunately there were a lot of tears out of frustration. The ball wasn't coming to them, or they never got to kick the ball.

I did capture a few photos before Anna sat down and refused to play anymore.

Before the game they did a few drills

Game time! Anna runs to get the ball.

I love the action shot!

They are just too cute!

After the game we went to Dunkin' Donuts for a treat. I haven't had a donut in forever. My Boston Creme never tasted so good....delicious!

We said our goodbye's after the donuts and headed to Maryland to visit with our old crew and to see the Orioles vs. Red Sox at Camden Yards.

We bought tickets about an hour before the game, and got great seats for a very affordable price. We were front row centerfield. A great spot to be at so we could see all the action. Especially since it was a high scoring game with LOTS of home runs. Final score, 12-9 Orioles!

View from our seat

Game time!

When Sean and I used to live in Maryland we would go to 10 or so games a year. We only went to one game last year, and who knows if we'll get to go again. We love the atmosphere of the ball park and definitely love our O's, even though they normally aren't very good.

We also love the Oriole bird, but unfortunately it was too hot and he only made a few appearances.

Overall a great weekend!

Birthdays are fun!

Last Tuesday was my 29th birthday and I had one of the best birthdays ever!

I woke up Tuesday morning to my husband delivering chocolate cupcakes, and a glass of milk to me in bed, so delicious!

After getting ready for work I came downstairs and grabbed my phone and saw that I had a message from my friend and neighbor Sonny. Him and his wife had left a little birthday surprise on the front steps for me. Such a fun surprise! I decided to wait to open it after work with the rest of my birthday pile.

Work wasn't very exciting, they had birthday cake for me last Thursday so most didn't realize it was my birthday until I shared my birthday cupcakes that Sean had left for me to take into work. I felt like I was in grade school again sharing cupcakes on my birthday!

I had a free ice cream coupon at MaggieMoo's for my birthday, and I couldn't let that go to waste. I only got a free baby cone, but that was good enough. I choose the cheesecake flavor since I had strawberries back at the office that I mixed together once I brought my ice cream back.

I got home from work a little after 6. Just enough time to open presents with Sean! I had quite the collection from everyone sending gifts during the week. I even had a few delivered the next few days, which was nice because it extended my birthday.

I love birthdays!

The aftermath

I got a ton of great stuff. Jewelry, maternity clothes/gift card, stylish lunch bag, belt, prenatal video, yummy smelling lotion and soap, movie gift cards, money, chocolate, date milkshake mix from Dateland Arizona, prenatal magazines, VERmints variety pack and a homemade purse from my sister Amie. I need to take a picture to post, but she has her own etsy shop basil boutique, check it out!

After opening presents it was time to meet my girls at dinner. I was so excited that so many people could come out and celebrate. I wish I had taken a photo, but I didn't so you'll just have to pretend there is a photo. It was JoJo, Emily, Janelle, Jami, and Amanda who met Sean and I out. I'm getting bad at remembering to grab the camera. We went to a small Italian restaurant Giuseppe's. They had just opened up a new restaurant a few months ago and I was anxious to check it out.

The owner of the restaurant was very friendly and when I walked in he yelled "Surprise!" Than he asked, "Is this a surprise?" I told him I was the one that made the reservation, and no it wasn't a surprise. Throughout the evening every time he walked by our table he would yell surprise. It was cute.

Dinner was delicious. Again, no photos, but let's just say I had enough left over pasta for at least two more meals. After dinner out came the cake! Sean had stopped by the restaurant on his way home from work and dropped off a chocolate cake! Yay!

Everyone sang Happy Birthday and we all enjoyed some yummy cake! It was a good day!

Announcing....

Baby Murphy! Expected due date October 17th 2010!

I am officially 15 weeks pregnant today and although I haven't made it "facebook official" I wanted to give my blog followers a sneak peak. I plan on making the facebook announcement on my birthday, which is in 2 days.

Baby Murphy at 12 weeks 4 days at our first ultrasound

It's been hard keeping this a secret, so I'm glad that I am finally able to share this with the world.

Just because I've promised family, here are a few photos of me today at 15 weeks pregnant. Not sure if I just look fat, or if I'm showing slightly, but regardless my body is definitely changing.

Smithfield Sprint Triathlon

This past Saturday Sean and I participated in our first triathlon of the season. We were both excited for tri season to start back up, and especially excited to race at Smithfield, since last year this was our first triathlon. The only thing we weren't excited about was the weather. Predicted highs for the day were in the mid 50's, starting out in the 30's and 40's. We remembered last year being a little chilly and the high was mid 70's, so temperature was a bit of a concern. Luckily they called for, and we received, lots of sunshine that helped keep us warm.

We arrived at the race site a few hours before the race began. We went and got our race packets and found our friends to visit with before the start. Since this race was a pool swim, everyone started 15 sec. after one another. Therefore even though the official race started at 10:00, Sean and I didn't start until after 11, which by the way was after the winner had already finished the race.

Sean, Sonny and I before the race!

Sean started about 3 minutes before I did.  Last year he ended up right behind me, and I didn't want him "grabbing" my toes this year, so I gave my 100 yard time 1 second slower than his.  

Sean getting ready!

Before we start the swim we stand in line in order of our start time.  This always gets me excited, but also makes me a little nervous.  Luckily the people I started near were really friendly and we talked before the race started.

Standing in line.

Finally it was my turn to start.  I get in the water and have 15 seconds before I'm given the go ahead.  I was really nervous at this point.

Getting ready to start!

After the swim we went right to the bikes, because of the cool temperatures, Sean and I both opted to throw on a jacket for the ride.

Sean starts the bike portion.

You are not allowed to mount your bike until you are passed the "bike mount" area.  I was a little nervous due to the fact that I had decided to use my new pedals.  

I get ready to mount my bike.

I opted for mounting my bike and clipping in as I pedaled.  That seemed to work well during my practice ride a few days before the race.  Unfortunately I hadn't accounted for all of the mud that ended up getting stuck in my shoes from the transition area.  I tried to clip in multiple times, but eventually gave up and just rode the 10 miles without clipping in....so frustrating!

On my bike.

After the ride comes the run.  A 5k run, not so bad.

Sean racks his bike and gets ready to run.

And off he goes!

I'm back racking my bike getting ready to go run.

And off I go!

After the run we're done!  We finish back near the transition area which makes it great for spectators.  They only need to stand in one area.

Sean finishes up the Tri.

Here I come!

Yay!  I'm done!

After race we enjoyed pulled pork BBQ, mac & cheese and visiting with friends.  Even though it was a little chilly the sun kept us warm and we weren't too cold.

Suzy was our official race photographer!  She did a great job.  Thanks Suzy!

Overall Sean had an awesome race and my race wasn't that great.  I had slacked on my training these last few weeks, I hadn't gotten in the pool in over two weeks, I raced the Half Marathon a week before, but no speed work training, and although I got on the bike trainer about once a week, I hadn't gone outside and gone for a nice long ride, oh yeah, and my pedals didn't clip in.

Sean had been really consistent with his training, he was swimming at least twice a week throughout the entire winter, went to intervals a few times for speedwork, plus was running at least two or three times a week, 7 or so miles at a time, and he had taken his bike out on at least 5 or so rides.

I guess training really does pay off.  Our next triathlon is two months away, the end of May.  Hopefully with the nice weather they are predicting Sean and I will both be able to get out and train some more.

My race didn't go exactly as I had planned, but I'm not discouraged, because it's racing season, and racing season makes me happy! 

 

Best Bike Ride Ever!

Tonight I did my first "bike ride" outside in about 5 months. I figure since I have my first triathlon of the season on Saturday it would be helpful to actually get out on my bike and do a little riding. I have been using my bike trainer indoors, approximately once a week, but it's not quite the same as getting out on the road and pushing yourself on hills and different terrain.

I was excited to go on a ride since the weather was in the 70's and also since I had my new:

Speedplay Zero Pedals

Specialized Triathlon Shoes

Both of these were Christmas presents from Sean. I had tried the pedals out last week when JoJo came for a bike trainer workout. They took me over 10 minutes to clip into, so I was really frustrated, but than after a trip to the bike store and a quick tweak with an addition of an additional piece on the shoes I was able to clip into my bike on the trainer with no problem.

Also, last night Sean hooked up my cadence sensor, and my Garmin bike attachment, so I can use my Garmin on my bike which I was super excited about. In the past I've just used my Garmin on my wrist and it's been tough to ride and keep looking at my wrist. With the attachment, I can easily clip the Garmin on the bike and clip it back on my wrist when I go on the run.

Audrey was nice enough to agree to go on a ride with me. She's not doing the triathlon with me this weekend, but is doing one with me in May. I called Audrey on my way home and told her my timing so she arrived at my house shortly after I got home.

I changed into bike clothes and put our bikes in the garage so we could pump up the tires. She had been borrowing my hybrid bike since last March and it's been sitting in her house not getting any use, so the tires were pretty flat. My bike needed air as well. No problem right? How hard can it be to put air in your tires?

Well apparently we're both clueless. I really need to take a bike maintenance class and learn how to take care of my bike instead of relying on Sean all the time. I know the basics, where to check to see what the pressure should be, where to attach the bike pump etc. The only problem was that I wasn't able to get a tight seal so every time I pumped air into the tire half of it came out. I figured it was good enough and we decided to go and ride.

Now I only needed to clip myself into my bike. Shouldn't be hard, remember last night I tried and with the adjustments made to the shoes it was no problem to clip into my bike. Well I tried, and tried, okay it didn't take forever, but it wasn't quick. I finally got my left shoe to clip in and than I fell. All the momentum I was creating trying to get my stupid shoe clipped in forced me to the left and onto the ground as soon as the shoe clipped. Luckily I was on my "soft" driveway. It was then I realized why I normally wear gloves. Why wasn't I wearing them by the way. Oh yeah, it was my first ride of the season, I forgot about them. Nothing too serious just a few scrapes.

So now my heart is racing. I've never fallen before, not that this was a hard fall. It was mostly on my calf and hands and it mostly scared me more than anything. I'm stubborn though, and I wanted to figure these stupid pedals out. I moved myself to the grass and was quickly able to clip my left foot in. Now with my other pedals once you clip one foot in you start riding and, no big deal, the other foot clips in nice and quickly. Well I'm not sure if it was my lack of confidence, my inexperience or just plain bad luck, but I had to ride up and down my side street in my neighborhood until that stupid right pedal would clip in. Finally it clipped and both Audrey and I were excited.

Meanwhile Audrey is concerned about her tires, "they don't feel so great." I said we could just ride around in the neighborhood and see how it feels that way if something happened we could walk back no problem. We get to the end of our neighborhood, about a mile from my house and Audrey is fine with riding over to Ford's Colony, the sub division another half mile away. Neither of us are very confident riders on the road. One day we'll be better. We get to Ford's Colony and I yell to Audrey to get in the turning lane and that there were no cars coming. I move over and turn into the neighborhood. I look back and Audrey's still back on the right side of the road and now there are a bunch of cars. Eventually the cars thin out and she is able to make it into the neighborhood. Once she catches up she tells me about how the bike is acting, and how the bike is pulling to the right. She also mentions the tires seem low. I look and they are basically both flat. We decide to ride back home, since what's the point of riding on flat tires.

We make it back with no drama and I was able to clip out of my bike without falling. We rode a total of 4 miles. This may have been the shortest bike ride ever, but there were definitely a few lessons learned.

#1: Make sure to put enough air in the tires to last the entire 4 mile bike ride, or however long you want to ride.

#2: When you're not sure how to clip into a bike do it on the grass.

#3: Always wear your biking gloves.

#4: A 4 mile bike ride can still be fun.

We may not have gotten the workout we both wanted, but we definitely both had fun. Once back at the house Sean showed us the "correct" way to put air in the tires. Of course he made it look so easy.