Race Recovery BBQ

correction

Official time: 3:03:11.

Canberra Challenge 2009

I did my first Olypmic Distance Triathlon this weekend, at the Canberra Challenge, which was held in conjunction with Australia Day (26 January) celebrations and the A-team reunion. Whew, what a weekend!

The race was on Sunday morning, which was slightly overcast and on the chilly side, which was a good thing, given the previous morning of 25ish (C) and strong winds. It was prefect race weather! As I was falling asleep on Saturday night I was worried that I wasn't scared enough for this race, but I was actually looking forward to the challenge. I knew I could do each piece individually and was anxious about how it would all fit together, and just how painful it would be.

The swim was good - 35 minutes of the opaque green that is Lake Burley-Griffin - only one moment of panic that I had to quell... there are kayalers and swimmers all around, and I'm a strong swimmer, so it was just my brain playing tricks on me. I felt good in the swim, trying to push it a little, cause while I'm relatively strong in the water, I'm not super fast. The exit was interesting, since the lake at the point of entrance and exit is just a sheer wall, Triathlon ACT has custom made exit steps that go into the water, so as you approach, your outstretched hand is grabbed by a volunteer who hauls you up onto the steps and off you go to transition.

So not a problem to find my bike in transition - the racks that held all 800-900 bikes were nearly empty, so finding mine was a breeze. :) This was my first race transition with the cleats, which I had already attached to the bike. So I put on my socks (with baby powder in them to absorb the leftover lake) and ran out of transition to the mount line. And, like I'd practiced the day before, I was able to get on the bike and velcro into the shoes as they were attached, with little difficulty. How cool! Then I was on the bike for an hour 20ish. Ouch. Not too bad a time for the 40K, but long. I know I can pick up some time on the bike. Back into transition, I successfully removed my feet from the shoes (leaving them attached) and dismounted well, almost gracefully. At least in my head.

Then off on the run. Put on my runners with elastic laces, grabbed a bite of Odwalla bar (strawberry pomegranate, yummy) and was off for 10K. It felt good, considering. It was painful for sure, my bum was used to sitting on the bike, my hammies were tight, my feet were slightly numb, but I felt remarkably strong. It certainly wasn't fast, but was at the pace I normally do a 10K, which is good considering what had preceded it! I can certainly pick up time on the run, especially since I didn't feel nearly as uncomfortable as I'd anticipated, given my prep. Crossed the finish line with a smile, at 3 hours, 11 minutes (3 hours, 5 minutes by my watch, but officially, 3:11). Not too shabby for Katie.

Then had a nap, a recovery bbq at the park, floated in the lake on lilos (water floats) and a beer (okay, beers), and then slept like a baby!

Yesterday was Australia Day, so a public holiday and the Top 100 songs of 2008, as voted by listeners of Triple J. Went back to the park for the last 50 and then watched fireworks. So awesome! We had front row seats on the lake for the fireworks and it was really fun. A perfect summer weekend.

Come see me - cheap!!

Qantas is having a sale on tickets to Oz and NZ, here.

$380 each way valid for travel from 1 Feb to 21 Sep.
Expires 26 January.

Racing this weekend

The Canberra Challenge is this weekend and it's my first Olympic Distance tri (1500m swim/40K bike/10K run). I"m excited and more than a little nervous for the pain. I know I can do the race, but it's going to be a long time out there, cause I'm just not as fit as I should be. Ha. Like anyone ever really is for something like this. Especially after a month at home with family and Mexican food. Doh!

It's summertime!

I'm back in Canberra and it's summertime! How awesome is that? It's so nice.

Got in on Sunday, welcomed back by Steve, Wendy, Kate, and Frances - I felt quite overwhelmed at their excitment to have me back. It's nice to be loved. I managed to stay up till 8pm that night so I've successfully staved off jetlag - and am right back into training mode, which helps get my sleep back to normal. Swam last night, trying not to think about the fact that I'll be swimming in the lake on Sunday morning and then have to ride and then have to bike! Ought to be a good time!!

I had a great holiday. I can't remember the last time I had a month off, let alone a month at home in Alameda, with no obligations. :)

----------------------
Favorite bits:
The new movie theatre in Alameda, which is done in art deco and is a 10 minute walk from my mom's house.

The red afghan in the front room, just perfect for curling up under with a book in the front window with Ichabod, my mom's cat.

Ichabod, the best lap cat ever!

Burritos from Taqueria and ice cream from Tucker's, both a 10 minute walk from the house.

American grocery stores - Trader Joe's and Safeway, and American pharmacies - Long's and Walgreen's and CVS (in Atlanta). Nothing compares.

There's a Borders in Alameda!!!

Bike rides with my brother in law - the man who got me to ride with my cleats in about 5 minutes!

Seeing my sister EVERY day. Wish that happened all the time.

Eating breakfast with my mom - usually homemade waffles. Yummo! And I don't even regret having a 'waffle' belly now - it was worth it!!

A welcome home party for my brother and his wife; spending time with them, marvelling at their strength over the last year.

New Year's with Maggie and Jed.

Shopping at REI, Target, Nordstrom Rack, Nine West Outlet. Too much good stuff, but when my running shoes cost 1/3 the price over here, how can I not buy 2 pairs?

----------------------------

I've decided to come home this year, back to Atlanta, aiming to be back in Atlanta in September. As much as I love the people in Canberra, it's time to go home.

So, that leaves 7 months to do all I can, and for any of you out there thinking of visiting - you better get a move on!