Having done this race last year in 3:02, my goal was to break 3 hours, so I am happy with the day.
I was really pleased with my swim, which I completed in 36:16 (3 minutes faster than last year). Having gone to the swim clinic the day before, I realized for the first time (and it was blatantly obvious) that I was not following all the way through on my stroke. During the swim Sunday, I consciously thought of completing a full stroke and follow through the entire swim and it made a world of difference (I was of the school of thought that the faster you move your arms the faster you go - NOT)!
For ANYONE - slow, fast or in between, if you get the chance - get a video analysis done on your swim stroke. I have only been swimming about a year and half and never have had formal coaching of any kind, so the analysis was invaluable to me. Team Luna Chix and our own Mike Gillette and Katie Davidson made the experience well worth the time and worth way more than the $30.
Back to the race. T1 went well. The bike is a four loop (6 miles each). For whatever reason, I did about the same time as last year (1:20:25).
T2 was fine. There is a short doozy of a hill coming right out of transition until it levels out at the top on the way over the spillway. Then the fun begins – this is a very hilly run course (I must have blocked this out from last year). Up, down, up, up, up, down, up, up - ok you get the point. I finished in 51:14 (almost 4 minutes faster than last year).
Shout out to our fellow RATs who completed Montclair - David C (2nd place overall) Kevin K (3rd in his age group), Reid, Randall and Miro – and any others I missed – great job!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Summary of Triathlon finishes to date
Little Pepper Sprint (750m Swim or 15 laps; 14+ mile bike; 5k or 3.1 mile run)
June 17, 2007
Finish Time: 1:40:36
Swim: 19:12
T1: 1:47 (1st in my age group!)
Bike: 51:38
T2: 1:10 (1st in my age group!)
Run: 26:50
Comments: I am a slow swimmer and it showed here, but I am very happy with my transition times. This was the hardest, hilliest 5k I ever ran. Everyone had relatively slow 5k times, even for a sprint.
Eagleman Half Ironman (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, Half marathon or 13.1 mile run)
June 10, 2007
Finish Time: 5:45:47
Swim: 40:27
Bike: 3:02:55
Run: 1:56:15
Comments: Awesome race, I took over 45 minutes off my time from last year and I got to see Natascha Badmann and Desiree Ficker battle it out on the bike!
Columbia Triathlon, Olympic (.93 mile swim, 25 mile bike, 10k or 6.2 mile run)
May 20, 2007
Finish Time: 3:03:31
Swim: 30:05
Bike: 1:33:55
Run: 54:46
Comments: Nice cool weather, hilly bike and run, but I had a blast!
White Lake Half Ironman (see above)
May 5, 2007
Finish Time: 5:53.01
Swim: 41:20
Bike: 3:10:20
Run: 1:56:29
Comments: Cool weather to start, no wind, warm 75 degree water and can you say very FLAT and FAST bike and run! Did I mention the course was FLAT? The last half of the run started to get very warm, but we were lucky this year as it is usually much hotter.
Odyssey Lake Anna Half Ironman (see above)
September 16, 2006
Finish Time: 5:44:22:70
Swim: 36:48.25
Bike: 3:03:54
Run: 1:59:32
Comments: Fairly small race. Nice cool weather, awesome warm water lake, mostly flat bike/run course. I was told by the race director that the swim was a bit short.
Naylor’s Beach Triathlon, Olympic (see above)
August 26, 2007
Finish Time: 3:03:50
Swim: 38:00
Bike: 1:26:15
Run: 55:30
Comments: Very low key, small race. Nice swim, flat bike and run (gets a bit warm on the run).
Eagleman Half Ironman (see above)
June 11, 2006
Finish Time: 6:33:51
Swim: 49:55
Bike: 3:16:06
Run: 2:14:16
Comments: This was my first real triathlon, I signed up to celebrate my 40th birthday last September. I did a very small pool swim sprint a few years ago, but I don’t really count that. I am a five time marathoner, so I thought, “Why not?” The water was rough, and the nettles were stinging, but I made it through. My transition times were embarrassingly slow, but I learned a lot from them. The bike was windy the whole way, no matter which way you turned. The greatest part of the bike was when Natasha Badmann passed me on her way back to T2 (I think I was just getting to mile 10)! I said to her, “You go, girl!” Very cool. The run course is flat, but can be hot. It wasn’t too bad today, but I was spent. I just kept putting one foot in front of the other and willed myself to the finish. It was the hardest thing I had ever done, but I fell in love with it right away! I now have a slot to the 2007 Ironman World Championship in Kona! I am excited, scared and humbled all at the same time.
June 17, 2007
Finish Time: 1:40:36
Swim: 19:12
T1: 1:47 (1st in my age group!)
Bike: 51:38
T2: 1:10 (1st in my age group!)
Run: 26:50
Comments: I am a slow swimmer and it showed here, but I am very happy with my transition times. This was the hardest, hilliest 5k I ever ran. Everyone had relatively slow 5k times, even for a sprint.
Eagleman Half Ironman (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, Half marathon or 13.1 mile run)
June 10, 2007
Finish Time: 5:45:47
Swim: 40:27
Bike: 3:02:55
Run: 1:56:15
Comments: Awesome race, I took over 45 minutes off my time from last year and I got to see Natascha Badmann and Desiree Ficker battle it out on the bike!
Columbia Triathlon, Olympic (.93 mile swim, 25 mile bike, 10k or 6.2 mile run)
May 20, 2007
Finish Time: 3:03:31
Swim: 30:05
Bike: 1:33:55
Run: 54:46
Comments: Nice cool weather, hilly bike and run, but I had a blast!
White Lake Half Ironman (see above)
May 5, 2007
Finish Time: 5:53.01
Swim: 41:20
Bike: 3:10:20
Run: 1:56:29
Comments: Cool weather to start, no wind, warm 75 degree water and can you say very FLAT and FAST bike and run! Did I mention the course was FLAT? The last half of the run started to get very warm, but we were lucky this year as it is usually much hotter.
Odyssey Lake Anna Half Ironman (see above)
September 16, 2006
Finish Time: 5:44:22:70
Swim: 36:48.25
Bike: 3:03:54
Run: 1:59:32
Comments: Fairly small race. Nice cool weather, awesome warm water lake, mostly flat bike/run course. I was told by the race director that the swim was a bit short.
Naylor’s Beach Triathlon, Olympic (see above)
August 26, 2007
Finish Time: 3:03:50
Swim: 38:00
Bike: 1:26:15
Run: 55:30
Comments: Very low key, small race. Nice swim, flat bike and run (gets a bit warm on the run).
Eagleman Half Ironman (see above)
June 11, 2006
Finish Time: 6:33:51
Swim: 49:55
Bike: 3:16:06
Run: 2:14:16
Comments: This was my first real triathlon, I signed up to celebrate my 40th birthday last September. I did a very small pool swim sprint a few years ago, but I don’t really count that. I am a five time marathoner, so I thought, “Why not?” The water was rough, and the nettles were stinging, but I made it through. My transition times were embarrassingly slow, but I learned a lot from them. The bike was windy the whole way, no matter which way you turned. The greatest part of the bike was when Natasha Badmann passed me on her way back to T2 (I think I was just getting to mile 10)! I said to her, “You go, girl!” Very cool. The run course is flat, but can be hot. It wasn’t too bad today, but I was spent. I just kept putting one foot in front of the other and willed myself to the finish. It was the hardest thing I had ever done, but I fell in love with it right away! I now have a slot to the 2007 Ironman World Championship in Kona! I am excited, scared and humbled all at the same time.
Diagnosed with Ventricular Tachycardia - as was Greg Welch
I wanted to share an email I sent to Ironman winner and triathlon legend, Greg Welch. We shared a common heart condition. He did reply to me, but I don't have permission from him to publish his response, but I will share the email I sent to him.
Greg,
I am new to the sport of triathlon, competing in my first "real" triathlon at Eagleman Half Ironman in 2006. I did a very small sprint tri a few years ago, but became "hooked" on triathon last year and have done five more since (including two more half-irons). My biggest news is that I won a lottery slot to Kona this year. Being a middle of the pack age-grouper, I'm extremely scared, excited and humbled all at the same time.
My reason for writing though, is because I too was diagnosed with Ventricular Tachycardia seven years ago at the age of 33. I just read in the latest edition of Inside Triathlon that you too experienced V-Tach, which was a factor in your retirement. I know however (and have seen you host many, many events) that you still remain a positive and well-known face and voice for the sport.
While living and training for one of my five marathons in Colorado, I first felt the systems of V-Tach on one of my long runs. You know the symptoms: pounding chest and head, dizziness, excessive sweating. They hit you so suddenly, and then they go away. It happened to me next in a half marathon race and then a couple other times afterward. I knew something was wrong. I first saw a very young doctor who asked me questions about my stress level, if I have panic attacks etc. I told him I had no issues there, but as a long distance athlete who was attune to how my body should feel, I told him I knew there was something wrong. Thank god he believed me and didn't just put me on medication for stress.
He gave me a Holter Monitor, which I wore for 24 hours. I was to follow my normal routine, including any exercise I had scheduled. I was doing a run on the treadmill and felt the symptoms while wearing the monitor. After the 24 hours, I returned the monitor and waited for the results. I remember it was a Friday evening around 7pm when the cardiologist himself called and his first question was, "Are you feeling OK" Well, yes, I replied, I am fine. Why?" He then tried to explain the best he could in layman's terms about my condition. I remember hearing him say things like, "electrical connection", "240 beats a minute", "right ventricle", "maybe genetic". I had no idea what he was talking about at the time, but I knew this was serious, there was something really wrong with my heart. But I felt fine right now, how bad could this be?
I don't have to tell you. I was told that I would have an ablation, where I remained awake the whole time. The procedure was the most unpleasant experience of my life. The only way the doctors could get me into V-Tach to find the place in my heart where the problem resided, was to pump me with an incredible amount of caffeine. They even had me put my hand in ice cold water. How primitive is that?
Well, I guess I was a lucky one; they fixed the problem and I have been fine since. There was a time about four years ago while living in Florida during a run that I thought I felt the symptoms again and immediately went to the cardiologist. He had me wear the Holter Monitor, but there was no indication of V-Tach at that time.
When I first diagnosed with V-Tach, the doctors told me that if I didn't have such a strong heart from running, I probably would have had a heart attack and died. They also told me that if the ablation didn't work, I would probably have to get a pace maker for the rest of my life. Jesus, there I was at 33 years old, hanging out in cardiac wards with really, really old people and talking with doctors about pacemakers. What a life changing experience that was.
This is why running (and now triathlon) is still such an important part of my life. Having a strong heart literally saved my life. I just wanted to share my story with you, as I know you understand and I have never met anyone else that experienced it. It will be a privilege to race at Kona, in the same place as legends such as you have competed and won. I really enjoyed watching the 25th ESPN Anniversary show that you hosted with Bob Babbitt, which featured your win at Kona. I will think of you throughout the race, but particularly on the run and through the "pit" where you really kicked ass. You are a legend and an inspiration, Greg.
Greg,
I am new to the sport of triathlon, competing in my first "real" triathlon at Eagleman Half Ironman in 2006. I did a very small sprint tri a few years ago, but became "hooked" on triathon last year and have done five more since (including two more half-irons). My biggest news is that I won a lottery slot to Kona this year. Being a middle of the pack age-grouper, I'm extremely scared, excited and humbled all at the same time.
My reason for writing though, is because I too was diagnosed with Ventricular Tachycardia seven years ago at the age of 33. I just read in the latest edition of Inside Triathlon that you too experienced V-Tach, which was a factor in your retirement. I know however (and have seen you host many, many events) that you still remain a positive and well-known face and voice for the sport.
While living and training for one of my five marathons in Colorado, I first felt the systems of V-Tach on one of my long runs. You know the symptoms: pounding chest and head, dizziness, excessive sweating. They hit you so suddenly, and then they go away. It happened to me next in a half marathon race and then a couple other times afterward. I knew something was wrong. I first saw a very young doctor who asked me questions about my stress level, if I have panic attacks etc. I told him I had no issues there, but as a long distance athlete who was attune to how my body should feel, I told him I knew there was something wrong. Thank god he believed me and didn't just put me on medication for stress.
He gave me a Holter Monitor, which I wore for 24 hours. I was to follow my normal routine, including any exercise I had scheduled. I was doing a run on the treadmill and felt the symptoms while wearing the monitor. After the 24 hours, I returned the monitor and waited for the results. I remember it was a Friday evening around 7pm when the cardiologist himself called and his first question was, "Are you feeling OK" Well, yes, I replied, I am fine. Why?" He then tried to explain the best he could in layman's terms about my condition. I remember hearing him say things like, "electrical connection", "240 beats a minute", "right ventricle", "maybe genetic". I had no idea what he was talking about at the time, but I knew this was serious, there was something really wrong with my heart. But I felt fine right now, how bad could this be?
I don't have to tell you. I was told that I would have an ablation, where I remained awake the whole time. The procedure was the most unpleasant experience of my life. The only way the doctors could get me into V-Tach to find the place in my heart where the problem resided, was to pump me with an incredible amount of caffeine. They even had me put my hand in ice cold water. How primitive is that?
Well, I guess I was a lucky one; they fixed the problem and I have been fine since. There was a time about four years ago while living in Florida during a run that I thought I felt the symptoms again and immediately went to the cardiologist. He had me wear the Holter Monitor, but there was no indication of V-Tach at that time.
When I first diagnosed with V-Tach, the doctors told me that if I didn't have such a strong heart from running, I probably would have had a heart attack and died. They also told me that if the ablation didn't work, I would probably have to get a pace maker for the rest of my life. Jesus, there I was at 33 years old, hanging out in cardiac wards with really, really old people and talking with doctors about pacemakers. What a life changing experience that was.
This is why running (and now triathlon) is still such an important part of my life. Having a strong heart literally saved my life. I just wanted to share my story with you, as I know you understand and I have never met anyone else that experienced it. It will be a privilege to race at Kona, in the same place as legends such as you have competed and won. I really enjoyed watching the 25th ESPN Anniversary show that you hosted with Bob Babbitt, which featured your win at Kona. I will think of you throughout the race, but particularly on the run and through the "pit" where you really kicked ass. You are a legend and an inspiration, Greg.
Little Pepper Sprint - I came in 1st (for T1 and T2)
Ok, not for a full race, but at a the Little Pepper sprint yesterday, I came in first in my age group for T1 and T2. I am so excited! And this helps make up for the fact that I am a relatively slow swimmer, which doesn't bode well in a sprint tri! I ended up with a respectable time of 1:40:36. The bike was good, but this was the hardest 5k I ever ran and my time of 26:50 refelects that. The course was very hilly and it was getting very hot. The sprint course in Culpeper on August 5 is supposed to be much better - which is great for my daughter Lindsey who will be doing her first tri! WoooooHooooo!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Race Report - Eagleman Half Iron, 10 June 2007
Eagleman. My validation race for Kona! I was excited all week as I had been looking forward to doing this race again since last year. What was so cool about this year is that three of the pros were at Sailwinds on Saturday. I got a chance to talk to Natascha Badmaan for a few minutes. She is genuinely a nice person. I told her to win one more at Kona and do it for us 40 year olds! She said she is trying and from her world record time at Eagleman on Sunday - she could do it. I chatted with Desiree Ficker as well. I also met coach Troy Jacobson of Spinervals (what a hottie he is)!
Race Day: The temperature was cool, it was overcast and the water was as calm as it can be on the Choptank - it was going to be a fast day for everyone. On Saturday afternoon, the winds had been blowing 10-20 mph and there were whitecaps on the water. Thankfully, by Sunday morning, it was much, much calmer.
The Swim: I hadn’t been nervous all morning until it was time to put on my wetsuit (then it hit me, like BAM!) By the time I got into the water though, I wasn’t really nervous anymore – and surprisingly calm. I noticed the same thing at Columbia as well. I was in the 40-44 age group, which was the largest women's and men's age groups of the day. There were 91 of us and when the gun went off , I never felt crowded or got kicked or hit. There were yellow buoys that were easy to sight leading out to the orange turn around buoy. It took quite a while to get out there, but when we turned back, the current was practically pushing us along. It was awesome and a much better experience than last year – and no stinging nettles! I was very happy with my swim and finished in 40:27 (I swam over 49 minutes last year).
The Bike: It is always a relief to get out of the water. T1 went well and I was off on the bike. There was practically no wind this year, which was another major improvement over last year. I saw the guy who won – there was no one else even close. At about mile 10, I saw Desiree on the bike in first. Guess who was right behind her? Yup – Natascha. She was very close to passing Desiree at this point. They were really battling it out – it was awesome to see!
Going 56 miles on a flat course is hard, but at least there were several turns, which helps break up the monotony of the ride. The major change I made on the bike for the first time was that I kept it on my small chain ring the entire way. Jeez, why hadn’t I thought of this before? You learn something new at every race, I swear. I ended up with an average of 18.3 mph for the bike, which was one mile per hour faster than last year. I finished in 3:02:55, (I did 3:16 last year). The wind had picked up a bit on the way back to Cambridge and I was really glad to be off that bike though, because now it was time to run!
The Run: The bricks I have done over the past year have really paid off. While I wasn’t into my real groove until about mile one, I didn’t have the pain and discomfort that I had last year. It really was a completely different race. I was feeling pretty good until about mile 8. Then I slowed, but just kept moving. I saw Tony out there and we gave each other a hug. One of the best parts of the run is that I saw Dave Rozelle – the Army guy from Kona last year who lost a leg in Iraq. As I passed I said, “Dave Rozelle – you rock!” he said thanks and we high fived each other – so very cool. The last five miles of the run were very tough, but the sky was overcast which saved everyone’s butt. I finished the run in a time of 1:56:15 (I finished the run in 2:14 last year).
I couldn’t be happier. I finished Eagleman last year in 6:33 and on Sunday I finished in 5:45:47. The conditions played a huge role, but I can tell that my training has paid off as well. I still have much training to do. 17.5 weeks to Kona! Yikes!
Race Day: The temperature was cool, it was overcast and the water was as calm as it can be on the Choptank - it was going to be a fast day for everyone. On Saturday afternoon, the winds had been blowing 10-20 mph and there were whitecaps on the water. Thankfully, by Sunday morning, it was much, much calmer.
The Swim: I hadn’t been nervous all morning until it was time to put on my wetsuit (then it hit me, like BAM!) By the time I got into the water though, I wasn’t really nervous anymore – and surprisingly calm. I noticed the same thing at Columbia as well. I was in the 40-44 age group, which was the largest women's and men's age groups of the day. There were 91 of us and when the gun went off , I never felt crowded or got kicked or hit. There were yellow buoys that were easy to sight leading out to the orange turn around buoy. It took quite a while to get out there, but when we turned back, the current was practically pushing us along. It was awesome and a much better experience than last year – and no stinging nettles! I was very happy with my swim and finished in 40:27 (I swam over 49 minutes last year).
The Bike: It is always a relief to get out of the water. T1 went well and I was off on the bike. There was practically no wind this year, which was another major improvement over last year. I saw the guy who won – there was no one else even close. At about mile 10, I saw Desiree on the bike in first. Guess who was right behind her? Yup – Natascha. She was very close to passing Desiree at this point. They were really battling it out – it was awesome to see!
Going 56 miles on a flat course is hard, but at least there were several turns, which helps break up the monotony of the ride. The major change I made on the bike for the first time was that I kept it on my small chain ring the entire way. Jeez, why hadn’t I thought of this before? You learn something new at every race, I swear. I ended up with an average of 18.3 mph for the bike, which was one mile per hour faster than last year. I finished in 3:02:55, (I did 3:16 last year). The wind had picked up a bit on the way back to Cambridge and I was really glad to be off that bike though, because now it was time to run!
The Run: The bricks I have done over the past year have really paid off. While I wasn’t into my real groove until about mile one, I didn’t have the pain and discomfort that I had last year. It really was a completely different race. I was feeling pretty good until about mile 8. Then I slowed, but just kept moving. I saw Tony out there and we gave each other a hug. One of the best parts of the run is that I saw Dave Rozelle – the Army guy from Kona last year who lost a leg in Iraq. As I passed I said, “Dave Rozelle – you rock!” he said thanks and we high fived each other – so very cool. The last five miles of the run were very tough, but the sky was overcast which saved everyone’s butt. I finished the run in a time of 1:56:15 (I finished the run in 2:14 last year).
I couldn’t be happier. I finished Eagleman last year in 6:33 and on Sunday I finished in 5:45:47. The conditions played a huge role, but I can tell that my training has paid off as well. I still have much training to do. 17.5 weeks to Kona! Yikes!
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Stacy Taylor - Kona bound, 2007 lottery winner: Hawaii Ford Ironman Triathlon World Championship Triathlon - 19 Weeks and counting
Having found out about my lottery slot in April, I have decided to start a blog to share my journey to the Ironman World Championship in Kona Hawaii on October 13, 2007. For those who don't know what that is, it is the Super Bowl of triathlons. 1600 of the 1800 are the best triathletes in the world. Most of the other 200 are mere mortals like me. We are average, everyday people who do triathlons, but we also have regular jobs like everyone else.
The race takes place on the big island of Hawaii. The swim is 2.4 miles in Kailua Bay. The bike is 112 miles along the Queen K highway through mostly lava fields to the turnaround at Hawi. Then, I get to run a marathon - 26.2 miles!
I am excited, scared, humbled, inspired, awed - you name it, I feel it! What an incredible opportunity!
I was told about my lottery slot on April 13 on ABC 7 news here in the DC area. I was in complete shock and I was crying - it was so embarrasing! I will be uploading the news piece, as many people have been asking to see it.
The quote, "Be careful what you wish for" has been coming to mind lately. Warning! If you are lucky enough to get a lottery slot, you need to prepare financially. Within the last month alone, I have paid out about $4400 for the entry fee, air fare, condo and car rental for 10 days. Ouch! I don't even have enough money to pay all my rent this month!
The race takes place on the big island of Hawaii. The swim is 2.4 miles in Kailua Bay. The bike is 112 miles along the Queen K highway through mostly lava fields to the turnaround at Hawi. Then, I get to run a marathon - 26.2 miles!
I am excited, scared, humbled, inspired, awed - you name it, I feel it! What an incredible opportunity!
I was told about my lottery slot on April 13 on ABC 7 news here in the DC area. I was in complete shock and I was crying - it was so embarrasing! I will be uploading the news piece, as many people have been asking to see it.
The quote, "Be careful what you wish for" has been coming to mind lately. Warning! If you are lucky enough to get a lottery slot, you need to prepare financially. Within the last month alone, I have paid out about $4400 for the entry fee, air fare, condo and car rental for 10 days. Ouch! I don't even have enough money to pay all my rent this month!
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