DSQ – Not the Greatest Feeling

The short story is that my swim was slow (24:50) and the top two ladies were fast (20:10).  The bike course was short, 8 x 5K loops (8min laps); by the time I got out on the bike course the top ladies were working together really well and ready to start their second lap while I started my first.  ITU rules are if you get lapped on the bike you are DSQ.  Unlucky for me that on the start of my 3^rd lap my seat fell down (that’s a problem) and at the end of that lap the top two girls had overtaken me.  Even without the bike malfunction I don’t know how long I could have held them off.  I passed a few girls on the bike, but the next girl, Rakel, was keeping a steady distance in front of me.  By looking at the race stats, she caught a few Guatemala girls and probably pulled them to keep ahead.  Last year half the pack had been lapped!

After going for a cool down run I watched the rest of the race: really amazing racers out there.  Alex said that he was really proud of me for handling the DSQ like I did: not getting upset, but taking the DSQ as a motivator for hard and consistent training.  My sister nailed it when she said, “Ok, so now you know you have to work that much harder on the swim…I’m glad you got the experience though you had to figure that out somehow.”

Yes, there are a few things I learned about training and racing and a few more things Alex and I learned about traveling!

1) Never fly US Airways with a bike ($200 extra each way!)

2) Sign up for race courses that suit me (longer bike loops or hills)

3) Call very early to book a homestay (save $)

4) Make friends with locals (experience the area)

5) You don't have to park in the valet Park n' Fly (there are 2 lots)

Alex and I really did have a grrrREAT adventure!  Here are some pictures from Buffalo!

Military Ships

That's what I call 'Powered by Bison'

Our B&B hosts from Oma's Guest Haus hooking us up with VIP passes to their favorite Blues bar for live music from Ronnie Baker Brooks

Alex and I at Niagara Falls

Amazing family from Toronto came to watch the race...but hanging out afterwards made it worth it to come to the race :)  Thanks Auntie Annelies and Uncle Justin!

                                                           

Complete ITU results HERE.

A New Taste of Apple

I have competed 2 times before at the Kelowna Apple Triathlon, but this 3rd time was different because I raced at high noon.  Yes, because I was racing my very first elite race!

Here is how it went:

      - Dead last out of the water (25:00!! My Edmonton ITU swim time was 22:38 on dead legs…hmmm…we’ll have to figure that one out)

      - Alex said that got everyone in my family worried! (Hee hee, my family :)

      - I had been preparing myself this summer for a draft legal cycling race, but I still had to time trial the whole 40km!  I caught a few girls on the bike and excitedly initiated that we work together: so I powered on then when I got tired I looked for the switch but they were nowhere to be seen!  At least it helped me pick up the pace for those laps!

      - On my 2/4 laps on the run I got to run with the lead girl Ellen Pennock.  I let her go but really I should have hung on to her and let her lead me into a good run time.  I denied myself that privilege because while I was on 2/4 laps she was on 3/4, but that was a challenge my mind refused while my body would have been able to respond.

What did I learn:
- Elite racing is TOUGH!

- I love racing even when I do not win – even when I am last!

- I have an AMAZING Family that supports my racing – I think I had the BIGGEST cheer zone!

- I have got to get a good technical swim coach with a big EYE on me this year

- I have to pick up my knees when running and have quick steps

- Elite racers are fun to make friends with :)

- Say ‘Yes’ to the challenges presented on the run

Swim: 25:01

T1: 1:32

Bike: 1:14:10

T2: 0:30

Run: 39:10

TOTAL: 2:20:21

Complete Results Here

Bison BBQ Thank You Vermilion!

A big, big, big thank you to all those who came to our Bison on the Bun BBQ and Bake Sale in Vermilion on August 14th.  Everyone was so incredibly generous and amazing.

We sold lots of Bison Buns and I had some really great chats with those who came to hang out.  I was very blessed to see all these people who came out to our event in support of my athletic pursuits.

A BIG BIG thank you goes to my parents at Farkash Farms who donated all the bison meat and the Bison prizes.

With all of the money raised I was able to purchase a Bike Bag for travel, Draft-legal Areo Bars, and a new bike seat!!  Also, we are able to use some money to take me to USAT Nationals in Buffalo, NY this September 15!

Me in my bike bag! See if you really want to come to New Zealand with us you really CAN come in my suitcase!

So again, THANK YOU Vermilion!

Around the Region

What you all have been waiting for...our triathletes on TV!

NewCap Media did a story on our Vermilion triathlon group that aired (finally!) on Aug.29.  If you did not catch it then watch it now!