Friday, December 21, 2012

Ultraman Hawaii and the Aftermath Part 1

So this is a very late race report, but I do have lots of really good excuses. It's been a busy month with lots of new changes in our lives. After the race Ryan and I finished up with 10 days of real honeymoon.  Since we got home we've worked just about every day between the old and new jobs, and on our one off day we moved into our new house in Tahoe. 


The race in a nutshell was more that I could have hoped for, but it hurt much more than usual. I guess there is a penalty for missing so many training days.

The swim 6.2 miles: I was fairly excited to start the swim this year. I'd been swimming well leading up to the race and was feeling comfortable in the water. Off we swam...... and swam and swam and swam. I have my swim crew (Karen and Don) blow the whistle every 20 minutes so that I stop and drink and take in some calories. I like my energy and hydration to be topped off because after we swim 6.2 miles we have a little 90 mile bike with about 8000 feet of climbing. I was feeling strong, but as I started to add up the time I could tell that I wasn't going to come in anywhere close to my previous races here. When I could see the coral at the bottom I noticed that all forward movement had stopped. The swim treadmill wasn't much fun, and I wanted out of the water. The current was kicking my butt and the wind and chop on top had me drinking or inhaling ocean water. I don't think I have ever been so happy to get out of the water before. Swim 3hr 31min


 Off we went with such high expectations. I heard that paddle crews got to see a whale. No such luck for me, but I did swim through a pod of dolphins about halfway through.

 Marty was the one out of the water this year in under 3 hours.

Ryan wondering what is taking me so long. Hey, I was checking out the dolphins.


Woohoo!!! Dry land. I think at the time I was thinking never agin, but 4 weeks later I'm thinking maybe.....

My pitt crew hard at work. Dad is dumping water over my head to clean off the salt water.


Bike day 1 90 miles: Day 1 bike is always a bit of a struggle for me and this year was no different. It's strange because I like riding up big hills, but the swim just knocks me out. I think what made this year so tough was the swim conditions and spending about 40 minutes longer in the water than I had planned. Coming out of the swim I didn't feel good. My tongue was swollen and felt like it was covered in carpet. I didn't feel bad, but it never felt like I could hammer on the bike. My crew was doing a great job of keeping me fueled and entertained. It was a real treat to have my dad and my husband crewing for me this year. The winds didn't pick up until around Ocean View, but I kind of enjoy them. The longer I ride and race the more I embrace the weather conditions. I tend to train in the elements whatever they are so race day when the wind kicks up it's kind of an advantage. I took it fairly conservative on the descent to Naalehu and began the 30 mile climb to Volcano. I was still riding in second behind Kathy Winkler and didn't seem to be making up any time. She was killing it! About 10 miles out from the finish I finally started feeling a little stronger. Bike 5hr 36min

Only 90 more miles to go today.

Timothy Carlson 






Marty Raymond on the green machine.

 
 I think my crew only made one wrong turn during the race. Good work dad, Ryan, and Angie!

End of day 1 ice bath. Good times!!


Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Rest Day

I woke up today with the intent of getting a run and a ride done, but I was absolutely beat. What to do.... I get so caught up with being in Hawaii and the ability to get out to run, ride, and swim without having to layer up that I have a really really hard time taking a day off. 

The months leading up to Ultraman have been anything but ideal training. It has been ideal life though! I married the love of my life and best friend. Planning a wedding on a budget in 3 months took up some serious training time, but I was okay with missing the training for getting married. There was a bigger picture for me to focus. Neither of us took time off for the wedding so it was back to work the Thursday afterwards. Next there was a job interview for me and I was moving to the Tahoe!! The job starts the week we get back from Hawaii. Ryan was still going to be working in Reno, but we didn't have the money for two places so we spent the last half of October moving into a storage unit. Lucky for us all the pieces fell into place the day I flew to Hawaii. Ryan interviewed for the same hospital and got the job, and now neither of us will have to commute. Woohooo!!  It's really amazing how life comes together when it's supposed to.  So..... training had fallen by the wayside prior to coming to Hawaii. 

Time for some cram training sessions. I actually love these. Nothing makes me happier than spending all day on the bike. It's my way of sightseeing while in Hawaii and the weather and views are incredible. 

I can definitely feel that I'm a little out of shape.  Nothing lets you know that you haven't been spending enough time on the bike like a sore bum. Definitely not enough time in the saddle this year. I had intended on putting in one last longish day on the bike today, but the body protested too much when I woke up this morning. Checking out everyone's FB posts this morning about their killer sessions planned for the day makes it that much harder, but I know at this point that rest is my best friend. So I decided to take the day off and study some RN book by the pool. Time to let the body recover and get ready for the effort I know is in store next week. 

10 more days to race day!!



The start of the Kohala Mountain Road. It seems to always be windy here, but last year during the race the winds were scary. 


The top!! You might think it is all easy after here, but the crosswinds keep you working hard to stay upright on the descent.


I had a hard time standing upright here just to take the photo. I love how the road looks like it falls into the ocean.


Commuting Kona style. I don't keep the rental car the entire time, so this is how I get around. Calfee commuter!


Kona coffee festival parade. I love this town!


I know they are an invasive species, but they are cute. Took me two days to catch this guy and escort him back outside of the condo. 


Studying med/surg nursing and watching the sunset.


Another good day!!


Missing these two. Bliks likes skype!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

And it begins.....

So our first blog post, from our bucket list non the less. Where to start?
Well I suppose we should start with the item ticked off. Im sure you know by now that on September 8th, in the most amazing location, on a brilliant day surrounded by amazing friends and family(and the hearts of those missing) Amber and I got hitched. We could not have planned a more perfect day if we had had a year to plan. Of course it would have never have come together if not for out amazing friends and family that pitched in helped produce a wedding to be remembered. Just some of the many people we would like to give a special thanks to are;
Our parents, for the amazing food, support and for, well being such wonderful parents.
Darren and Kelly McCaulley, with out them there would have been no wedding or party(D was our officiant and kelly the coordinator).
Anastasia and Merick for shooting the pics.
Sami for doing such an amazing job on Ambers hair

Of course the wedding was only one day in a week of festivities that included bike rides, runs, beers, wine and some marshmallows.

Here are just some of the many fun memories of the week.