Training Update and Virtual Races

I'm "back."

I know it's been a while, but as I am sure you are all aware, there has not been any racing over the past year. The last official race was back in March of 2020. Since then, I have been busy with work and fatherhood.

My 2020 race schedule got pushed to 2021 and most of those races were cancelled this year as well. So 'virtual' racing is the way to go this year (at least for now).

Over the past fall and winter I was able to get my training back up. I rode mainly indoors on zwift or outdoors on my gravel bike. I purchased a treadmill last summer which got its fair share of use over the winter months. And the local pool allowed for 75 minute reserved swim spots. The gym was hit or miss based on what Covid restrictions were in place at the time. So I was able to keep some semblance of my normal training schedule. 

The goal is still Ironman Arizona in November. I am currently doing 2 swims (open water), 2 runs (one shorter and one longer), 2 bikes (one shorter one longer), and 1 strength workout in a week.

I would normally get 2 gym sessions in a week, but I recently changed jobs. I switched to a company that is known for working very little overtime. This helps me be around my family more, have more time to train, and helps with my mental well-being. That and the gym sign up schedule no longer lines up with my work and/or training schedule. 

I am once again coaching open water swimming with Coach Stewart this year but have opted to not give private lessons to ensure some free time at home. 

With the vaccine roll outs here, things are slowly starting to return to somewhat normal. I should be able to get a second gym workout each week and take part in more group rides. 

Racing is seeing a return as well. I am still signed up for Ironman Washington 70.3 at the end of September and Ironman Arizona at the end of November. International travel restrictions are being eased for Canadians who have had both doses of a vaccine. My wife and I should be receiving our second dose within the next month. Locally, the Vancouver Triathlon at the beginning of September is going ahead with limited numbers. This will be an exciting time to race in an actual race environment rather than virtually.

Speaking of virtual racing, I did do 2 virtual races this year. An Olympic distance triathlon in April and a half iron distance last weekend (June 27th) . These were to replace 2 races I had been signed up for that had been cancelled. 

The Olympic distance went pretty well. Myself and Coach Stewart booked time at local pool for the 1500m swim. While my wife waited in the parking lot with our bikes, we did our swim. I finally achieved my goal of a sub 30 minute 1500m swim. Granted it was in a 25m pool, but I am still going to count it.  

After the swim, Stewart and I changed and headed out on the bike (after a lengthy flat tire change in the parking lot). I had mapped out a bike route that was roughly 40k. It was part of the Richmond River Road Loop most cyclists from this area know. 

I was still on the fence about if I would race this or just treat it as a training ride with a friend. I don't think I ever actually made up my mind because I seemed to do a bit of both. At some points in the ride, we'd be riding along comfortably and chatting. But on other sections I hammered it. As you will see later, this was not a great idea.

The bike route ended at my house, where we put the bikes in the shed and transitioned for the run. Once out on the run I realized the constant surging on the bike had drained me of energy. The 10k run turned into a 10k walk. 

Along with the mistake on the bike, there were a few other factors that plated into my bonking on the run. 

First: The only pool time we could get for that day was in the afternoon. Most races start first thing when you are fresh.

Second: At that point in my training, I had not done any brick sessions. Nor had any of training sessions been over 3 hours. My body was good until after 3 hours. 

Third: I had not planned my hydration/nutrition as I would have in an actual race. 

I took all I learned from this and have since implemented it into my training.

Swim--00:29:22

T1 -----00:35:01

Bike ---01:26:18

T2------00:08:05

Run ----01:53:19

Total ---04:32:04

The second virtual race was an Ironman 70.3 distance race organized by my coach, Coach Powell. There were about 10-15 of us all doing different events ranging from Olympic distance, to duathlon, to half iron distance, to aqua bike.  

I was all set to race the half Iron distance, but that weekend was the hottest on record. And I am not talking hottest on record for June. Or hottest on record for Vancouver. Or the hottest on record for British Columbia. It was the hottest on record EVER in all of Canada. 

My mindset was, if I had signed up a race and it was that weekend, I'd still race it. So I will plan accordingly. I had plenty of hydration/nutrition on my bike. I had my race belt/bottle for the run. And the run course when by 2 water fountains and 2 outdoor beach showers on each lap (a total of 8 water fountains and 8 showers). I could refill my run bottle and run under the cold showers to cool off. That, and the end of every lap went by transition, where I had a cooler full of ice ready to be stuffed down my shirt. 

While setting up transition, I was feeling really good about the day. 

After setting up, I made my way to the water. A few bald eagles flew overhead and I knew it would be a good day. I am not superstitious about alot of things, but I always take an eagle, a hawk, an owl, etc. sighting as good luck.

The water was like glass, perfect for sighting. I got in and did a short practice swim. Then at 6:30am, I was off. 

The swim was going to be about 4 laps clockwise around 3 buoys and included the swim out to buoy 1 and back from buoy 3. During Lap 1, I just eased into a good rhythm and let me body warm up. I took note of the current and made sighting adjustments. From buoy 1 to buoy 2, sighting to the right and aiming just between 2 tankers in the distance, got you straight to buoy 2 with the current. From 2 to 3, sighting to the right and aiming for the end of the pier got you right to number 2. From 2 to 3, it was pretty much a straight shot. 

Lap 2 and 3 got a bit more crowded as those doing the Olympic distance started their swim. I was able to do a bit of drafting, but soon found that those I was drafting were not accounting for the current. So I kept my line. This ended up being a game of leap frog. I would have a straighter line and swim slower, while others swam faster but did an arc. We always met at the buoy. 

Once at buoy 3 on lap 4, I looked at my watch. It said 1800 something meters, so I headed to shore. Once out of the water, I checked my watch. 2015m in 40 minutes. I was pleased with this. My best 1900m swim in a race is close to 37 minutes. Subtract the extra 215 meters I swam today and it gets me close to 38 for pacing. 

I started the long trek to where we had transition. I did not run, but I didn't walk either. It was more of a brisk walk/jog. I was feeling good.  

After a speedy but deliberate transition, I started out on the bike.

The bike was once again 4 laps. It went from transition along the water, up Spanish Banks hill, around UBC to the turn around on Marine Drive at Kullahun, back the way we came, an out-and-back on Chancellor, back down Spanish Banks hill, to the turn around at the first parking lot at the bottom. Then we got to do it all again 3 more times.

 

This is an area I train in alot, so I knew the roads pretty well. I knew where the downhills were and the false flats. I knew where to gain to speed and where to pull back. 

That being said, I probably went out to hard on lap 1. I missed the 2 turn arounds and added some distance onto a few laps, but that would end up working in my favor later. 

On lap 2, I tried to reign it in a bit. My goal was to keep my cadence around 70-75rpm while keeping my power under 200 watts. On the hills I would aim for 60rpm and under 230 watts. I also began to see more and more teammates out doing their respective races.

On lap 3, the wind started to pick up. This route is notorious for having a headwind on the false flat sections. Lap 1 and 2 were wind free, but lap 3 and 4 were not. 

By lap 4, I was feeling the heat. I had followed my hydration plan perfectly but found myself out of water about halfway through my final lap (more on this later). I was beginning to fade. I ended up skipping the last out-and-back on Chancellor, but since I added some distance on the wrong turn arounds on lap 1 and 2, this still got me close to 90k. 

I biked back to transition, unsure if I would continue. 

Jen and Thomas were waiting for me at transition to cheer me on. Jen could see I was wiped. I grabbed some water, sat in the shade and debated if I would continue. By now, we were in full midday heat on the hottest day in history of Canada. 

I decided not to continue. 

I could have gone out and tried one lap to see how I felt, but I was not sure what would be gained by it. Running in that heat could only end badly. Sure I would have probably been fine, but how would I have felt later that day? Or later in the week? The risk was not worth it. So my half Iron became an Aqua Bike. 

Swim--00:40:45

T1 -----00:11:31

Bike ---03:25:13

Run ----DNF

Total ---04:27:03

So aside from the record setting heat, here are a few things that factored into my decision to cut my race short. 

First, lack of aid stations. I was carrying 3 hours of hydration/electrolytes on the bike, but usually during a race, I would grab more water. I would usually drink about half the bottle and spray myself with the other half to keep cool. Aid stations would have also provided extra hydration and support on the run. While there would have been ample opportunity on the run to grab extra hydration and cool off with water, there was non on the bike.

Second, mental image. This may seem like a trivial thing, but I feel the more I explain, the more it might make sense to you. I do still struggle with body image issues and am very aware of how I look (or least how I think I look) when bulldozing through a half Ironman, especially in heat. That being said, in my mind, there is a huge difference between being at a race and having the spectators know exactly what you are going through. It's a race. They expect to see people suffer. It's a part of the sport. But just random people out on a Sunday afternoon, they have no idea that I have already swam 2k and biked 90k and that I'm trying to finish a 21k run. In my mind, they just see a fat guy struggling to run in the heat. While I know that should not bother me, being physically tired has a huge impact on you mentally. I could not deal with the physical strain of the distance and the heat in that compromised mental state. It would have dragged me down mentally and killed my morale.   

Overall, given the day I am very pleased with my swim and bike time. I am also happy with my decision to cut the race short. All afternoon I was completely exhausted. I could not image how I would feel if I did the whole thing. There have been and still will be plenty more half Ironman races. I know what to work on and where to go from here. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my update and pseudo race reports. I have just over 2 months of training for my next Olympic Triathlon and about 3 before my next half Ironman. I will take what I have learned, adapt, and crush my upcoming races. And if factors outside my control pop up again, I'll deal with them on the day. 

Don't forget to check out my YouTube channel in the 'Links' section to right of this entry. 

Birth Story

Back in December my wife surprised me with the news that we were expecting. We had been trying since August, to the news should not have been a surprise. But you never know how you will react to such monumental news.

A little over 3 months later, the pandemic hit. My work, knowing that Jen was pregnant, gave me a work from home setup weeks before the work from home order went wide. 

Due to the pandemic, we were forced to do the gender reveal virtually. 

Fast forward to August. 

From Dad's Perspective 

All races for the year had either been cancelled or postponed. Nonetheless, I was continuing to train. Jen and I had decided that starting August 10th (2 weeks before the due date) that I would always have me phone on me. For running, biking, and lifting this was no problem. For swimming, I planned on having my phone (volume to 11) in my swimbuddy which I tow behind me for visibility and safety. My phone also links to my watch so I can see when someone is calling.

That night, Monday, August 10th, I went to swim in English Bay. I was running late so I decided to park in the pay lot closest to the beach. With my phone (volume to 11) in my swimbuddy, I swam out to meet the rest of my training group.

At the start of my third and final lap, I heard a beeping. I stopped and realized it was my phone. I looked at my watch "Incoming call. . . Jen" 

I immediately started swimming to the beach. My coach, on his kayak, saw me and knew exactly what was happening. The entire time I was swimming to shore I kept thinking, "She forgot that we are in our 2 week protocol. She is calling to ask me to pick up dinner or something from the store." 

I got to shore and 2 of teammates were there. Anne asked me if I was ending my swim early. I began to rummage through my bag and said, "We will see in a minute." They immediately knew what was happening. 

I looked at my phone and saw 1 voicemail and 3 missed calls. I knew this was it. 

I called Jen. She picked up, 

"Hi Honey, so I'm at home making that desert I wanted to try and my water broke."

"OK I am on my way home. Have you had any contractions?"

"Not yet."

"Ok then don't we need to go to the hospital?"

"I don't remember. You come home and I'll call and find out."

I sprinted to the car. Thank goodness I parked close. Brushed the sand off my feet and took off. I called  my sister and then my dad. I then called Jen back. She told me to come home and we would go to the hospital together.

When I got home, Jen's Step-Mom was here. I took a shower, loaded the hospital bags in the car, and we were off. We made the comment, "Let's hope he holds out so he can be born on our Anniversary."

We called ahead to let them know we were on our way. 

We got to the hospital and made our way to the Birth Center. After several questions and a stress test, the Doctor on call from our OB office arrived. 

She told us that we were going to be sent home and call if there is any pain or cramping. She asked what our birth plan was. We told her that other than Jen wanting an epidural, our birth plan was whatever we need to do for healthy/safe baby and mom. The doctor was happy to hear how laid back and open we were about our plan.

We were given some information and sent home. 

Once home, Jen got ready for bed and I grabbed some food. About an hour later, Jen started complaining of small cramps. I called the Birth Center and they said cramping was fine and to wait until there are contractions that are closer together and longer. 

Around midnight, Jen started to get contractions. I sat next to her bed and held her hand while I timed the contractions. I had a relaxing music playlist running to help as well.

I was waiting for the 4-1-1 we had learned about in our baby prep class. Contractions 4 minutes apart, lasing 1 minute long, consistently for 1 hour. Jen's contractions were never more than 40 seconds and ranged between 1 minute and 5 minutes between them. 

Around 1:30am Jen had a particularly painful contraction. She looked at me and said, "That one was bad. I want to go to the hospital." So I grabbed her a change of clothes and started to get ready to go.

I made her stop at the top of our stairs and wait until after a contraction to come down. We did the same when we got to the car. 

I tried to call the hospital 3 times to let them know we were coming, but the operator never picked up.

I parked in the emergency parking lot, helped Jen out of the car, then started grabbing the overnight bags. I looked up and realized Jen was already walking through the doors of the hospital. 

We got in and there was no one there to check us in. Jen tried to go through the doors, but we needed someone to buzz us in. Finally a nurse came out to yell at a couple in the waiting room for talking too loud. I pointed at Jen and she instantly opened the door for us. 

We made our way to the Birth Center and were put into a room. A nurse came and started asking questions about what happened. She asked me about contractions. I told her there were not consistent or long, but that Jen had wanted to come in once they began to be painful. 

She examined Jen and when she stood, she held her fist in the air. It was covered in blood all the way to her wrist. "You are 9 centimeters. Let's get you prepped for delivery."

Jen looked at me then started hitting me. "WE MISSED THE EPIDURAL! YOU HAD ONE JOB! I'M SO MAD AT YOU RIGHT NOW!!"

I had no idea what to say. I just kept repeating "I'm sorry." It went too fast and the contractions had no consistency. And I kept thinking back to the baby prep class and the stories of couples being sent home because they came to the hospital too early.   

The nurse put Jen in a wheelchair, I grabbed our stuff, and we made our way to Delivery Room 11. Room 11, August 11, our 2 year wedding anniversary. Too perfect. I put our stuff in the corner and I stood there to keep out of the way.

The room was a flurry of activity as 2 more nurses and a pediatrician entered the room. They informed us that the pediatrician was there because the baby's heart rate was a bit higher than they'd like. 

The nurses asked me to get Jen some water. I remember thinking I should hurry so I didn't miss it. But then realized the nurses would not do that to me. 

When I came back, it was time for Jen to start pushing. I held her hand and did my best to support her. I gave her water and wiped her face after every push. 

 After each push I would tell Jen that she was close, but she did not believe me. Jen remembers hearing a nurse say it would be another 45 minutes to an hour. I never heard them say this. I could read the eyes and the body language of the nurses and could tell we were in fact very close.

After each push Jen would exclaim "I can't!" Followed by the chorus of nurses lead by me answering, "Yes you can! You are doing great!"

The nurses gave Jen the laughing gas, but Jen stopped using it. She said it did not help.

After one particularly painful push, Jen asked, "Why!? Why do people do this!? Why do people have kids?!?" 

I responded, "You'll know in about 5 minutes."

After a few more pushes, the nurses told Jen that she pushed better when her head was up with her chin in her chest. So the next push, I put my hand behind her neck to help her. One of the nurses walked up to Jen and said, "You are doing so well. Every time you push, we can see hair."

Jen looked at me and sobbed, "He has hair!!!"

The most difficult aspect of the birth was looking down and seeing the person I loved the most in so much pain. I just wanted to help, but I knew there was nothing I could do. After a while, that feeling of helplessness was replaced with absolute awe and pride. I always knew my wife was strong, but seeing this, it was clear just how strong she really is. I am now afraid of her. 

The doctor came in, took one look at Jen, and said, "Oh! We are having a baby!!"

After a few more pushes Jen asked, "How much longer?!"

The doctor looked up and said, "Give me some really good pushes and we can have this baby in the next 3 minutes."

Jen looked at me and with one glance I told her 'You got this' and she told me 'I got this.'

The doctor gave Jen some freezing injections to help with the tear that was starting.

She began to push harder and harder. At one point, I peaked and saw the top of baby's head. I looked at Jen and said, "I see the head Jen. Once more big push and we have a baby."

She gave one more big push and then. . . 

There was a baby.

A switch went off in Jen and absolute pain turned to absolute joy. The nurses placed the baby on Jen's chest. All we could do was stare at him. He was perfect.

The doctor and nurses continued to tend to Jen and sew up the small tear. Jen asked if the stitches would hurt. I thought to myself, "After that, will anything hurt you!?"

After a while, the pediatrician took him, just to check him. After a quick check and a weigh in, I got to hold him. 

I took off my shirt to give him some skin-to-skin time. That is when it hit me. The moment he was in my arms. I was a dad. 

He started to cry, so I stood up and walked him around the room. He calmed down immediately. I looked down at him and he opened his right eye to give daddy a little peak. 

He was perfect. 

From Mom's Perspective 

My water randomly broke at 7:00pm on Monday, August 10th, while I was making a new dessert I found on Pinterest (s’more bars! I have yet to try them as I left it in the fridge). Anyways, Joe was just finishing his weekly training swim at Jericho Beach in Vancouver. He was in the water when I called but had his phone in a bag that dragged behind him just in case I called (which means baby is coming). So I called him 3 times and there was no answer. So I left a message. 

Then I call Michele and she comes over to help me relax. Thank goodness they are a two minute drive away! I took a bath to calm myself and then Joe called me saying he saw that I called from an alert on his watch and that he was on his way home. I just relaxed with Michele until Joe came home. I wasn’t having any contractions so knew we had a lot of time before anything big happened but one thing I knew for sure was that my water broke. 

Once Joe made it home, we headed to the hospital to get checked out. They checked me over and confirmed that my water broke but sent us home because I wasn’t having any contractions. 

At 10:30ish, I start to get little cramps here and there but nothing crazy, just thought it had to do with my water continuing to break. I had to pee every five minutes and kept dripping every time I got up to move. I decided to lay in bed and get some rest. 

I didn’t rest. Just before 12am (happy anniversary, Joe), I started getting contractions. I was laying in my bed and was super comfortable while Joe timed them and held my hand through each one. They hurt so much but Joe said they weren’t close enough together for me to go in (thinking of the 4-1-1 protocol). The 4-1-1 protocol is when you have contractions 4 minutes apart, for a full minute, for an hour. Apparently, that is when you should head to the hospital. 

Anyways, at 1:30ish, I had a reallllllly bad contraction and told Joe that we needed to go to the hospital because something wasn’t right. I had a gut feeling that the pain I was feeling was more than just early labour. So before we left, I went pee and there was blood. So I was happy we were heading to the hospital since we were told to go if there was blood. I wasn’t sure if I was over reacting about the pain of my contractions because I’ve never experienced labour. How was I to know? 

It was hard to get in the car because my contractions were full on. But we made it to the hospital and went up to the Birth Center. They examined me and I was thinking I would be like 2-3cm dilated and the OB on call said “umm wow. You are 9cm dilated”. At 10cm, you begin to push! Good thing I trusted my gut to head to the hospital! 

I looked at Joe and started to hit him because I knew I couldn’t get the epidural which we planned. I was sooooo mad at him because he was the one counting the contractions..! HE should have known!!!! That being said, after reflecting on this, my contractions were kinda sporadic so blaming him was mean at the time. I did apologize after I realized we can’t go back in time, and told him I loved him and there’s nothing we can do now about it. Just have to keep moving forward. He felt so bad but there was nothing we could change or do. I was going to have the baby without any meds. All natural. 

We went to the delivery room and I felt the need to push so bad! I started pushing I think around 2:20am. Oh. My. God. It hurt. It hurt, it hurt, it hurt!!!!!!! But they could see the head after like my first push but I just couldn’t push through the pain. It was too much to handle. I knew that baby would be here if I persevered through the pain but once you get to that pain, it’s so hard to push through. 

Joe looked to see how I was progressing and his eyes widened. “Jen, I see his hair, you are so close. He’ll be here if you push through the pain”. The nurses were telling me the same thing for the last few pushes but as soon as Joe said it to me and had such certainty in his eyes, I believed him. 

And so, I pushed through the ring of fire, was told his head was out and to keep going. All I needed to do was push more to get his shoulders out, so I did. It was such a relief when I felt him exiting my body. The pain instantly disappeared, like the flick of a switch. He was here!

I was in labour for just under three hours which I’m told is not common. I’m so incredibly lucky to have such a fast birthing experience and to have us both healthy at the end of it. This is an experience I will never forget. 

That being said though, if we decide to have another baby, we will definitely go to the hospital earlier than needed and refuse to leave to make sure I get that epidural..!

2020 UBC Olympic Triathlon

On March 7th, the start of my 2020 and Ironman season kicked off with the UBC Triathlon.  

Having done this race before, I knew of the logistical and climatic challenges it held. It is always either raining and cold or sunny and cold. But always cold.

Jen and I were able to sleep in a bit as I was placed in the Olympic B group. This either meant I was getting faster, or that there were more first time triathletes in the A group. It was most likely a little of both.

We arrived at the race at 6:45 am and I proceeded to check in and set up transition. My spot was not great, but we were not as early as some of the other athletes. 

After setting up, we walked to the aquatic center to drop off my wet bag and check in. We watched a bit of the first heat before I headed down to self seed in my heat.

After a short athlete briefing, we began to self-seed. It turns out there were alot of 30-35 minute swimmers. I had a feeling I was in for a crowded race. 

As the line moved slowly forward, 10 seconds at a time, it was soon my turn to start. I dropped in and started my race.

I started out nice and steady, knowing I could pic up my pace as I settled into a rhythm.

In a pool swim race, the etiquette is if the swimmer behind you taps your feet, you let them pass at the wall. About 500 meter in, I tapped the swimmer in front of me. At the wall he paused for a few seconds, then took off, not letting me pass.

This happened a few more times before he stopped at the wall for a long period of time out of breath.

I took my turns fast like we learned with Coach Stewart. That week, I had even practiced my fast turns while going under the lane ropes for the lane changes.

At 900 meters, I tried to pass an athlete at the wall, only to have us both push off at the same time. At first I was upset she would not let me pass, until I realized there were several athletes in front of her not letting her pass.

When we finished out 1000 meters and exited the pool for a makeshift Australian Exit, I apologized to her and said that I was unaware of the crowd in front of her. She told it me it was all good and dropped back into the water for our final 500 meters.

The last 500 meters was a traffic jam. The same swimmers from before refused to let us pass, and the slower swimmers we dropped in behind were also not letting anyone pass.

Several swimmers started fighting for position and passing in the lane. There were several head on collision close calls.

I decided it was not worth the energy or the stress to try and fight my way through. I stayed at the back and drafted the mass of swimmers ahead of me. 

Soon I was out of the water and headed outside to the change tent. 

After waiting (longer than I should have) for a volunteer to hand me my wet bag, I went into the change tent to get ready for the run to T1 and the bike.

At T1, I got confused and went down the wrong row for my bike. I eventually found it and geared the rest of the way up. This being such a cold race, I was sure to dress appropriately. One of my teammates said I looked like a ninja.

The start of the bike was a gradual uphill. I took this time to warm up and hydrate. At the top of the incline I started to work a bit harder. 

After a slight right around a rotary, I was headed downhill on 16th. I flew down the hill and into the sweeping right turn at speed. I kept that speed up until the first turn-around.

I took the turn wide and then settled back into my groove before doing a mini-serpentine to the other side of the road.

This next section was a gradual downhill on newly paved road. I got into my aero position and rode at at good clip all the way to the second turn-around.

Then it was a gradual incline back up the way I came. I did my best to work hard, but keep my power under 200 watts. There was still 3 more laps and a 10k run to do after all. 

After climbing back up 16th and down the hill at the start, I was on lap 2. 

All along the bike course, I saw teammates from both Coach Powell and Coach Stewart and I was sure to shout words of encouragement to them as we zoomed past one another. 

Lap 2 went much like lap 1. I did start to pick up more speed on the down hill sections as I became more comfortable.

Lap 3 was more of the same. Although I did have to explain to one rider what drafting was and that it was illegal in this race.

On lap 3 and 4, as I climbed up 16th, I could see teammates on the run course and shouted to them.

Soon the bike was done and I was trotting to T2 to prepare for the run.

I walked out of transition and began run up the hill at the start of the course. I saw Jen at the top and turned left to start the long run to the football field.

After turning left, and old injury flared up. My left ankle seized and every footfall was agony. I tried to walk it off and started running again. It would not loosen up. 

I pushed though as much as I could, running when/if I could. Everyone on the course was very encouraging. 

I made my way around the football field, up the hill, back onto the Main Mall and past Jen at the fountain. She knew something was wrong based on my time. She told me to push through and that no matter what, I would finish, 

I ran to the turnaround, back to Jen, down the hill, then up the hill to start lap 2.

Lap 2 was more of the same. Although, just before the football field, my ankle did loosen up. But by then I was not in a good place mentally. I began to pick up speed, but just as I started back up name of street, it started snowing.

I pushed through the last section of the last lap and best I could. I ran when I could, and walked when I had to.

By this time, the snow had stopped, and the sun was out. I ran down the hill, turned left and crossed the finish line.

I received my medal and paced around the finish area in a makeshift cool-down.

After talking with Jen, we went back to the pool so I could change, then to transition to pack up.

I was very upset with how the race went, but after some reflection and talking with Jen in the car, I realized that everything that happened was outside my control.

I had no control over the swimmers in front of me. All I could do was choose how I would react and I feel I did the right thing.

I had no control over an old injury flaring back up. All I could do was choose how I would react and I feel I did the right thing pushing through and doing what I could/had to do to finish.

I had no control over the weather. All I could do was plan accordingly and do what I could do on the day.

It is early in the season. I have plenty of time to get my speed, endurance, and fitness where it needs to be. I will continue to work hard and grow as an athlete as I continue on my journey to Ironman Arizona 2020.

Related Videos:

I did a thing.

Check out my new youtube channel to track my progress!! 

Woodland Park GP Cyclocross

Queens Cross was suppose to be the end of my inaugural cyclocross season. But when a friend offered to split travel costs for a ride to Seattle for one last race, how could I resist?


We arrived at our hotel in Seattle late Saturday night. And after a restless sleep and some coffee, we made our way to the race at Woodland Park.

We arrived early to setup a tent for others from Vancouver who would be joining us later in the day. After registration, we headed to the course for a practice lap. My race was not first this time around, and although I could have done a practice lap closer to my start time, I did not want to be rushed.

I could tell from the practice lap that this was going to be my new favorite cx course. After a 13 minute practice lap, I figured 2-3 laps would be a good goal. This race was a 40 minute race, not the 30 that I was accustom to.

Since none of us were in the first race, we watched he firsdt race to scope out some of the more tricky parts. This was helpful on many of the fast turns. Soon it was time for me to head to the staging area.

This was a different race series and therefore the categories were different. Normally, I would ride Novice, or Category 4 for this race, but they had a Clydesdale category. This was specifically for racer over 200lbs. My race was at 10:30am and consisted of the Master Men 45+, Clydesdale Class, Master Men 60+, and Beginning Men. And we were let out in staggered waves in that order.

The Master Men 45+ was off and the Clydesdales were lining up. Rather than the usual countdown, this race did the heartbeat start. They essentially play a loud heartbeat sound as the countdown. Needless to say, it did nothing for those of us line up with pre-race anxiety.

Then the race was on.

The start of the course was a slight uphill, but even so I was in too easy of a gear. This was fine though as I wanted to be in the back at the start. I got into a harder gear, rode past the timing trailer, gave a wave, and was on my way.

Photo courtesy of Woodinville Bicycle 

The pack bunched up as we approached the first right hand turn. I was far enough in the back not to get caught up in it. I took the entry wide, then cut in. The course then straightened out over a gradual incline. I stayed to the outside on the grass to keep grip.

As the course descended there was a right turn, followed by a left turn. I knew from watching the first race that the outside line was fastest.

After the turns was a flatter, gravel section. Then there was a small climb, before a left turn into another climb. The climb was slow, but I rode the whole thing. This course had some challenging hills, but they were all rideable for me. I was very happy about that.

After the hill was a bigger hill. Coming down the first hill, I gained as much speed as I could to help get me up the next. I stayed to the right, knowing from my practice lap that the right was smoother and firmer ground.

After the second big downhill was a left turn past some team tents. After the turn was narrow off camber. Some exposed roots made this section even more challenging. I has some good saves.

After the off camber was a series of turns. I handled these very well. They were setup a bit wider that the BC races. They were wide enough to not require any kick-stands, but narrow enough to be challenging.

After riding across a paved section, we veered left and dropped into a small decline. The entrance was narrow due to a large sand mound on the right side. I slide a bit coming off the pavement and into the drop but stayed upright.

The course swept past the washrooms and to a fun wide turn. My back wheel slid out but I was able to stay up and in control.

Next came some flatter sections were I was sure to ride on grass as much as possible.

After a fun windy section and an uphill turn, was the barriers. I dismounted, went over, remounted, and rode on.

After a muddy right turn, and several attempts to clip back in, we rode up a small incline before dropping off a curb and across another paved section.

Photo courtesy of Jeannine Avelino/Vancouver Cyclocross Photos

On the other side of the paved section was another muddy drop off. The mud here was much deeper but I was once again surprised with my bike handling skills.

After some more turns and another small hill, the course turned left along the tennis courts. There was a much steeper off camber here. I rode along the top, but still slid down a bit as I went along. Another turn and then an uphill as we rode on a gravel section, dodging deep puddles. 

As the course flattened out, we rode through a nice wooded area. We rode past the Glotman Simpson Team tent where my friend Stu was doing an unusual hand up.

I rode past to the familiar sounds of Stu's heckling.

After a few sweeping turns, we dropped into a steep downhill. It was very fast and very slick. Luckily, I was able to stay in a rut made by riders in front and keep control through the mud at the bottom.

I rode up the hill on the other side and through more turns until the next steep drop.

At the bottom of this drop was a series of bumps. I must have taken a wider line on the practice lap, as these were a complete surprise to me.

After the bumpy ride and a nice flat section, came a left turn. . . And the Run-Up.

This was a very steep section lined with log crossing the path. I dismounted, shouldered my bike, and began the slog up the hill.

Not me in the photo

On my way up, I got bumped by a rider passing. This made for a nice little battle wound on my knee.

Photo courtesy of Patrik Zuest

I got the top and remounted. I had a bit of a reprieve on a flatter section before another steep downhill/uphill combo. At the top was another big turn. I stayed on the outside section as the middle was all very deep mud. Then another downhill/uphill combo.

This section was very technical and I was very proud of myself for riding it. Granted not fast, but on the bike nonetheless.

We jumped off anther curb and across another paved roadway before heading back into the trees. We rode past the pits, up a gradual incline, and around some turns before being back on the road we started on.

I hammered on the road, throwing mud off my tires.

As I passed the timing tent I gave them a thumbs up. I was pushing hard, but having fun.

I was now on lap 2.

With 4 different categories staggered in the field, it was hard to know who was lapping me and who was just passing me. Either way, a more crowded field added an extra (and fun) element to the race.

On my second lap, the course was more chewed up. The nice grassy grip sections were more scarce.

I was taking more chances on the corners and downhills, trying to ride the ruts left by those faster than me. There was more sliding around corners and near crashes, but through it all I stayed upright.

While trying to gain speed down the hilly section at the beginning, I got stuck behind 2 people riding side by side. I lost some momentum and hard to work harder up the hill.

The switchback section was now all mud. My back wheel spun out quite a bit, but I managed to ride through.

At the off camber section along the tennis courts, a rider passed me and I lost my balance. I thought for sure I was gong down. But somehow at the last second, I saved it.

When I got to the run up, I wanted to challenge myself. I was going to push myself through this whole technnical section.

I charged up the run up, remounted, hammered through the first downhill/uphill combo and into the turn, which was now all deep mud.

Not me in the photo

I pushed through the mud, pedaling hard! I got out of the muck and into the second downhill/uphill combo. I tore down the hill and hammered up the other side.

Not me in the photo

Then my vision narrowed. I may or may not have blacked out ,but when I came to, I was leaning over the course tape violently losing that mornings breakfast.

When I looked up, I saw a photographer snapping pictures of me. He shrugged his shoulders as if to say "This is cross." I gave him a hand wave and nodded.

I'm still looking for that photographer to get those photos.

I went under the tape and off the course. I sat on the ground content to DNF. I am not sure how long I was on the ground, but something in me made me get up and back on the course.

At that point my goals shifted from 2-3 laps, to whatever I could do. I knew I was last. How can you be laster than last? Unless you DNF, which I had already resolved not to do.

Luckily, the next portion of the course was relatively flat. I could use the last section of lap 2 to regain my composure and regain a (what qualifies in cross as a) normal heart rate.

Photo courtesy of Patrik Zuest

I finished lap 2 and passed the LED sign that read "2 Laps To Go!"

I knew that mean just one more lap for me.

Onto lap 3.

Lap 3 went pretty much the same as lap 2 minus the hurling.

Photo courtesy of Woodinville Bicycle

Photo courtesy of Woodinville Bicycle

When I passed by Stu and the GS Team tent, I pretended to go for the hand out. As I rode past I yelled, "Oh no I missed!" and pretended to hit Stu in the crotch. I rode on to the sounds of howls and laughter.

I took the run up a bit more conservatively.

I rode down the first downhill/uphill combo, but dismounted for the uphill section. I trudged though the mud that had spiked my heart rate, and sprinted on foot through the second downhill/uphill combo.

I pushed hard to the end. I was not sure how they would signal the end of the race, but once I was on the paved road I saw the LED sign read "YOU ARE DONE!"

Pretty clear.

I rode though the finish line and stopped with another group of riders. Everyone there could see how hard I pushed. I was offered lots of fist bumps.

I slowly walked back to our tent, dropped off my bike, got changed, and some much needed food.

I watched my friends race and had a great time watching the final races with them.

Later on I looked that posted results. Turns out I was not last! I came in 30th out of 32. There were a few people that only did 1-2 laps.

Lap 1: 13:00.8
Lap 2: 13:57.4
Lap 3: 12:38.2
Total: 39:36.4

Woodland Park was definitely the most fun I've had doing cx. The course was different and more like a true cyclocross course.

I am glad I did not stop racing cyclocross after Aldergrove. This has been so much fun.

I did race with a heart rate monitor for this race and set some new records in Training Peaks.

Thanks for taking the time to read about my latest adventure in this new sport. It has been a blast! I am upset that I won't be doing this next year, but I'll be deep into my Ironman training by then.