New Zealand Ramblings

It has now been one week since we returned to Canada after 4 weeks in New Zealand. Slowly, I’m starting to feel normal again (and I’m not talking about the jet lag, as I actually felt like I bounced back from that pretty quickly). More than anything, it has just been a bit strange getting back into the regular routine.

At work, I spent the first few days feeling totally out of the loop – even though I wasn’t, as really nothing major has changed. I just don’t think mentally I was prepared to be back at work and back to “normality”. I enjoyed my month of zero responsibility and doing (and eating) whatever the hell I felt like.

That said, I am starting to get antsy to get back into a more structured training routine.

I really haven’t been training much, just kind of doing what I feel like. A 30’ ride on the rollers here, a 1500m swim there, the odd easy run… Oh, and a return to trainer class (by far my hardest workout in weeks! Although I must say, it felt flippin’ great!).

Next week I’ll meet up with Kelly and debrief the season and chat about what is on tap for next year.

In the meantime, since I’m missing New Zealand, I think it is time to reminisce (aka. indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events).

Raglan

Checking out the surf at Manu Bay.

  

Waitomo Caves

Picton Harbour

Playtime in Picton.

 

Ferry to the South Island.
(Definitely made me realize we have nothing to complain
about when it comes to BC Ferries)

Riding the Rails.

  

Beautiful Queenstown

COOKIE TIME!

Jet Boating in Shotover Canyon.

  

Kayaking in Milford Sound.

 

First (and last) whitebait sandwich of the trip.

 

Nelson

The start of an amazing day.

Getting extreme with a little Zorbing.

Followed by some Luge action. Oh yeah.

Some other random observations about New Zealand from this foreigner:

1) The speed limit is 100km/hr no matter what the road is like – and there is not a straight road in NZ!

Take the above as an example. That yellow squiggly line is a road. On the edge of a cliff. With no shoulders. The speed limit is 100km/hr. I’m pretty sure we barely got over 30km/hr.

That said, we were warned that NZ drivers are "maniacs" and while they did manage to drive about 100km/hr on any type of road (impressive), I found them to be courteous drivers who were much less territorial about their space on the road compared with Canadian drivers. That said, I wasn't the one doing the driving, so maybe my perception is skewed.

2) Bottled/canned drinks are bloody expensive. From a monetary perspective, you are probably better off drinking beer than you are drinking pop or juice.

3) Speaking of money. I think Kiwis have their monetary system figured out! I loved the fact that prices are advertised with the tax in - what you see is what you pay. Oh, and the whole rounding system is wicked awesome. Take note Canada. Take note.

4) The landscape reminded me of a cross between Vancouver Island and Hawaii. Two places I love. Yeah, it was pretty spectacular.

5) There were sheep everywhere. EVERYWHERE! And I loved them.

6) I never once felt unsafe, even in Auckland. I felt like everyone was super welcoming and wonderfully mellow. The country just has a great vibe to it. Oh, and I found it to be very clean and very eco-friendly.

7) NZ has some very creative and funny road signs. “Merge like a Zip” was my favourite.

8) It seems that once you are outside of Auckland, most Kiwis are not too fond of Aucklanders. Oh, and the rivalry between the North and South island is very interesting.

9) Pedestrians do NOT have the right of way. At. All. Not anywhere in the country. End of story. Look both ways before you cross the street. Then look again. Right, then left.

10) Overall, NZ is a great country. Warm and friendly people with visually stunning landscapes. A wonderfully relaxed place. Plain and simple – it is incredible and I’m so thankful I got to spend the time there that I did.

Age Group World Champs Auckland – Race Report (+)

We arrived in Auckland about a week before race day. While the flight was awesome and went super smoothly, the actual arrival at the airport and baggage claim was a bit of a cluster f*&k.

Our flight was packed with triathletes, so the amount of bike boxes waiting for pick up was pretty wild.

At the carousal I patiently waited for my bike box to appear figuring it would come out with the next group of boxes, or maybe the next one, or the next... but it never did. When an airport worker finally announced there were no more bikes to be unloaded, a sick feeling washed over me.

As I stood there wondering how my bike could have been lost on a direct flight, I noticed that the one box not yet picked up was the same as mine (minus the giant rainbow strap and Canada baggage tag I had on mine – oh, and plus some very distinct yellow stickers that I didn’t have). Anyway, at that moment, it became painfully clear that someone had taken my bike!

My bike! Really, I swear, it is mine.

I realized they were likely on Team Canada and would want their bike back and that I would in turn, get my bike back, but it just annoyed me so much. I guess I didn’t understand how someone could be that mindless (and of course, I was slightly sleep deprived, so that didn’t help my shock).

Walking out to the shuttle (which I was kinda surprised actually stuck around for us) after filing all the appropriate “lost baggage” paperwork with the airport I don’t really know what I was thinking. Then, when our shuttle driver opened the trailer for us to put our bags in and I saw my bike sitting there, well, to say I was relieved would be an understatement – and yet I was sooo annoyed.

“Whatever” I figured, the person took it accidentally and would likely apologize for the inconvenience and we would all have a laugh, right? Not so.

The guy who took it (mistakenly thinking it was his wife’s bike) was kind of a jerk. He would not admit he made a mistake and somehow thought we were lying. He claimed his wife’s bike box also had a rainbow strap on it when she checked it in – and somehow thought we had taken that strap off and put it on my bike box. Not sure when he figured I would have done that, but whatever.

On top of that he was annoyed I left her bike in the airport and didn’t just bring it with me. I’ve watched enough Locked Up Abroad to know that isn’t a smart move - there is no way I was going to take some stranger’s luggage. Who the hell knew what was really in it. They could have left it there for a reason, haha.

It was a tad uncomfortable getting on the shuttle bus, as it seemed like everyone was staring at us and super annoyed they had to wait so long. I just wanted to yell “It wasn’t my fault!” but managed to restrain myself.

Anyway, we eventually arrived at our Auckland apartment and it was amazing. A beautiful place to stay, pretty much within spitting distance of the venue. You could even see the finish line from our deck! It was pretty cool.

Okay, so you maybe can't spit on it, but if you look between the two big towers,
you can see the blue carpet of the finish line.

The week leading up to the race only got better. It was pretty much all triathlon all the time!

Of course there were all the typical things like checking out the race expo, doing some workouts and getting familiar with the course, but on top of that, there were also lots of races to watch and some other events to attend.

The Aquathon World Champs took place on the Wednesday before my race, and then on the Thursday there was a Team Canada Meet & Greet followed by the Parade of Nations and Opening Ceremony. The Junior Elites, U23 and Elite races took place on Saturday and Sunday, and then Monday it was my turn!

Parade of Nations.

Race morning, I woke up earlier than I probably needed to and got ready. It was a short walk to transition from the apartment and I got all set up... then I waited. Not really knowing what to expect, I definitely allowed myself a little too much time. Ooops. Lesson learned I suppose (one of many).

I was quite nervous about the swim – which is not something I usually deal with. Something about it being in the ocean, between two large piers, made me feel like it would be really claustrophobic.



Nerves = Serious Face.
(Don't be fooled, I think I laughed after this).

Thankfully, as we were corralled, waiting to go down to the pontoon, I got chatting with a really nice Kiwi girl who took my mind off my flipping stomach. Unfortunately we were near the back of the pack though and by the time we made it onto the pontoon it was packed! Myself and the Kiwi girl had to cram ourselves into spots that didn’t really exist and unfortunately I ended up about as far left as you could get.

Before I could even think about setting my watch or being more nervous, we were in the water and my wave was off! Bingo, bango, bongo. (That's also about how fast I lost the feet around me).

I tried to get on some feet, and stayed there for a moment or two, but they quickly pulled away. I was swimming super wide, but could not seem to get myself closer to the course buoys. I was out in no man’s land, all on my lonesome ~ thank goodness there weren't any sharks, haha.

No zoom needed. I was this close to the pier.

The waves picked up as we got clear of the pier and approached the first turn buoy. At times I felt like I was being pushed backwards. About this time, I started to see caps from the next wave, and knew that wasn’t a good sign. I was just hoping I wasn’t last, haha. I didn’t dwell on it though and just put my head down and swam as hard as I could back in. I did pass a few people from my wave on that last stretch, so that helped to know I wasn’t in fact, last.

The run from the pontoon to T1 was long and it felt it. Once I was finally at my bike, I feel like my actual transition was fast and efficient, but man, the run up took forever!

I had a good mount and was actually really happy to be on my bike. I had ridden the course twice in the week leading up, and I thought it would be a fun one. I felt that it was challenging, but not necessarily hard.



 

All the hills were tough, but not IMC tough. The descents were really the most frustrating part as I kept getting stuck behind people riding there brakes. If I could go back, I would definitely be more aggressive  and vocal and would have gotten around them rather than working at their abilities.

I jockeyed back and forth with another girl in my age group from Team Canada quite a bit on the bike (she'd pass on the ups, I'd pass on the downs) which actually was kind of fun, as we started joking around with each other  each time one of us would pass the other and it helped take my mind off things. When we hit the turnaround at Mission Bay for the last 8k(ish) stretch back into transition, I finally pulled away from her for good (well, until about 4k into the run).

That last bit of bike was super flat, but unfortunately it was also straight into a pretty fierce headwind. I pushed as hard as I thought I could at the time, but looking back, I now question if I could have in fact gone harder (which is pretty much the story of my season I think). Regardless, it did take a lot of pep out of my legs.

Off the bike my dismount was good. This of course began another super long run into transition. Like T1, I felt that once I was actually at the rack, my transition was great – quick and methodical. It just took forever to get in and out, haha.

I felt pretty good as I started the run. My legs hurt and felt a bit heavy, but I was enjoying soaking up all the “Go Canada” cheers and was really enjoying the moment.

In fact, the entire run, I felt pretty good. I was relaxed and enjoying myself. I was happy. Could I have pushed harder? Most likely, but unfortunately in that moment, at that time, I could not get my brain or my legs to tick over into that next gear.

I smiled and cheered for almost every other Team Canada member I saw and tried to thank as many volunteers as possible. I ran slow, but I had a good time. Simply, it was fun and I ran happy.

I crossed the finish line with a huge smile on my face and was greeted by my “nemesis” from the bike. She had passed me late in the run, but waited for me at the finish line so we could chat and actually introduce ourselves. We walked through and got some post race food together, and then parted ways when we saw our families. It was a great way to finish off the race.

Officially on vacation...
Off Season here I come!!

Anyway, time to sum it all up I suppose...

Physically, it was probably one of my poorest performances ever in a sprint triathlon. I didn’t really have much “sprint” in me. I’m not sure if my nerves got the better of me or what, but “fast” was definitely not in my vocabulary (or body) during the race. In fact, when I looked at my times, I was slightly appalled (by my swim especially, as I had been swimming really well in training leading up to this).

It is funny, because I feel like I am capable of so much more, and yet, with almost every race this year, I continually fell short of my own expectations (and I don’t think my expectations are necessarily unrealistic). I’m not sure why, but I seem to be having a hard time giving it my everything in a race this year. I suppose it is a mental block and will definitely be something to work on through the off season.

That said, 'Negative Nancy' has now left the building... I really did have a blast! It was so much fun and, like I said, I think I smiled through the whole run (and most of the bike too). It was an incredibly amazing experience and I’m so glad I got to be a part of it. To be out there wearing the maple leaf, cheering on all the other Canadians and soaking up all the cheers of “Go Canada” from all the friends and families who made the trek to Auckland was unforgettable.

The day after the race we headed out of Auckland for 3 fun-filled weeks touring New Zealand... It was so so sooooo great! (But more on that another time, as this is long enough).

I'm baaaaack...

So, I suppose I lied in my last blog post when I said "Next post from the Southern Hemisphere!" because that obviously didn't happen.

 

I was much too busy having a blast in NZ and pretty much just went "off the grid".

 

No cell phone. Limited internet. Barely any Facebook. Only the odd email check and, well, no blogging at all (obviously).

 

While I'm totally nosy and love checking out what other people are/were up to, for the past 4 weeks I've pretty much only thought about myself and the people I was with in real life, and you know, it was kind of awesome. I seriously considered never turning on my Blackberry again (although, I have totally failed at that and am now again a slave to that little "gong" noise).

 

That said, I did keep a journal of the trip and may share a few excerpts. As well, I will likely post my race report in the coming days, although that will be more for myself then anyone else (the main reason being so that in a year's time I know where it is if I want to reread it - as I likely will have misplaced my physical journal by then).

 

In the meantime, one of my fave photos from the trip. Zorbing with my Dad. It was indeed "a good giggle."

This may not be the most flattering photo, but it sure captures the moment :)

More to come....

Random Friday Facts: “It’s Almost NZ Time” Edition

1) I've realized that when I say "I have a day off" most people assume I'm talking about work, but in fact, I'm talking about training. If I have a day off from work, I will specify that I have a day off “from work." Do all people who crazily train for endurance sports do this?

2) I watched a great little Canadian movie on my flight home from San Diego in August. The movie was called One Week. Who doesn’t love Pacey Witter? Anyway, you should totally watch it if you get a chance. Oh, and Gord Downie makes an appearance. [And now anyone reading this that is not Canadian is like “Who is Gord Downie?”]

3) I don’t really swear a lot, but the times I can’t seem to control ‘the swears’ are usually when I’m participating in some sort of athletic event or when I’m stuck in traffic. During athletics, I think it is because my focus is on the task at hand and I don’t have enough energy to devote to coming up with more eloquent words. In traffic, I dunno, maybe I’m just really tired of the long commute each day.

4) I often still time how long it takes me to pee and when I don’t, and it is a particularly long one, I’m always like “damn, I wish I would have timed that!” Then I laugh at myself.

5) I raced the 8k at the Victoria Marathon last weekend. Since then, I have not felt the urge/need to write an in depth race report (the blogosphere cries, I know). So instead, here it is in bullet points:

• Shane dared me on the Saturday before the race to run without a watch. No Garmin. No Timex. No splits.
• I did it!
• I went out a bit too fast and definitely slowed down as the race progressed.
• I think I may have pushed a bit harder if I had my watch and knew what my time was – or maybe I would have just beat myself up for going too slow. Who knows? Don’t care.
• I thoroughly enjoyed the out and back course and spent a lot of time looking for all my friends on the way ‘back’. It was a nice distraction.
• I technically PB’d (according to Shane and Kirsten) but did not actually PB (according to me).
• Chip time: 37:29. Good enough for 9th in my age group.
• I know I can run faster (because I have before) but I was actually pretty happy with this outing.
• I felt like I ran strong and somewhat comfortable the whole time and it left me feeling pretty good mentally leading into Auckland (even if I am having minor “impostor” freak outs).

6) Shane and my Mom are considering skydiving while we are in NZ. It’s one of those things I feel like I will regret not doing when they land safely back on the ground, but I’m not sure I could physically do it. I think I would pass out the second that I was pushed out of the plane.

7) I bungee jumped when I was 17 (or was it 18?). I will (most likely) never do that again.

8) Last night I was doing some hill repeats at the end of my workout near my parents’ house. I ended up walking down the hill after one of the repeats with a young boy (about 10 years old I would guess). He looks at me and says “I wish my Mom would run up and down the hill like that.” My initial thought was that of confusion “does this boy think I’m as old as his Mom” then about a split second later, the realization hit me “oh gawd, I am old enough to be his Mom!” The whole scenario really made me laugh, but it also made me feel kind of old.

9) A long but interesting read: Marathon Man. I can’t imagine going to so much trouble to have a fast marathon time. It seems like it would be easier (and more satisfying) just to train hard rather than cheat.

10) My wave start in Auckland is at 7:09am and will be combined with the F25-29 age group, for a total of 127 scratching, clawing women all fighting for position in the pack. Somehow this makes me more nervous than the start of IMC where I was only swimming with, what, 2600+ of my closest friends. Go figure. That said, I’m pretty confident I can hold my own.

11) My furbaby Rusty turns 7 on Monday. At times he is such a curmudgeonly old man, then without a moment’s notice, he’s just a playful carefree little puppy. I sure love that wiggling, drooling, handsome little beast.

Next post from the Southern Hemisphere!
Peace Out.

Impostor

It is almost time to leave for NZ, which means it is almost the time when I will compete with the maple leaf across my chest (and my butt) and get to represent Canada at the Age Group World Championships.

It is all very exciting (and slightly nerve-wracking).

I’m not going to lie; I have these moments where I feel like a total impostor. It’s like this weird nightmare where I’m going to land in Auckland and “they” (I don’t know who “they” actually are) are going to figure out that it’s all a big mistake and I shouldn’t actually be there.

It’s a totally silly feeling, I know. I qualified. I am actually competitive at short course. I’m capable of going out there and working hard and laying down a good race… and yet, I’m still oddly waiting for someone to call me out – “IMPOSTOR!” they will shout across a crowded airport and/or race expo.

I keep joking with my family that I hope I don’t come last. As I say, it is a joke. I am pretty confident I won’t be last (but you never really know what can happen race day – and so I am currently knocking on wood), but even if I do come last, I’ll still be happy with the day so long as I cross the finish line knowing that I gave everything I could possible give.

I actually feel pretty ready. I know I’ve got a good race in me and I’m ready to push into that pain zone and see what my body is capable of. I’m ready to leave it all out there.

That said the nerves of the unknown have hit. It’s all so new; from having to pack my bike in a bike box, to not knowing how my body with handle the jet lag after a 14 hour flight, to racing in a foreign country, to… well, you get the idea.

*BIG SIGH* (I’m not feeling overwhelmed or anything, haha).

Regardless, it is happening. It is going to be a great adventure and while nervous, I am so excited and thankful for this experience and can’t wait to proudly represent Canada.

In just a few days I will travel through time. I hear they have “extreme roundabouts” in the future ;)
(Extreme bonus points if you get the reference).

Victoria Race Weekend

So, I rode my bike yesterday morning and it didn’t suck. Granted, it was just an easy aerobic 90’ on the trainer, but still, I’ll take it as a win after last week’s bike blues.

Anyway, that isn’t what this post is about…

Nope, this post is about my favourite Thanksgiving weekend tradition ~ the Royal Victoria Marathon [I know it is actually called the Goodlife Victoria Marathon now, but I will probably always think of it as the RVM] and the wonderful race weekend atmosphere that comes with it!

In one way or another I have been spending Thanksgiving Sunday along the Victoria waterfront – either racing or cheering – for the past 5 or 6 years. It has become as much a staple in my Thanksgiving weekend as Tofurkey and mashed potatoes.

This weekend I will be taking on the 8k – short and (hopefully) fast is on the agenda for me in this final push to Auckland.

I have some time goals (which I have reassessed slightly after a painful and somewhat slow 5km time trial this past Sunday), but more than anything, I’m looking to try and run strong and relaxed, and just to generally have fun with it. I want to go into Auckland feeling good mentally. (Of course, setting a new 8k PB would most definitely help with that good feeling).

So, the time goals:
My previous best in an actual 8k race was at the Vancouver Marathon in 2011 (38:43). Not terrible, but I know I can do much better, as my best 8k split in a race came this year during the TC 10k (36:32). Unfortunately, because it wasn’t a true “8k race” (even though the split was officially timed) Shane and Kirsten won’t let me count this as my PB. So, my goal for Sunday is to be in that 36:xx range and finally, really and truly, have a solid 8k PB in my record books.

Other than that, it’s going to be a pretty cool event with lots of friends to cheer for. Shane, Kirsten, Dad, Tyler and my good friend Laura are all running the Half. Mom will be tackling the 8k with me, and in a very cool turn of events, 4 of our friends who came to cheer us on at Ironman (who were not previously runners) got inspired during that wonderful Ironman week in Penticton, and are running the 8k! It’ll be their first race, which is super awesome. Good luck Matt, Evelyne, Sean and Justin!

And you know, I think that is all I’ve got for today… Happy Thanksgiving to all you crazy Canucks out there!