Issaquah Sprint Tri - 3 race reports and pics

SWIM BIKE RUN DAY .....began with a 4am alarm, the birds started chirping and we began to see the sun peaking out from the eastern horizon. I can't believe our weather luck, a miracle indeed. Beautiful, not too hot.

837 finishers: 528 men, 309 women

TROY REPORT: 95 finishers
Troy's duathlon: 1:12:36 overall, 47:19 bike, 4:17 transition, 21:00 run
25th out of 95 total, 7th out of 10 in his age group
He now realizes that he wants to speed up his transition and he wants a wet suit to begin swimming. First, we need to get him some coached swims.

IN HIS WORDS: The Issaquah Duathlon had 95 participants this year. It was run on the same course as the triathlon at the same time, so there were approximately 1000 athletes competing on the course. This race was my first step toward a triathlon. I wasn’t quite ready to add the swim to a race, but was excited (and nervous) to throw in the biking portion. After this experience, I am looking forward to competing in a triathlon soon

The Monday prior to the Saturday race, my wife and I rode the course and ran what we thought was the run course. This was my first time running immediately after a ride. It felt very awkward. The course was a lumpy, muddy road trail. It was horrible. I slipped and slid. We ran then walked. I was worried all week that I wouldn’t be able to run well and that is where I had some experience racing. I was debating back and forth with myself whether I should go all out on the bike and suffer through the run, or take it easy on the bike and hammer down on the run. My goal was to do the run at an 8 min. mile pace until Monday’s practice. After that, I didn’t know what to do. As Mike Tyson once said, "Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face." That is exactly how I felt.

I wasn’t feeling 100% physically, so I figured I should have perfect nutrition leading up the race to make up for it. Well, life happens. A busy Friday meant I didn’t eat right. Race day morning went OK. I started off with a breakfast sandwich and a zip fizz. We loaded up the bikes and the rest of our gear and left the house at 5:07 AM. I picked up a NOS on the way to the race and was good to go!

We checked in, picked up our race packets, and proceeded to the transition area to set up our gear. It was so muddy from all of the rain we had that week that my running shoes I was wearing were already soaked. I went back to the truck to grab my other pair of shoes.
We were told that after the first wave of the triathlon started, the Elite group, we would queue up near the exit of the transition area. After all of the elites were on their bikes, they would begin releasing us. They told us if you felt ‘fast’ to be ready when the gun went off, otherwise relax and wait awhile so you weren’t in the way of the faster du and triathletes. I felt I was somewhere in the middle, so when the gun went off I went to the queue area and figured I would let people in front of me if I thought they would be faster than I would. I ate a gu and made my final decision to wear my hydration pack. I prefer it on the bike to reaching for bottles. Much to my surprise, when I went to get in line there were about 60 of 95 duathlon participants in line already. Many of them were far from fast and others were on mountain bikes, or may have been born before the invention of the automobile. I reminded myself that this was all a learning experience for me and that I was here to have fun, not to win the event. About 10 minutes in line and I was off.

This was my first race on a bike. In fact, I had only been on a road bike about 10 times prior to the race. I wasn’t too sure of what to expect and was a little nervous about riding around that many other people. Also, this was my first time riding at my own pace. I bought my bike used and it has been used in 4 ironman events, so I was relying on the bike’s experience to pull me through. I had no problem clipping in at the start. I wasn’t too worried about that until I heard a few horror stories as I was standing in line. The beginning of the course was very narrow but did allow room to pass. By the time we got to Eastlake Sammamish by Microsoft (about 1.5 mi.) I had already passed around 20 people and was feeling pretty good. It was nice to get to the main road and have a little more room to ride. We had a full lane blocked off for us for most of the ride, so this was the first time I felt comfortable riding in aero position for long periods of time. When I hit the only hill at about 4.5 miles I stayed in aero and worked on pulling up on the pedals to help me so I didn’t need to stand. I made it to the top no problem and let loose on the downhill. I was surprised when we reached the turnaround. It seemed too early, but I guess I was just enjoying the ride and time was flying. I had a scare on the return trip. I was riding in a narrow area and was surprised to be passed very closely. I was right next to the curb and was watching it so I wouldn’t hit it. It was getting closer and closer when I realized if I looked away from it, the bike would follow. Thankfully it worked. I was riding down the hill when I heard, “Go husband!” I never saw Scheris, but returned a “woooooo!” It is so much fun racing together. My final bike time was 47 min. 19 s. I didn’t know it at the time, but later was very pleased to be in 21st place at that moment.

I reached the transition and trotted to my station to hang up the bike. It felt a little weird to be walking again, but I did notice that I was feeling better than my practice on Monday. I changed out of my bike shorts and into my running shorts. I decided to leave the hydration pack and travel light. It was only 3 miles and I was sure to drink a lot of ‘heed’ the last 5 miles of the ride. I put on the running shoes and was very thankful I had grabbed dry shoes to put on. I exited the transition at a medium pace trying to see how my body was going to feel. I realized my transition wasn’t fast, but when I saw the results I was shocked. 4 min. 17 s. Only 8 people out of 95 had slower transitions than I did and two of them were over 10 min. Oh well, live and learn right? I sure didn’t feel great, but good enough to pick up the pace a little. I got about 100 yards into the run and the course leaves the pavement onto the grass. Ok, it was grass at one point, but it was mostly standing water and mud now. So much for the dry shoes. There was a bit of confusion when we got to a point where the trail turned 90 degrees left and there were pallets placed in the middle to run on. 3 people in front of me missed the turn at first, then about knocked me over when they realized it and jumped back on course. They let me go first over the pallets. One of the guys lost his shoe in the mud as he stepped off of the pallets at the end. We were all laughing and just enjoying the chaos of the course. The rest of the run went well. I talked with a few people as we were running. I kept looking down at the garmin expecting to see 10 or 11 min/mi pace, but every time it read under 8. It sure didn’t feel that fast and I was happy to see that I might reach my goal after all. Just as I was about to finish, I met Scheris again. She was just beginning her run. I really didn’t pick up the pace too much at the end. The ground was sloppy and I didn’t have the energy or stability to sprint. I did finish strong and ended up with a run time of 21 min. 0 s. I placed 13 out of 95 in the run. That was much better than I had hoped for.

Overall, I was very pleased with my performance in my first duathlon. I had a total time of 1 hr. 12 min. 36 s. and placed 25 out of 95. Not bad for having the slowest transition in the top 50 finishers. I learned a lot about racing the bike know some areas I can improve on. I went to find Alyssa who was warming up for her first triathlon and we went to watch Scheris finish her race. It was an amazing day to spend with the family at the park.

SCHERIS REPORT: 1:39:33 overall, 10:48 swim, 4:00 transition, 54:38 bike, 3:32 transition, 26:34 run, 34th out of 61 in my age group

PRE: Friday, I wanted to eat a lot but was feeling fat and so I struggled with that. I did drink lots of water in preparation. Saturday morning: The one thing that helps a race morning is a good poo, then the pressure is off. Fortunately, I had a good poo first thing and I got to poo at the park, so WOWZA.. double good morning. For bfast, I had 2 packets of oatmeal. At about 6:45, I took a 5-hour energy. I drank HEED on the bike and took one pack of shot blocks. My nutrician was dead on, I didn't feel any hunger or thirst or lagging-ness.

SWIM: 10:48
This was the first year that I actually was not afraid to get in the water pre-race to warm up. It felt great, I felt brave and was really pleased with where my head was starting this race. It always takes a bit of mind-work to deal with the swampy weeds touchy the body and galeophobia. Once those thoughts, can get dismissed, then swimming in the lake becomes enjoyable. With the water temp below 60, I wore earplugs and 2 caps to avoid the dizziness that often comes with cold water. This worked well, as I felt very stable later on when I exited the water. I was suprised how well the water did feel and I know the power the mind has on calming the heart rate. I just kept telling myself, 'steady breathing', 'stay calm', and it seemed to work. I am happy with a 10:48 in the water for a 1/4 mile swim. I felt strong and didn't idle in the water and didn't get too tired, never had to change my stroke, just kept pressing forward. I am careful about kicking my feet too much since that is what really exhausts my lungs. Arms, arms and more arms is the name of the game, to save the legs for bike and run. What I loved about every stroke, is seeing the blue sky above. It was fun to catch up with guys, 3 minutes ahead of me and overtake a few women in my group too, when they switch to backstroke or breaststroke for a 1/4 mile swim, I can't help but say to myself, "they didn't prepare".


BIKE: 54:38
I was surprised that with my wool socks, my feet never once regained feeling from the cold swim. They didn't hurt or bother me, I just couldn't feel them. I enjoyed the bike and was glad the temperature was just right to wear my RTB jersey. My new water bottle mounting with the long straw was helpful so I didn't have to move to drink. It was fun to overtake slower people and to thank all the traffic volunteers. I saw Troy on his return and said, "GO HUSBAND". Lots of time to think and reflect during this 54 minutes. My lungs felt good, my muscles felt good, I was thrilled my arms and legs weren't cold.. just my feet.

RUN: 26:34
After the bike, I decided, I would change socks to a drier wool to see if that would warm up my foot. However, 2.5 miles later. still no feeling in my feet. I couldn't believe it. The insides of my thighs were very tight and in pain from griping the bike seat so tight and from not wearing a padded short during the bike. Still, I was fine with my time and how I felt during the run. At the beginning of my run, I saw Troy go by finishing his. I got to hear the announcer, "TROY SCHURING of Maple Valley". One lady got trapped behind me on the narrow wood pallets and started swearing (not at me) and I just slowed down because I thought she was rude. Later, she was a mess trying to run too fast through the mud. I kept hoping she would lose her shoe or fall! HA...Anyhow, it was nice to hear lots of RTB supporters rooting me on from my TRI team, Raise The Bar. Troy and Alyssa found me as I was coming in from the run and they cheered for me and took pics. I heard my coach yell my name near the finish line! With all the mud near the finish, it was hard to do my serious sprint like I wanted to, but I still didn't let whoever tried to pass me, make it by. I sped up!

Troy was super AMP'd up after the race.. just on fire.. loving the whole atomsphere. It was great to see his spirit and love for Alyssa and I.

POST: It was hard to get my appetite back on Saturday, well, for both of us. I had to eat applesauce and crackers for dinner. We are both a little sore on Sunday and skipped church to just veg on the couch in our jammies. Finally, getting some appetite back too.

Post race pic for Troy and I, Alyssa about to begin her race.

ALYSSA REPORT: Website says she got 2nd in her female age group of 10-12. It was supposed to be a 75 meter swim, 3.3 kilometer bike, 1k run. but the course was shortened due to a muddy course.

IN HER OWN WORDS: My morning started with Dad waking me up saying, "RACE DAY" at 4:30am. I hopped out of bed and into a pair of sweats and sweatshirt, began packing and soon enough, we were driving away. We got out of the truck and wheeled our bikes over to the our racks. I got completely set up in the adult area since a volunteer mis-directed me. Later, I moved to the kid area.

My parents left to start racing as I sat to start a 3 hour wait (7am-10am). Time flew and the next thing I knew, I was in line to start my swim in 60 degree water with my parents on the side cheering me on. There were a group of girls behind me singing, "we're not here to win, just to have fun". They also happened to be the ones who elbowed me later when the horn rang.

SWIM: I was the only one that really warmed up in water prior, doing full laps of swims. During the race, I was the only one who truly swam and didn't run through the water.

BIKE: Mom met me in the transition and helped me with my socks, shoes, helmet and race belt. Off and running with my bike out of transition. I rode 1.6 miles going fast. I passed a group of chatting girls, who were clearly out for a Sunday drive. I was flying by until IT HAPPENED. A boy wasn't going to let me pass and swerved to force me to skid off the path. I didn't miss a beat and I still made my pass. We did a few passes, that boy and I, until I finally kept the lead.

RUN: After the bike, I took less than 10 seconds to throw off my helmet and dump the bike. It was so easy to be able to just wear my suit the entire race, due to great weather. Dad apparently lost track of me since my transition was so fast. He had to run to catch up to me so he could snap a photo. I ran fast and passed many boys and before I knew it, the end was nearing and I kicked in my final sprint. I made it through the finish line ready for a well deserved meal of hot dog, water, chocolate milk and banana.

I can't wait to race again. I just want to race with better athletes next time and with people who don't cheat. Thanks parents for introducing me to a great sport. IRONMAN here I come.
I am so proud of how hard and fast she ran and her drive to do this race! Look at that form.. LOVE IT... wow.. that looks HAWT. I love a great smile at the end of a race. After every good race, you earn some replacement calories. With all three of us racing, I realized the value of needing a non-racing supporter.

Post race pics showing our muddy shoes. Thank you Jacque for the YANX.. We loved them.

Muddy bikes

Our family of medals.

Race day pet peeves:

1. smoking spectators
2. husband/wife teams that ride their bikes side by side, making passing difficult
3. trying to avoid a mud puddle and then having some hot shot blast through it and spray another person
4. Mormon runners in their g's.. i mean.. really.. really?! We are racing people... sheesh, making me feel all un-holy or something...
5. Kids that don't follow their race instructions and parents who encourage them to cheat

BUT to end on a good note... I love racing, I love watching others race. It brings me near tears to people shredding on their muscles and tearing up the course... I love people pushing themselves beyond what they think is possible.