MUSF Sprint Tri

(what a long title for such a short race...)
 



HFP Racing has successfully put on multisport races for over 20 years throughout Ohio, the midwest, and beyond.  April 20th they put on the Miami Sprint Triathlon.  Originally I had hoped to race an early season 70.3, but plans change and I am proud to be flexible with my schedule. 
 
A race director is gambling with Ohio weather in April.  You've got the chance for temperatures ranging from 30-70's and who-knows-what-else in terms of rain, sleet, snow, wind, sunshine, etc.  This year we had 35 degree temperatures and wind.  This is officially the coldest triathlon I've done in my career...
 

Testing out my new XTERRA skinsuit

The race begins with a serpentine swim through the lanes of the Miami University rec pool.  The participants enjoy a time trial start, one racer leaving every couple seconds, to complete a 400 meter swim. 

A sprint race can be won or lost by mere seconds and time spent in T1/T2 needs to be minimal.  Not for this fair-weather-racer...  Let's be honest: getting out of a pool and jumping on a bike dripping wet in 35 degree temperatures is not smart, nor pleasant.  I put on 3 tops, head wrap, gloves, socks, and had toe covers already on my shoes.  I had pants set out, but opted against them when I saw another racer I had passed in the pool about to start the bike ahead of me...  time to get going. 
 
 

Brrrr!!

 

It was soooooo cold on the bike!  My ice block legs did their best to push through the 12 rolling miles around Oxford, Ohio.  I was excited for this race to gauge my fitness level, but in these conditions it was tough to get a clear read.  I would try to push harder but couldn't find any gears.  That's when you say, "everyone is racing in the same conditions... deal with it, and keep pushing". 

So glad for the Tri4Him long sleeve jersey

 

 

Run: I spent 5k running with a guy wearing only a Speedo wondering why on earth he didn't put more clothes on (and assuming he was thinking the same thing).  My legs were numb from the ankle down and I attempted a fast-turnover run through the university campus.  I crossed the finish line 6th overall/ 1st female and spent the next 10 minutes waiting for my face to thaw so I could talk right.  Some of us quickly packed up our gear and spent the next hour thawing in the hot tub  :)

 

Gotta love early season racing.  Click here for full race results

Tri4Him

2013 is quickly becoming filled with many new and exciting things for me.  In terms of triathlon, I am proud to begin racing with the Tri4Him Pro team.

 

Click here to learn about Tri4Him's mission

Click here to learn more about my personal story

Click here to learn how you can get involved with Tri4Him

 

 

A couple weeks ago I got the chance to meet, train, and brainstorm with the Tri4Him founders, some of the team sponsors, and other professional athletes on the team.  What an amazing, motivating, driven group!  Our purpose is not merely focused on racing fast, but glorifying God and loving others through our sport.  Keep your eyes out for opportunities to serve with us beyond race day. 

Top Row: Matt Sheeks, Jared Milam, Nick Waninger, Ryan Rau
Bottom Row: Natasha van der Merwe, Natalie Kirchhoff, Abby Geurink, Missy Kuck

 

After spending time with me (as it relates to sport), you understand that I am serious about training, strive to excel on race day, and encourage others to get involved and push themselves.  Once you talk with me, you understand that my identity is not dependent on triathlon.  While I have enjoyed the successes and opportunities triathlon has brought, I've learned lessons far more important than mere race details over the past 19 seasons (yes...my first triathlon was in the summer of 1994). 

• Humility
• Perseverance
• Leadership
• Pride
• Stewardship
• Courage
• Patience

(just to name a few...)  I can look at the lessons and relate them solely to racing, or choose to understand them as they correspond to other areas in life, and most importantly as it relates to my faith.

But for now I'm getting back on track after the trip to Dallas (with Tri4Him) and a 2nd year assisting with the Marine Corps Wounded Warriors Trials in San Diego.  Next post will cover that trip  :)

miss

Playing Catch-Up

Ever get so behind on something...?  Has it really been since July since my last post on here?  (thank you Facebook for keeping me in touch with family/friends on my whereabouts)  It's been a crazy couple months - here's a quick month by month summary:  

July 

I drove to Chicago and met up with Andrew Starykowicz and Jill Cwik (...now Starykowicz...see December).  While recovering from his Abu Dhabi injuries, Andrew humbly stepped into "home stay" mode.  I'm sure plenty of people were nervous seeing him on race morning :)  My race went fairly well after having raced just the weekend before in Muncie.  I was 2nd out of the water, maintained the #2 position throughout the bike, and finished in 7th after a squelching hot run.  It's been a while, but I remember feeling "flat" throughout the race... no giddy-up. 

Picture courtesy of Ali Engin

 

August

 

• I got confirmation that I was 1 of 30 professional females worldwide to claim a coveted spot to compete at the 70.3 World Championships in Vegas!  GOAL MET!!  I was relieved, though somewhat surprised to secure a spot considering my recent placings.  Nevertheless, I was thrilled to be given the opportunity and began training. 



• One of my favorite training trips over the years has been with a group to North Carolina... this year we headed to Tennessee.  5 days of riding mountains (including the infamous Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap), running trails, and swimming in lakes.  We started out camping, but after getting rained out, hearing park rangers search for a mysterious hiker, and one of our group members terribly miscalculating his daylight:run time ratio... we shacked up with Glen in the cabin we should've be in from day 1. 





September

The bike course...yes, mountains!  Love it

Vegas baby!!  I joined 29 other female professionals (and thousands of age group athletes) racing one of the toughest 70.3 courses out there.  The temperature was over 100 degrees (no shortening the race distance like at Muncie) and the course takes you through mountains...not hills...I said mountains.  This is the type of bike course I love!!  This is the type of bike course people blow up on if they don't conserve early... and they did! 





Speedfil drink system
made my bike AERO!!



Swim: gun went off and I was side by side with Leanda Cave in the first pack until the first turn, then WHAM!!...she kicked me in the eye and I fell off the pack ever so slightly, but it was enough that I couldn't stick on the feet in front of me and I was on my own. 

Bike: I knew I could handle this course and was excited to race with the top professionals all together.  Several women took it out HARD and paid for it later.  I saw several top racers crack mid-way through or caught them at the end of the bike. 

Enjoyed the strip after :)

Run: I love everything about this venue...except the run profile.  You're either going uphill for 2 miles, or downhill for 2 miles.  Bleh!  I suffered the consequences of poor nutrition on the bike and eeked my way to the finish line after walking quite a few aid stations.  Electrolytes and salt tabs are important!!  Force them down even if you don't feel like it... lesson learned the hard way. 

 

 

 

 

October 

 

 

The Nageotte support crew

Inside OSU stadium

My sister Crysten ran her 1st marathon last year.  This year she let me organize her training a bit and she raced #2.  She did amazing, taking 25 minutes off last year's time!!  I ran the last 15 miles with her (yes, I'm a bandit... but I never crossed the finish line and I brought my own nutrition).  I think she's ready for some serious training and a real goal: I see a Boston Qualifier in the near future :)

 

• After Vegas I didn't feel like throwing in the towel on the 2012 season, though I had met my goal in qualifying for 70.3 World Championships.  I decided 8 weeks would be plenty of time to gear up for Ironman Florida.  I am familiar with the distance and know some friends competing... why not? 

November

• After 8 weeks of long distance training I headed to Panama City for Ironman Florida.  I knew it would be a gamble, but the way I figured: all IM distance races are tough the last 6-10 miles.  This one would be no different... right?

Photo courtesy of
Ramon Serrano

 
 

• Swim: the ocean was choppy and had a strong current.  I had a terrible time sighting the buoys on lap #1.  Lap #2 I just told myself to relax and finish the swim knowing it wasn't going to be stellar.  That was a first...

Bike: LOVED IT!  This was my first full distance as a professional and it was quite different.  In past IM races, I've witnessed large age group packs on the bike.  At Rev3 Cedar Point I only saw a couple dozen riders the entire bike.  After this race I had a friend challenge me saying I probably drafted.  No way buddy - there were officials all over the female pros and especially following Jessica Jacobs (previous IMFL champion).  I saw a motorcycle every 5-10 minutes, several riders around me got a penalty, but I managed a clean ride - one I was quite proud of!

Run: I felt relaxed, smooth, and ready to gut out a long run.  Everything was on target through mile 16.  Aaaannd then I faded.  It was all I could do to finish but I was determined!  I walked a handful of aid stations (1 with Jessica Jacobs who ended up having a worse day than I did) but finished only 3 minutes off my PR from 2 years ago.  Not too shabby.  I'll get you next time! 

Another great experience with TriBike Transport! 
Thank you! 

December

Congrats Andrew and Jill

Bob, Lisa, and I

Took a road trip with my coach Bob Duncan and his wife Lisa to Chicago to celebrate Andrew and Jill Starykowicz's wedding.  Wish you guys nothing but the best!  Thank you for inviting me to join in on the celebration
 

Whew...  at least I'm caught up to 2013.  Lots of changes this year... race season already underway... 

miss