Rakels Take Over Clearwater & Mad Mud Run!!

The Rakel Clan and friends had a smashing great time in Clearwater! The weather couldn't have been better and my dad and I both had great races. First thing first...how'd the race go? I went 4:25:20 (30:06 swim/2:14:16 bike/1:36:29 run). Having family and friends to cheer me on was definitely a plus! On top of it all, Rob made custom "Team Rakel - It's a Reality" bright orange shirts which were a HUGE hit and made finding each other much easier.

I finished 34th overall, to include the pro women. As a pro, I would have finished 15th. In my age group, I finished 11th. Once again, by far, my age group was the most competitive at the race!

The swim was moved to the harbor because of the fear that waves left over from Hurricane Ida would be too dangerous. As a result, we had a time trial start by wave. This meant you really had to race against yourself because there was no way of knowing where you were at in relation to everyone else in your wave. Once again, I swam in my Zoot wetsuit, and I posted an all-time best for the 1.2-mile swim. I continue to LOVE this wetsuit. My swim cap did come off during the swim but I just kept going.

The bike portion felt solid, but I will say the course was dangerously crowded. I started in one of the last waves so I was constantly passing people. At one point I was run off the road and did some grass-riding on tubulars...I was a little nervous but stayed calm and got back to the pavement safely. Phew...could have been bad!

I was most happy about the run. This course is NOT flat due to a bridge you run up and over 4 times (2 times/loop). I took a chance and raced in new KSwiss Kona racing flats. As much as I love everything I use from Zoot, the one exception would be their racing shoes. I love the tri-friendly design of the Zoot shoes, but they simply aren't wide enough for me. Problem solved with the KSwiss shoes however!

The awards ceremony was a great time to relax and have

fun...I had my "beer for the year" ;-)

And, check out the cute picture of

Marie's son, Max, wearing my aero helmet in his very own orange shirt! Adorable! Max is a bundle of energy.

And...I can't forget to mention the 4-mile Mad Mud Run that my training partner, Ryan, and I won this past weekend. We raced as a coed team and managed to beat all the male-only teams. Working together, we rocked the obstacles, had fun, and tore up the mud pit! Check it out...

Step 1: approaching mud pit

Step 2: destroying mud pit (yes, I'm smiling)

Step 3: post-race photo with silly hats

Updated Condo Pics and Clearwater

My bedroom furniture was finally delivered which has been wonderful. I don't have a queen-size comforter yet...one step at a time though. I also took a picture of my chase sofa which I love lounging on after work. I'm really getting settled into my life here. The local athletes are very nice, and I've found some great training buddies who are fast. Yes...I'm still swimming with the swimmers, and this past week I did my longest swim workout to date--5200 meters in a 50 meter pool. It was awesome!!

The Half Ironman World Championships in Clearwater, FL is just around the corner. The race will take place on Saturday, November 14th. My dad and I will both be racing, and we're excited to have the opportunity to share such an amazing experience together. Also, we have a lot of family coming to watch the race, so it'll also be like a mini family reunion. If you're going to the race, the "Rakel Clan" will be easy to spot. My friend Rob designed and made bright orange shirts for everyone to wear. I can hardly wait!! Plus, this race will mark the end of a long season for me.

This past week I finished the 5-week course where I learned more about supporting the F-16 mission at Luke AFB. Training while doing the best I could in the course was challenging. I had an AWESOME class, and we worked well together as a team. I can't thank them enough for supporting me as I juggled the coursework and triathlon training.

Say a prayer that Clearwater goes well for my dad and me:-)

Swimming with Swimmers

This past week a swim coach by the name of Matt Rankin answered many prayers of mine. Prior to last week, I was swimming with a small group of swimmers at the Westside YMCA at noon. The coach, Ryan Kent, is great and even gets in the water with his swimmers and provides very valuable stroke feedback. However, last week I had to begin a 5-week course to learn more about supporting the F-16 mission at Luke AFB. During this course, swimming with Ryan during lunch is impossible. So, I knew I'd be back to swimming alone:-(

Many triathletes are forced to swim alone for one reason or another. And, I've certainly done plenty of this. I'm definitely at a point where I'm increasing my swimming volume. While I have done big sets alone, I was having trouble getting rid of a bad voice in my head that kept telling me I'm not getting any faster despite how hard I'm working. This voice would sometimes cause me to get very frustrated and hop out of the water.

So, Thursday morning I hit the pool at 5am once again to undertake a long swim workout. Not too far into the main set, I find I'm hitting that mental block again. So, eventually I hop out. Thankfully, Matt sees me and we get to talking. He says that I can't do what I'm trying to do without a coach and without other swimmers. Then, he said that I could swim with his swimmers. I asked him what about when they do the other strokes. While I know how to do them, I don't do them fast and my focus definitely needs to be freestyle. He said it wouldn't be a problem and we'd modify the sets as necessary.

Friday morning was literally the first time in my life to do an entire workout with the "real" swimmers. I loved having them there and having Matt there. It is so different for me, but I know I'm going to get a lot faster. The standard 5am workout is at least 4000 meters in a 50 meter pool. Needless to say, I feel very relieved to know that my desire to work hard will finally be combined with an experienced swim coach and strong swimmers. Phew! A HUGE thanks to Matt, Ryan, and the Westside Silver Fins for accomodating "the triathlete."

What's Your Stress Scale Score?

Phew...take a minute to kick back and relax as you can see Brian is doing in this photo! I've recently been through quite a bit and for the first time I noticed a major impact to my triathlon race results. I recently competed in the USAT Age Group National Championship. While my age group was ridiculously competitive, never before have I tried my best in a race and simply gone slow.

Before describing the race, let's do a quick stress scale calculation. Go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmes_and_Rahe_stress_scale and scroll down until you see the chart. Start adding the numbers and see where you fall. I've been around a 249 but am thankfully decreasing that number everyday as I settle into my new life here in Arizona.

While my result at USAT Age Group Nationals wasn't atrocious, it was far from what I wanted. I finished 33/327 women overall and 11th in my age group. Yes...that's a very competitive age group! Boy did I miss my Zoot wetsuit considering the water wasn't cold enough to use it. And, dealing with a current in the river resulted in making some mistakes that I'll never repeat. Bad swim or not, neither my bike or run was what it should have been. So, why did this happen?

That's where the stress scale factors in. I'm having to realize that I'm human and things affect me like they would most other people. I've recently moved to a new place which means finding new places to do all of my training. I've started a new job and have moved into an unfurnished place for the first time ever. This meant a lot of shopping for things I needed (like a bed!).

Thankfully I spent this past weekend escaping the heat and training in Flagstaff, AZ. The weekend was hosted by Grasky Endurance Coaching. It was tough, exhausting, but fun! All of the people I met and trained with were awesome too. If you're ever on the fence about doing a triathlon camp, you should definitely check out some that Brian offers throughout the year.

Well, time to clean the bathroom!

Adventures in Hawaii

See the photo above? It's from the Stairway to Heaven (3,922 stairs and 2,400 ft of elevation gain) hike on Oahu. As promised in my previous blog post, I have pictures from Hawaii! I decided to come out to Oahu for triathlon training and to visit my oldest sister (Marie), her husband (Eric), and their son (Max) at Hickam AFB. My younger sister, Renee, is out enjoying her first trip to the Islands. Renee just graduated from New York University and is pursuing musical theater (Broadway shows) in NYC. The list of adventures we have undertaken is long and includes an all-day trip to the Hilo side (not Kona side) of the Big Island.

Enjoying a Mongolian BBQ with my family at Hickam AFB

Cliff jump at Waimea Bay

I don't like the idea of sharing macadamia nuts with Eric
The remote waterfall that Renee and I hiked to and dipped in...oh, the stories!

Lava flow on Chain of Craters Road (Big Island)

Crater emitting toxic volcanic gas (sulfur dioxide)

It was hard to see the No Trespassing sign so early in the morning when we began

Renee and I ascending the stairs one step at a time! Stats: 3,922 stairs, 2,400 ft of elevation

Signing the wall at the top of the Stairway to Heaven

In addition to the adventures above, we experienced a creepy lava tube hike, walking across the center of a crater, surfing, snorkeling, eating authentic pineapple whip at the Dole Pineapple Plantation, incredible open water swims, and beautiful trail runs. It has been a memorable time to say the least!!

P.S. I have a few friends who are currently deployed...please keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers! I've sent them a package of Hawaiian goodies:-)

Buffalo Springs Lake Triathlon 70.3 AG Win!

I've been able to race at Buffalo Springs Lake in Lubbock, TX 3 times since moving to San Angelo. Going back to Lubbock is always like walking down memory lane because we lived there from 1994-1997. The first picture is the driving range where my dad, sister, and I used to practice golf. The range is now nonexistant and homes are creeping up all around it. A sign that time is passing by! There is also a picture of Crestview Elementary School where I went to 4th grade. I used to play tag on this playground during recess (when I wasn't sitting in time

out).

Who would have thought my dad and I would return to Lubbock 12 years later as triathletes! Wow! With that...onto my age group win at the BSLT Half Ironman (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run). The week prior to the race I tried out the ultra taper instead of the traditional taper. Why? Because the 12-hour day work week (with a 4am recall time) made it very difficult to workout. We had a "Capstone-type" exercise which I actually enjoyed, despite the frustration of wanting to train and knowing I had a tough Half Ironman ahead of me.

The taper went out the window, but I did make sure to get plenty of sleep at night in addition to some chocolate trifle.

So...an ultra taper, decent enough pre-

race day workouts, and whether I was ready or not, race day morning arrived. The buzzer sounds and off I went with my dolphin dives over the waves until I could swim. One stroke after another, a breath on the right side every other stroke, my hands brush up against girl's feet in front of me, and repeat over and over. Until...WHAM! Insert foot of girl in front of me into goggles. Ouch! Okay...now I'm awake. Empty them

out, and repeat the sequence described above (to include the third step). On the final stretch, I broke ahead of her which probably made her happy.

Now, time to brave the 25mph gusts of wind with my disc

wheel--sweet! Definitely thoughts of getting blown over, but thankfully I have good balance! The first hour whizzes by as I knocked out ~21 miles. This course is known for steep hills and switchbacks which I had been looking forward to. For a triathlete, I descend hills quickly...not a single guy dared to stay with me on the descents of the switchbacks. Note that about a year ago a guy did try to stay with me. He ended up on the ground and in the emergency room. A few miles past the last switchback descent, down comes the rain. Great! I'll get back to T2 wet, but at least I had the foresight to put all my run gear in a plastic bag. 4 miles from the transition area and...pssssssssss. Oh no...can't be...not two races in a row...God? Isn't there a rule against flatting two races in a row? Sure enough, my front tire was punctured by a sharp rock. At least it wasn't the brand new tire that I had just replaced from the last flat. This flat was a slow leak and I made it back to T2 without having to stop. Phew...

3 huge, long, steep, awesome, enjoyable, fun hills on the run course. Two on the way out, one on the return trip. Certainly my return split with two downhills would be faster, right? Wrong. Oh well. I primarily train for Olympic distances triathlons, right? Right. Okay:-) The half marathon run distance felt fine and my body handled it like a champ. I tried hard to will my body to go faster, but it would only go so fast which wasn't as fast as I was hoping. But, all in all, considering the ultra taper situation and that I threw in a Half Ironman just for the heck of it, no complaints from me!

I turned down the Kona Ironman slot and took the Clearwater Half Ironman World Championship slot (Nov 14th). My dad managed to get a roll down slot, so we'll compete in the World Championships together! Maybe we'll be the only father-daughter entry?

On July 9th I will move to Luke AFB near Phoenix, AZ. Then, I'm taking a two week trip to Hawaii! Stayed tuned for pictures of me surfing, climbing the Stairway to Heaven, eating pineapple, snorkeling, eating Macadamia nuts, cliff jumping, oh yeah...and training (a lot) of course.

click here for Buffalo Springs Lake 70.3 Results

A Whirlwind of Emotions

The past three weekends have included 3 Olympic-distance triathlons for me.  In the course of these races, I experienced a wide range of emotions.  

Emotion #1: excitement!!  I was fortunate to accomplish some of my goals during these races.  I qualified for the Best of the US Amateur Triathlon Championship by winning the Buffman & Squeaky Triathlon and I did well enough at Cap Text Tri to get my pro card (which I will hold off getting for a while).  

Emotion #2: crying.  I don't often get to experience a good cry.  I think it's healthy to do this once in a while and it always feels relieving.  This has never quite happened right before a race, but the Cap Tex Tri was an exception.  The race was on Memorial Day, and a few days before the race, a great person I knew of was killed by an IED in Afghanistan.  Roslyn Schulte was only 25 and graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2006.  We were in the same career field, and she was doing a job that I can see myself doing when I eventually deploy.  Roslyn's death really struck a chord in my heart because of the similarities I know we shared.  She will be missed by many, many people.

  

Before starting the Cap Tex Tri, the race director recognized 9 Wounded Warriors who were doing the race that morning.  Seeing them and thinking of Roslyn started the flow of tears.  Then, there was a moment of silence followed by the National Anthem.  During the National Anthem, I stood proudly at attention and tried my best to maintain good bearing despite the tears.  It was emotional to say the least, and thankfully I was able to compose myself for the swim!  That race was for Roslyn, and I'll never forget it.

Emotion #3: outright frustration.  I have decided that I have an annoying curse on me for when I race in the Armed Forces Triathlon Championship.  For the second year in a row, I flatted on the bike course after having a solid swim.  In my short triathlon career, I've averaged one flat tire (in a race) per year.  Last year, I flatted during the 3rd (of 4) lap and was able to still finish the race.  This year, however, I flatted only 2 miles into the bike course.  I heard the gush of air leaving the tire, but I thought it was the rider in front of me (Heidi Grimm).  I rode most of the first lap in denial that I had actually flatted.  Then, while coming around a corner, I knew it was me and not her.  So, I filled the tire with PitStop (similar to a CO2 cartridge but with a sealant).  I did another lap, only to find that my tire was squishy and the air wouldn't hold for 2 more laps.  I went back to the transition area and the mechanic put air in my tire to see if it'd hold, but it came right out the hole.  The Air Force team didn't have any useable spare wheels in the wheel drop, so I had no option but to drop out of the race:-(

This whole experience was very, very frustrating to me because I know I had a realistic shot at winning this race.  And, it killed me to see my teammates laboring hard on the run while all I could do was watch and cheer them on.  Grrrr.  All of this being said, I try to find the positives in things.  The Air Force women's team did awesome, even without my finish!!!  They took first by a long shot!!!  We are a young team and have many more years of domination ahead of us, so this is exciting.  Also, I called Brian to let him know what happened, and I told him that I needed no recovery from this race.  Therefore, I have been able to go right into full-up training for the tough Half Ironman I have on June 28th.

There is so much more to life then flatting in a race and not being able to finish.  I think it's important to keep things in perspective.  I'm very thankful that I was even able to make it to California to race considering I'm still in formal military training (less than 5 weeks left).  The support I've received from instructors, classmates, my supervisor, and commander has been refreshing because I do know what dealing with the other side of the coin is like.

Please keep Roslyn's friends and family in your prayers.  She had so much to live for, but I know that God is working the "master plan" and I trust that he knows what's best, despite the hardships.