June 1, 2010

Random happenings and advice needed

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Random Happenings:
*  I got to go on a long bike ride on Sunday, and finally Mother Nature didn't get in my way.  It was an awesome ride and I got to stay in aero almost the entire time.  The only thing that sucked about the ride was all of the bugs that were out and about.  I was literally getting pelted by these little black bugs.  I think I swallowed a handful of them, which was really really gross!  Here is a picture of part of my arm after my ride.  See the little black spots...those are dead bugs, and that is just a small sampling of what was all over my arms and legs!

*  I had an embarrassing fall on my road bike on Monday.  My husband and I loaded up the boys in the burley, packed a picnic lunch, and headed to the Cherry Creek Reservoir.  We knew that it would be crazy busy, but we figured since we were riding our bikes that it wouldn't be as bad.  We really wanted to take the boys by the reservoir so they could see all of the boats, jet-skis, etc.. in the water.  When we got to the res. it was really, really busy.  There were bikers, cars, trucks, etc. everywhere!  Anyways, we were going down a multi-use trail when we came to a place where we had to cross over the main road to continue on the trail.  My husband was in front of me with the burley.  I looked both ways and there was a big truck coming, but it was far enough away that we could have passed safely.  I just assumed my husband was going to cross, but he stopped.  I had to slam on my brakes and couldn't get clipped out in time.  So, I fell over and scrapped my knee pretty bad.  It was a little embarrassing, but I'm just glad I didn't hurt myself any more than I did.  It really would have sucked to have had an injury that would have prevented me from doing my tri on Friday because I fell over!

Now for the advice:
I am doing my first sprint tri of the season on Friday.  I am really excited about it because it's fairly small and right by my house.  Anyways, the tri starts at 6pm.  Usually, with morning tris, I eat a bagel with peanut butter and honey a couple of hours before the start time and I'm good to go for the race.  With an evening start though, I have no idea what to do!  Here's where I would really appreciate your thoughts and advice on what you think I should do.

Right now, I'm leaning towards eating my bagel with PB and honey around 4ish, then having a quick Gu or something before the swim start.  But, I don't know if that will be enough.  I usually eat dinner at 6pm, so I'm assuming I will be starving at race time.  I don't want to eat a huge meal before the race, but I also don't want to bonk during the race either (not that I think I would bonk, but you get the idea).

Oh yeah, and the temperature on Friday is supposed to be 92...the hottest day yet.  Yikes!  I'm hoping that it won't be too bad by 6pm, but it will probably still be in the 80s.  It should make for an interesting race!

23 comments:

ShutUpandRun said...

I have my first sprint tri on Sunday in Longmont...I don't know what time I start yet - but I usually am okay eating an hour before a race. I think you'll be fine if you eat at 4, then a gu. Good luck!!

Unknown said...

Hi Aimee - Sounds like you had a nice weekend too!

Just treat the race like it is any other workout at 6pm. Personally, I'd eat a normal Breakfast, snack, lunch, snack again, take a GU or pre-race drink, race, then finally a late dinner. Now you may have a different eating schedule but just keep it as normal as possible and make sure you start the hydration process a couple days before because of the extreme heat!

Good luck and I can't wait to hear about the race!

KC (my 140 point 6 mile journey) said...

First off, glad your spill didn't do any serious damage...the type of damage to sideline you. Second, those gnats are great protein, but do feel nasty stuck to your body. And third, why don't you do a practice tomorrow and eat your bagel with p-nut butter and honey around 4 and do a quick workout or your normal workout at the time the tri would be? Of course, that's if you can coordinate the time to do that. As Jeff said, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!! No Rocky mountain sweat stains!

RunToTheFinish said...

i keep ending up with bugs like that all over my face during runs, EWWWW

got no advice since I don't do tri's...but I say go with what your gut tells you

Krista said...

I agree it is a good idea to try to stick with how you might eat before an evening workout. Perhaps add in an extra CLIF bar or something? I find I can eat those without getting an upset stomach since they are compact.

I ate a giant but this morning on my ride. It was gross. I can't imagine all those gnats - yuck!

Maggs said...

Have you ever done a workout in the evening? Try to do something similar. Probably a bagel in the afternoon and gel right before the start would work. That's what I'd do.

Where are all these PM races. I'd LOVE to do one. I'm not an AM person.

justme said...

that is a tough one about the eating, can you try to workout at 6 one day this week and do a test on what you want to eat ?
those dead bugs are gross. good luck

RockStarTri said...

Bugs are protein but I probably wouldn't recommend them prior to your race - during is another story though.

In all seriousness, back off your start time (typically 3 hours is best) and eat then. This will give your body to process the food and to minimize any GI distress.

misszippy said...

Yuck on those bugs!

I would eat some good calories early in the day and then go with your plan around 4:00. I think you will have enough calories that way. Good luck with it and have fun!

Kathleen said...

I did that race last year and I just treated it like a regular workout in terms of food.
I am actually considering doing it this year. I hope to make my decision before Friday. I haven't done any OWS but I am more worried about the water temp then the wetsuit.
Glad you were able to get to Chatfield.
I have sent you a couple of e-mails. I hope you have received them.
Good Luck on Friday!

DRog said...

Bugs! Ugh..I don't have any experience to draw on for advise but the comments already listed sounds good...I like the idea of a trial run a day or two before...
good luck!
-D

Unknown said...

I think your plan seems very sound. I would definitely take a GU before and possibly during if you are unsure. I would also avoid too much fiber during the earlier part of the day...

Have fun!!

Caratunk Girl said...

I am so happy that your fall didn't sideline you. I agree with what folks are saying - treat it as you would before a 6pm workout. I like KC's idea of a practice run. AND like folks are saying, hydrate! Good luck this weekend!

Christi said...

I am so glad that you did not hurt yourself. FYI, I always just fall over on my bike! Good luck at your race. I think everyone has given you great advice so I would follow that.

Julie said...

Were you riding on the bike paths? That's the one thing I really hate about them, is the bugs...ick! Sometimes it's like going through a sand storm.

Good luck on your race Friday. And I'm with whoever said treat it like a regular workout as far as fuel.

Unknown said...

The bugs are the worst part of riding in the summer! :(

I would eat lunch at your normal time and then eat the bagel around 4. Hopefully having the extra calories between lunch and dinner will keep you full through the race.

Drink lots on Thursday and Friday to prepare for the heat! And best of luck!!!

AM! said...

i say...that'll be enough. you'll be good to go w/the 1/2 bagel & gu. and so fun for your first sprint! show pics and race report;-)

Jon said...

Sounds like your pride was hurt more than your body during your fall. I hate it when that happens! Feels the entire world saw you fall, right?

Ewe, bugs! Its like driving through a rain storm sometimes, except your don't get wet :(

Julie said...

Hi Aimee,
I went on a run today and ended up with a ton of those bug babies in my mouth! Icky!

Good luck on your first sprint tri!

Big Daddy Diesel said...

my 2 cents

I would eat your normal breakfast, your normal snacks, for lunch I would have brown or whole grain rice, chicken, and a light veggie, something that will give you fuel, yet light enough to not feel it come race time.

Unknown said...

Good luck on the Sprint Tonight!

BriGaal said...

good luck!! I think eating is very personal - although if it were me, I would eat just a tiny bit earlier (like 3pm) because I tend to get a little more anxious/nervous and my stomach would be unsettled more so then in for an evening workout. but these are things you just have to try out!

Caratunk Girl said...

HEY!! Good luck tonight! I am so mad, I missed doing a shout out for you!!! Next time for sure. Dang it. Thinking of you (nice cool fast thoughts) - you are going to do awesome!