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May 08, 2005
St. Croix Roundup and My First Triathlon
I didn’t get a chance to update before we left for St. Croix, as everything got hectic with shipping our bikes, packing, running errands, etc. And why does it seem you have to work twice as hard before you go on vacation? Anyway, this is my disclaimer for lack of posting before vacation. I won’t bother to backtrack, since I didn’t get much running or other exercise that week – the last week of April, that is. Get ready to read a book length entry…
Sunday, May 1, 2005 St. Croix Triathlon
I completely underestimated the challenges of the sprint triathlon, which was a 750-meter swim, 8-mile bike ride, and 4 mile run. Easy stuff, right? My thoughts going into it were “It’ll take just over an hour. It won’t be hard.” or “The water is calm in St. Croix. The swim will be no sweat.” or “The short bike ride is flat. I’ve been spinning. No problem.” Okay, none of that was the case. Not only was the water very choppy, the bike course was hilly, the run was hilly too, and it was sunny, hot, windy, and humid. In fact, I almost did not start the tri. Everyone had to swim 200 yards over to a small island to the start. I started panicking because 1) it was my first open water swim ever and 2) the water was extremely rough. My two friends, C. and C., swam with me and encouraged me. Once we got to the island, though, I was like “I don’t think I can do this. I won’t be able to do the swim.” I was nearly crying. C. convinced me to at least start the race, not to make a panic-based decision. So, I did and I struggled through it, swimming buoy to buoy alongside a lady and her daughter in a kayak who mentally pulled me through my self-doubt. If it weren’t for my friends and the volunteers, I likely would have pulled my swim cap off and called it a day early. Even the locals and our friends who have done the (half ironman) race there before said the choppy water was unusual. The bike and run were challenging due to the weather conditions and hills, but I enjoyed them both and they were over really in the blink of an eye. The countryside was beautiful and the Crucians (St. Croix natives) were extremely friendly. I want to do more triathlons, even longer distance ones, but I need to overcome my mental inhibitions with the swim. I know I can swim, the kayakers even commented that my stroke looked very strong. I just need more open water swim time.
After our short race, we watched our friends and R. in the half ironman race. I was really inspired and in awe of all the pros and everyone churning along in those nasty conditions and especially on the Beast - a mile+ long hill on the bike course that ranges from an 18 to 21 percent grade and seemed unreal when we drove it the day before. And the pros were so muscular, fast, smooth, and focused. There’s definitely a lot more awareness required than for the marathon, because of the transitions and all your gear needs. You have to watch for other bikers, runners, cars, and listen for where to go, when to clip out, remember where your stuff is, don’t forget your tools, spare tubes, Gu, Powerbars, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc, etc. The chaos adds to the thrill of the day.
Monday, May 2, 2005 intro to scuba diving at Cane Bay
With all the birds chirping outside of our rental estate, I woke up raring to go at 6:30am. Since everyone was still asleep recovering their muscles, I went for a 50 minute run on the roads near our house. The outbound trip was completely downhill and my quads could definitely feel it. The scenery was so breathtaking, though, that I was reveling in the views of the trees, ocean, homes, and the sounds of nature – quite therapeutic. The return trip was a bit brutal on the winding uphill road, but it was fun, as I don’t get to run on hills that often anymore. When I got back, I did a few sets of pushups.
Once everyone got up, we headed down to the beach on the North shore. R., E., and I took our first scuba diving lesson – almost all our other friends were already certified. Our instructor predicted beforehand that R. was going to use up his air first, but he was wrong and I ended up being the weakest link. I was nervous and water kept getting into my mask. Even so, it was an amazing new world underwater with colorful and lively fish and beautiful plants.
Tuesday, May 3, 2005 more scuba diving at Cane Bay
No running today. I was finally feeling the effects of the triathlon and Monday’s run. We had two dives planned, but I only ended up doing one because I couldn’t equalize the pressure in my left ear. I kept floating up to the surface today, which was unnerving, but at least I did better on my usage of compressed air. We also got hooked up with a local fisherman (thanks to a recommendation from our dive instructor) who caught some spiny lobsters for us that morning, and we cooked them up for dinner. They were the best lobsters any of us had ever had…and for only $7 a pound, what a bargain!
Wednesday, May 4, 2005 couples run & dining in Fredriksted
R. and I went for a 75 minute run downhill toward Cane Bay with M. and S., his high school friend. Since we didn’t leave until after 9am, we roasted in the sun on the uphill return trip. Shade was non-existent. The usual temps are mid 80s, but with the heat index it feels like low 90s. Afterward, we had lunch at a French restaurant in Fredriksted and walked around, but there wasn’t anything impressive there. In fact, we felt like we were in the ghetto.
Everyone else had gone deep-sea fishing (We didn’t go because I get sea sick.) and caught several large mahi mahi that we had for dinner. R. and I felt so spoiled from all the great meals we were having thanks to our friends who were well versed in the kitchen. Fresh seafood, grilled veggies, bruschetta, mango salsa, tasty salads…we don’t eat this well back home.
Thursday, May 5, 2005 shopping in Christiansted
I just did a 30-minute run and some pushups today. My right piriformis pain reared its ugly head again and unlike in the past, the pain traveled down through my hamstring. I think running on the severe declines/banked roads made things worse, but I had no other choice than not to run. I would’ve gone stir crazy. While we were shopping in town, my hip and hamstring continued to ache/feel strained. At every sitting opportunity, I massaged my poor hammy with a tennis ball I brought along.
Friday, May 6, 2005 relaxing by the pool
I went for an hour run on the same route as Wednesday. My legs, hip, and cardio were beat from a tough week of running all down/up hills in hot conditions, so I had to do some walking on the way back home. Most everyone had gone on a boat dive at Salt River (like I said, I don’t do boats well), except for two of the guys who rode their bikes over to the Beast again. When I got finished, I enjoyed some alone time in and next to the pool with a professional military reading book – Company Command: The Bottom Line.
Saturday, May 7, 2005 snorkeling, the return trip home
I gave my legs a break today. Instead, R. and I got in one last trip to the water via snorkeling and swimming. I was surprised how many fish and sea urchins we saw even in the shallow parts. I wish we had all these diving and snorkeling opportunities closer to home. It’s so much fun, and I didn’t want it to end. This was definitely more of a relaxing vacation than Greece in September. There isn’t much to do in St. Croix besides water sports, shop, eat, and relax. We didn’t have email or cell phone connectivity to distract us.
Sunday, May 8, 2005 long run at Burke Lake Park
Whew! I can’t believe it’s over. R. and I felt groggy and not completely with it most of the day. After unpacking, I drove to Burke Lake Park and ran for just over two hours. Many families were out celebrating Mothers Day, as I wished I could have been doing with my mom and sister. I spent the first loop warming and waking up, but then I gradually picked up the pace for the second and third laps. I felt strong despite not having done much running the past couple weeks. I feel a bit congested, perhaps from breathing in so much pollen and debris this morning. We spent the rest of the day taking it easy, getting caught up around the house, and doing some errands for my best friend’s baby shower next weekend. Now I need to get to bed. I want to write more about the trip, our gorgeous house, old and new friends, but tomorrow brings an early workday. Must get some rest!
I’m looking forward to catching up on blogs this week and learning about our new bloggers!
Posted by Leilani at May 8, 2005 10:24 PM
Comments
Congratulations on your first tri! Open water swimming is a whole different animal...in my first ocean swim, I ran out and ran back to the beach in tears. You rock that you were able to finish. Once you get used to it, it will be much easier. It sounds like you had an awesome trip!
Blondie
Posted by: Blondie at May 9, 2005 08:37 PM
Congrats on finishing your first triathlon! That's awesome! (it was your first right?) I would be terrified of swimming in open water, despite the fact that I'm a relatively good swimmer. Too many things can go bad! Anyway - sounds like you had a great trip - but I'm glad you are back! :)
Posted by: Beth at May 9, 2005 08:39 PM
What a fun trip!! It sounds like you were so active. Yeah, I am afraid of Tris b/c it seems like you have to remember so many things/accessories besides the actual sports. Welcome back!
Posted by: Audrey at May 9, 2005 08:48 PM
Hey congratulations! What a great trip and experience, I'm glad you had a great time!
Posted by: Nanda at May 10, 2005 11:30 AM