Our Empty Nest Dog

About 10 years ago, one of our daughters was away at college and the other was still at home but, was in college and working. They didn't need us. We'd spent 20+ years bathing, feeding, driving, etc. now what?

I wanted to spend more time outdoors and I wanted to help people. I started with a local Search And Rescue (SAR) group and after I was sure this was what I wanted to do, I started looking for a puppy.

Tazzy @ 10 weeks

Tazzy's first week, Grumpy and I wondered what sort of demon dog did we get. She chased the cat. She peed in the cat's house. She bit everyone and everything with those sharp needle teeth. She had NO attention span so trying to do any training was frustrating. And then, it clicked. Sure she still attacked the rose bushes and chased the cat, but we could actually do short bursts of training.

Soon, she was old enough to start going to SAR training with me. She did the groups downs with the older dogs and by 6 months she could down as long as any of the older dogs. She did her puppy searches and learned to absolutely LOVE the Find It game. She was very enthusiastic in her finds and subjects were known to be very "physically" found. She was so into finding her subject and so fast, she could run through a horse trail and not skip a beat while scooping up something for her own reward.

Tazzy @ 12 months wearing her SAR training vest

At about 20 months, I started taking her to agility classes. At about this same time, it was clear her IBD wasn't going away. Doctors said it was stress and so, we took a break from SAR training. For the next couple of years, we toyed at class and met lots of nice people. Eventually, our classmates started competing at trials. Two good friends (Chris and Dorothy) talked me into signing up for a trial.

Tazzy @ 5 years earned her C-ATCH (CPE Agility Trial Champion)

In addition to getting me out to compete, Dorothy invited Grumpy and me to join in their Friday night guitar playing. That introduced us to a whole new and different group of people. Grumpy and his buddy, James, are preparing to do their first open mic late this week.

If that wasn't enough, Dorothy's daughter Jocelyn worked with Grumpy and Tazzy to get into the Rally ring and eventually earn their RE (Rally Excellent). She worked with Shelby and me as well.

Also through the agility connections, my classmates Barbara and Molly, encouraged me to start running and biking ... and yep, swimming. Molly was instrumental in getting me started in triathlon. Through both Barbara and Molly, Grumpy and I met yet another group of nice people.

Who would have thought that getting a dog, would change our lives so much. We now have Shelby and Essie. Are busy all the time with dog sports, triathlon, music, family, and friends.

Happy 10th birthday my little empty nest dog.

C-ATCH2 Hall's Canine Razzmatazz RE ChSt CGC NAP OJP OFP PD1PKII PJII PGII

2012 Morgan Hill Half Marathon Race Report

The last of my 2012 season races is in the books. I chose to do the Morgan Hill Half Marathon (MHMH) solely on when the race was rather than the course. In fact, I didn't even look at the course until about 2 months prior to the race. Turns out the course is a very hilly first 7 miles and a more reasonable 6.1 miles at the end.

gulp

All dreams of PR quickly disappeared. I quickly dismissed pulling out. I'd just make this a training race. I've been struggling all year to learn to pace myself. I would HAVE to pace myself on this in order to survive.

Grumpy was signed up to do the 5k so, he would have some fun today too. As we walked to the Start line, we both joked about how much easier it was to come to a running race than a tri. He was glad he didn't have to play Sherpa today.

Early Morning Chaos

MHMH uses self seeding. One of the mistakes I made at Divas was getting into the corral for the overall pace I had planned rather than the start pace. It's harder to resist going out too fast when the crowd is surging. I seeded myself in the 2:20 group (too fast but I wasn't going any farther back). I was pretty relaxed at this point. Not like any other race I've ever done. I had a good race plan. I was challenging myself to follow the plan. There was no one asking any more of me than to race the plan.

Finally, the race began and I started off easy. Quickly the 2:20 pacer was well beyond me and people were passing me left and right. I kept my starting pace and watched the line of the road (which was straight at this point). By the end of mile 1, the 2:30 pacer had passed me and the Garmin said I had done exactly 1 mile.

I allowed myself to go a little faster if it was easy but, when I noticed my breath or my HR was into zone 3, I pulled back. By mile 4, the road was twisting and turning with a gradual uphill. I had gained and extra .05 miles so, I need to set the line better through this curvy roads. At this point, the 2:40 pacer passed me. I couldn't take it. I didn't want them to get too far out of sight but, I was right at the first big hill. The plan had the provision in it that I might have to walk this hill if the effort was too great. WALK it not STROLL it. So, WALK it I did. A group of 3 women passed me on the way up. When I got to the top, they were doubled over panting. I just started to run again. I never saw them again.

I walked up the second hill with purpose and switched to running as soon as I got to the top of the hill. I had gained another .05 mile on the Garmin. Shoot, need to run a straighter line. This was mile 7 and now the plan strategy changed. Now, I get to let it loose. I flew down that hill (9:07 pace).  I passed the 2:40 pacer who cheered me on (probably thinking I wouldn't hold it). A mile down that hill and the grade started to even out. At this point the plan was to switch to half marathon goal pace (11:24). I had more in my legs but, I knew I needed to finish strong at the end. I tried to keep the pace -- no faster, no slower.

At mile 12, I knew there was a short hill. Unfortunately, had missed the fact that there is a short hill just past mile 11. I let myself walk that hill and tried to muster purpose. I was passing walkers that had started early but, I was mentally struggling to keep going. As I made it up that hill, I just sort of bitch-slapped myself and picked it up. Turning the corner at mile 12, I thought it just run down the hill, turn right, and there was the finish line. I cheered on others and got them running too. We got to the bottom and turned right and it was out another block  before the start of the finish line shoot! I didn't give up. I kept pushing.

The race plan was to finish strong at the end. I averaged 10:06 that last 1/4 mile. In total, Garmin had 13.21 miles. Tough to run a straight line with all the people in the way on those curvy roads.

Result: 2:33:09 PR!


P.S. Grumpy took 3rd in age group.

2012 Mighty Mermaids Race Report

When I decided on the races I would do this year, one of the races I had to do was the Mighty Mermaids Triathlon in Capitola. I had done it in 2011 and felt very disappointed in my performance. I had struggled with training before the race. So, I wanted another bite at the apple.

This year, I continued to get every workout in, as planned, and 100%. But, this past week, I had a noticeable lack of enthusiasm. Ocean water swim, hilly bike ride, and a run along the coast, what's not to love?

Once again, Grumpy and I were there super early to get decent parking and transition spot. Turns out, I didn't get too much of a choice where I set up. They had it sectioned by which distance you were doing. But, I got the spot I wanted and then we headed down to the beach.

Zooming in only shows the first buoy

Waiting for the race to start, I could see there was a pattern to the waves - very calm followed by 6-7 large waves then, calm again. Getting in would be fairly easy, just watch the waves getting out.

The swim course was .92 miles out around the wharf and then over to the main beach. The race started and we were off. No problems getting in and finding fast feet. But the swells began and sighting became tricky.

4th buoy was to be taken on your right

Once we made it past the first buoy, I couldn't see any buoys. I followed the largest group of pink caps I could see each time I sighted. But, I couldn't get up to speed. Constantly sighting while moving up and down in the waves kept the dizziness away but, it also slowed me down. When I rounded the final outside buoy, I was looking straight into the sun. I couldn't see then 4th buoy. I couldn't see other women. Luckily, Thumper came along. She seemed to be able to see. She was going a little slower than I wanted but, she was going on course and I could follow her thumps when when she kicked in the water.  By following her feet, I got to shore feeling less winded than last year.

Swim: 39:18 (2011 34:30)  (some of the women said later that it was longer - my Garmin measure 1.06 miles)

T1: 8:54 (2011 9:39)   It was the same .52 mile run up to transition in a wetsuit. I'm stoked as I wanted to make this faster than last year.

Off on the bike finally. I planned to start off slowly and get some carbs into me early and often on the bike. As I started, there were lots of women from the sprint and duathlon leaving transition too. I passed some. Some passed me. Then, we hit Rio Del Mar. Time to get out of the saddle and pump. I lost track of any one that had been with me. Passed some more riding and walking up the hill and then they all dropped away. I passed their turnaround and I was on my own for a long while. 

Some day I'll learn to leap off the bike

Eventually, I started seeing other Olympic distance women out there. They added a new, short, but steep hill near the turnaround which was the final out of the saddle and then wheeeeeeeeeeeee down hill. Oh, but we had to go back up and over that again. I was passing lots of women at this point. I felt slow the whole time and was ready to get on with the run.

Bike:   1:46:58  (2011 1:45:30)

T2: 1:26 (2011 2:08) 

 

Now for the run. First mile was to just get my legs under me and get some carbs into me.  Then, I was to go into the 10K pace for 1 mile/ease off for 2 minutes intervals that I used in Santa Cruz back in August. I don't know if it is because I've been focused on my upcoming half marathon or not but, I couldn't get 10k pace in my legs. So, I adjusted. I went for steady almost half marathon pace. They changed the course this year to be less hilly and only the finish is through the sand. 

Taken on my preview of the course

As I hit mile 6, I realized that I might actually have a 10k PR if I could just hold on to my pace through the sand. I actually ran through the water rather then moving up on the loose dry sand. Then finally, moving up through the dry sand to push across the finish line.

Run: 1:06:43 (2011 1:13:00)  PR!!!!

Overall: 3:43:21 (2011 3:44:29) 

This wasn't my idea of how this race would go. But, I know I worked for it. There wasn't any point that I could have found a way to move faster. I'm satisfied.... And, I finally broke that 10K time I've had for 2 years!!

My 2012 Triathlon season is done. It's been a really great year. Now, let me at that hilly half marathon!

Eureka CPE 2012

One agility trial we look forward to every year is HumDog's CPE Agility trial in Eureka, California. It's a long drive but, the weather is always cool, the club is full of fabulous people, and it's full of lots of agility friends.

Since Tazzy had fallen off the dog walk earlier in the week, we scratched Tazzy from the Friday's competition to be extra sure she had recovered. But, Shelby and I had some really nice runs.

Tazzy was healthy and ready to go on Saturday and both grrls did well. I could go on and on but, will just post a few memorable pictures instead.

Shelby and her flying nun ears

 

 

 

 

Tazzy and her mad weave pole skills

Essie trying to kill the buoy -- again.

After all the fun, it was finally time to go home.

2012 Santa Cruz Internation Triathlon - Race Report

Yesterday, Grumpy and I got up before the butt crack of dawn to be in Santa Cruz bright and early so I could race in the Santa Cruz International Triathlon. Santa Cruz is such a wonderful place to race right along the coast. Running along West Cliff Ave. is wonderful since even when the marine layer finally burns off, there is still a nice little sea breeze to keep you cool. The sea lions call to you and the waves are amazing in the power with which they hit the cliffs. Making this extra special was the fact there would be several friendly faces out there with me.

We got there disgustingly early and found parking very close to transition. My club, Silicon Valley Tri Club, had 2 rows of racks which I was glad to use. Before leaving my spot, I rehearsed transition 3 times -- swim in, bike out, bike in, and run out. Nothing forgotten. Everything in it's place. Time to head down to the beach.

Pea Soup

They were just setting up the swim course as the marine layer was just starting to lift. Soon the buoys were in the water, the pro's were off, the anthem was played, and the younger women were off. I met up with my friend Johanne and we waited in the corral together.

Hang a right at the buoy

We started off together to do the two loops. My instructions were to ease into the swim over the first 200 yards. Given my recent shoulder stiffness, I worked on proper form.

First loop done but, I need a breather. Um... time for a big wave

Johanne finished her first loop a minute later - kind of like cat and mouse.

I'm out of the water but there is a long run to transition.

Johanne is still a minute later.

Swim: 35:12.8  PR (34 seconds)

T1: 2:02.1

My instructions were to go easy the first 20 minutes on the bike. Let the heart rate settle down. At this point, I realized my power meter was dead. The plan to race with steady watts wasn't going to happen (pissed about this). Instead, I would ride by feel, RPE, speed, and keep Johanne in sight.

Out on the bike course, Johanne and I leaped frog as we each tried as hard as we could at the same time reserving energy for the run.

4 loops done.... Johanne in the background

Bike: 1:20:16.6 PR (by 13:46)

T2:  1:14.0

My goal on the run was to keep the first mile EASY and run the rest as mile repeats with 2 minutes easier between each mile.

Last of the lead

Still 1 minute behind ... not for long!

I was hoping to hold her off past the hill about a quarter mile in, but Johanne "The Flash" zipped passed me running up the hill. So, then I was hoping to get as close to the turn around as I could before seeing her on the return.

Johanne finishes first -- Good job!

Several minutes later, here I am!

 Run: 1:09:55.0 

Overall:  3:08:40.5 PR (24 minute)

Besides Johanne, there were lots of other friendly faces and voices out there. People from my tri club were out there cheering us on. Dave (Johanne's husband) said "Hi" out at the turnaround. One of the guys that swims with me in the morning, Joe, was out there. A new friend and other ELF athlete, Jennifer, was out there. So much fun.

Johanne took 1st place and I tagged along for 2nd!

Vineman Half Aquabike Race Report -- and a little more

Last Saturday, I raced in the Vineman Half Aquabike. This is the same distance swim and bike that the Vineman 70.3 racers had done 2 weeks previously. I had signed up for this race rather than the 70.3 because grumpy didn't want me doing all the training necessary to do a half Ironman distance race (and I really wasn't sure I was ready - mentally - to do it either). I would make this a B priority race and relish in the experience.

All was going well until taper week. I was crawling out of my skin. I began to get really nervous and dreaded ever signing up for it. I really didn't want to go. I couldn't even write a decent race plan. What if XYZ happened??? 4+ hours is such a long time not to see any one on the bike. I'll be out there all by myself. What if I screw up the water bottle exchange? What if I'm freezing on the bike -- I'll be wet from the swim!!!

The only way I got myself there was to look at it as just a swim and a bike -- don't ever go any harder than what you're comfortable with. After all, this is my choice to do and my choice how I do it.

The morning of the race, Grumpy and I got there early. I set up my transition spot and we waited. In my funk, I failed to PROPERLY take note of where my bike was racked. I didn't open the plastic bag I was to throw my stuff into during T1. The transition area was powdery dirt so, I used an old brown towel instead of the brightly colored one I usually use. However, I DID give all the non-bike/T1 stuff to Gerard before the race (smart).

Trying to cheer myself up

Eventually, the full Vineman and full aquabike folks were done with their swim and half Aquabike and Barb's race folks were allowed into the water to warm up.

No one told me about the damn rocks on the feet!

After a few minutes of warming it up, it was time to line up. I lined up as planned - start left and slightly in front of the back - and found myself with no body near me. Lots of people WAY behind and a few up front.

Too busy trying to hang on to fast feet to think about how unhappy I was.

So we were off. I was going through with this. But it really was a pretty place to swim and it wasn't deep. And then it happened....

Lots of people were walking out at the bridge

I WAS HAVING FUN!!!! First this set of feet, then the next set. The fast feet kept coming. The neat thing was Barb's race was held at the same time. Their waves went off about 5 minutes after mine. Swim little fishy swim!

Damn rocks!

I was a bit slow out of the water. I guess I have extremely tender feet. I was just trying to make it to the carpet without slicing my feet open. Then it was up the ramp to the wetsuit strippers! I could have done without them but, this race was about experience so woo-hoo stripper boy!


Swim: :42:09 - 30 second swim PR

And then, where is my bike? I know it's second to last Aquabike rack.... Here's the rack but, where's my bike? I must be off a rack. How about this one? Don't see it? Oh, it's back at the first rack I was at!

So, now I need to get all my crap in this plastic bag that I forgot to open up. You know how plastic bags never want to open up? Split second decision - throw my little stuff like ear plugs, goggles, and cap into the bag and roll the towel, wetsuit, and bag up and toss it to Grumpy in a wad and let him deal with it.

Thank you my love!

Now, where was my bike again? Was it this rack? Or, was it this rack? There it is!

COMING THROUGH!

T1: 6:27 - ouch! (notice the restroom in the background-- should have noted that as a landmark)

First thing out of transition is this short but steep hill with no flat to get started. I chose to run my bike up rather than immediately thrash my legs. Eventually, I mounted my bike and was off. The first 20 minutes I was to go easy and let my heart rate settle. I was determined I was going to follow instructions on this race. So, I went easy and people kept passing me. And passing me. And passing... I had my first gel and people kept passing me. I hit a pot hole and heard a clank as if I'd drop something. I had my pump, my water bottles, and my powertap cpu. Guess everything is ok.

The very first part of the ride takes you through the very cute town of Guernville and then on the main road out of town. It's pretty flat until you get to about 20 minutes out of town at which point you leave the main road, curve down a steep one lane road that goes under the main road and then VERY steeply up -- I mean get out of the saddle steep. Huff and puff ... time for a salt tab -- oops. I hadn't zipped my bag all the way and the clank I heard early was my salt tabs falling out. Too late to go back. I had a couple of extra gels and I'd have to take Gatorade (which my system does tolerate but I don't care for lime flavor).

Then, the course passes lots of wineries on rolling roads. At mile 23, the course climbs up Canyon to the west and drops down into Geyserville. Through town, out past the Jim Town Country Store and into the gently rolling hills of the west until it begins the final climb of the course at mile 45 - Chalk Hill. Once past Chalk Hill, it's a fast 10 mile ride to Windsor High School,

So, long ride short.

• ~16 miles - some miscommunication between the cop directing traffic and the first car in line -- she came across about the time I was going to turn. Not a close call as I was watching her.
• 17 miles - first Gatoraide bottle exchange - perfect! 
• 20 miles - less people passing me.
• 24 miles - reached the top of Cayon (first major hill) feeling good.
• 24-43 miles - starting to pass people. Had to yell at a group of guys taking up all the road (several women followed me through the opening I made and thanked me!)
• 45 miles - Chalk Hill - slow and steady. Very glad I had ridden this before. Passed people riding and walking
• 45 - 56 miles - LEFT! LEFT! ON YOUR LEFT! -- I was THAT woman... the one with the big mouth! 
• They won't let you take your food outside the food area - boo!

Bike: 3:28:04
Overall: 4:16:40

New Tech Shirt + New Finisher's Medal

This is why I don't listen to that stupid Pre-Race voice - (sure wish I knew how to make it go away though.)

• I was never alone on the ride.
• I was never cold on the ride.
• I successfully managed 2 water stations without disaster.
• I had a great time and I raced to plan.

 California International Triathlon

One race in a weekend just wasn't enough! Grumpy and I drove from Windsor to Pleasanton (by way of an hour through lovely down town Albany/San Pablo/Berkely/Oakland) to get his USAT day pass for his race on Sunday. He had signed up to do the bike leg on a relay team.

Relay Swim Start

 The morning started out promising with the overcast sky.

Grumpy off on the bike

 It didn't take long to burn off but, it wasn't heating up quickly.

40K done (in the distance)

Sure glad I didn't have to run the final leg. It was no longer Mary Friendly Weather.


On his first attempt at racing, the team took 2nd place!

Swimming with the fishes...

... and other feats of training have been keeping me busy. Volume coming down for the Vineman Half Aqua Bike next week.

A couple of weeks ago, my brother and I drove a couple hours north to check out the course for the HAB. I needed to ride about 1/2 hour longer and wanted to start/stop at the high school.

60+ miles

As I'd been told, the course is beautiful. We rode down shaded country roads.

(Picture by Raymond Prevost c 2012)

We crossed the Russian River.

There's a nicer picture but, it shows my huge butt. (Picture by Raymond Prevost c 2012)

Later in the ride, we had to fill up and drop off. Wouldn't it be lovely if you could go into the store during the race and spend all the time you wanted without it counting on your time?

Jim Town Store - very nice stop (Picture by Raymond Prevost c 2012)

We rode down not so shady country rodes.

(Picture by Raymond Prevost c 2012)

Fast forward to today. Today I had the Catfish Crawl. The Crawl is a little 1.2 or 1.4 mile OWS race down in Chesbro Reservoir. I don't know if they were catfish, but some fish was jumping.

During this race, I improved my Yards Per Minute by over 4 yards per minute! I am less than a yard from doing my pool pace but NOT resting on the wall.

The turn around is at the farthest point of water ... NOT the orange buoy

So after the Crawl, I dashed further south to the BayTeam's CPE trial down in San Martin. I got there just in time to walk the Colors course and then run Shelby who was happy to see me.

Apparently, no one wants to share space with Essie!

Redwood Belgian Tervuren Fanciers AKC Agility Trial 2012

It's been a few months since we did an agility trial. This was a nice break from eat, sleep, work, train <repeat>.


So this weekend, Grumpy and I loaded up the grrls and drove a little north for a beautiful day near the bay enjoying agility with friends.  The morning started early to get parking and a tent site. A few hours later, we each got a run in the morning and then the long wait until we could finish. Late in the day we got our chance.


My chance to run Shelby in Novice JWW (Jumpers With Weaves) came 5 hours after I ran her in the morning's game of FAST. I was expecting Shelby to be slow from all the laying around. Instead, she took off like a rocket towards the pin wheel. Luckily, this wasn't the first time that she's done that so I switched mental gears. Hang back and pull her to the right and then send her over the next jump.

 
Now it was on to Novice Standard where Shelby actually stuck her A-Frame contact.

See her foot?

Shelby managed to finish her NA (Novice Agility) and NAJ (Novice Jumpers) titles.

Hall's Canine Shelby Cobra CL4-F, CL4-S, CL4-H, PD, APJ, APK, RE, BN, NA, NAJ, NF

Grumpy was having as much success with Tazzy in Open JWW and Novice P Standard.

C-ATCH2   Hall's Canine Razzmatazz "Tazzy" ChSt, PD, APG, APK, APJ, RE, NJP, NFP