Billy Goat...It ain't but one hill....

Well on 5 hours sleep, 3 scuba dives and Catalina Island adventures beneath the water, I found myself on route to Billy Goat trail run organized by the Biggest and baddest goat there is Steve Harvey and his wife Annie.

My husband Al took me to the race venue Indians Trucker Trail.

I was super excited to run this event as I had not ran since the Triathlon 2 weeks ago due to an injured foot. I had rested gone insane from not running or cycling, on Thursday I had been given the blessing to run by my sport doc, I jogged an easy 3 miles...mmmm

Race swag extraordinaire

,

I turned up with Al my foot was not hurting I was super excited to be at the Indian Trucker Trail...I knew there was a long 6.5 climb I was more afraid about the 6.5 mile downhill and busting all the good I had done for my foot in one nano second.

Hammer told me to be careful sprayed my feet with Kool n Fit

The race began at 8am ish...the sun was already out Steve shared some words of wisdom and we were off....un beknown to me and much to the amusement of spectators and other runners my little dog Hammer barked up a super storm as he did not get to run too!!

finding my groove (photo thanks Chase)

Steve Harvey that Old Goat was not joking it was up hill and the sun was nice and toasty. I tried to keep an even pace all the way to the 3 mile aid station, grabbed a cup of Heed and continued to the 6.5 mile turnaround station. I opted to run with my fuel belt so I had my nutrition all dialed in at a moments notice.
 Breathe taking scenery and I was careful with my foot. At the turnaround I took an Apple cinnamon Hammer gel washed it down with 4 Endurolytes and then it was all down hill.

Sunbeams

Great Vista

Hammer giving me doggy energy

That descent was brutal I tried just to jog and keep it together there was no negative split on this event I was slower going down the hill but at least I kept my foot centered and tried not to land hard on my heel.

I cannot lie I was so grateful to see the finish line, I had 5 runners over take me on the down hill and had there been another mile descent that list would have been doubled or even tripled!!

Jean and Naomi

Shannon & Naomi

Amazing Steve Fry!

Hammer with Chase

Always nice to see Michelle.

Hammer resting he was bitten on his paws by red ants!

The finish line was rewarding and I can add another Goat Medal to my collection. I finished a respectable 4th Female overall, and my foot is okay at mile 9 I hit the trail wrong did a few hops and skips and remembered to land lightly! 2 hours 21 mins and a few seconds I will take that below is my data and map from the run as saved by my Polar RCX5.

https://www.polarpersonaltrainer.com/shared/exercise.ftl?shareTag=a849b90e5efdfd74cfe9ebcf4e4feea0


For more information about the Old Goat Races here is the link.

http://www.oldgoatrunners.com/


 A huge thank you to Hammer Nutrition, Brooks Running, Rudy Project, Polar Heart rate monitors, Ocean Potion, Kool n Fit, Fuel belt and my Husband for taking me out there!

Cascadias got the job done!

The Bling.

Secrets of a wetsuit swimmer....

I brazenly declare my love for my Aquaman Wetsuit which I use for triathlons especially in the cooler waters of California and the 6.2 mile Ocean swim in Hawaii...

Tri Slide to protect from chaffing..

I love trislide, I spray this product around my neck, ankles and wrists, and also under my polar strap. It is an awesome product and no chaffing and does not harm the neoprene in my wet suit it is water proof and sweat proof, no mess easy to apply spray and lasts for hours! Not only that but even reduces hot spots on my feet while running!!!
The wet suit makes me feel like super woman, my hips become high in the water and my legs can dangle.. well may be a little flutter kick to keep circulation going and hip rotation too.

Swimming in Hawaiian Waters 2012.

 The Aquaman Wetsuits are cut higher in the legs and arms than most suits this is so it is easier to put on and putting on the suit you should never dig in your nails to pull up the suit, I put the suit as high up the calf as it will go , the wet suit should feel snug but I still have flexibility to rotate my arms.

Getting ready to swim in Lake Anna State Park

Another thing that I do is practice in my wetsuit before the race, in race mode my adrenaline is pumping and the mass starts can get pretty knarly so I try to swim strong and get away from all the kicking legs and flailing arms, and unlike lap swimming my heart is pumping raising my core temp and I get warm in my wet suit...I have no surprises on race day...practice putting the suit on and taking the suit off too. The Aquaman suit I have zips from the neck down and when I get out of the water I pull the chord down to unzip while running to transition!

Care for your wet suit is important, while you should not use your tri suit to swim in chlorinated water I do from time to time at clinics so I make sure I rinse my suit really well in fresh water and I let it dry never in direct sunlight and I use a nice wide hanger to store it.

I use my wetsuit for all my Ultra triathlons in doubles, triples and Ultraman. and I also use it for the local races for the 700m 1500m and the 1.2 mile swims. Learning how to take off the suit will save valuable minutes in triathlon shorter courses.

http://www.aquamantri.com/homepage/

Before I begin my swim I always go to the water and flood my wet suit and rinse my face. Be careful about applying lubricants and I do not put on any lotions around my face so my goggles will seal and be careful not to get lubricant on your fingers and then touch your goggles.

Also if you are unfortunate to rip your suit :
Minor repairs, using neoprene glue, can be performed on the spot, if necessary.

For the Triathlete USAT has two rules regarding wet suit for the swim portion:

Article 4.4 Wetsuits of the USA Triathlon Competitive Rules states: “Effective January 1, 2013, any swimmer wearing a wetsuit with a thickness measured in any part greater than five millimeters shall be disqualified.”

10. Wetsuits: Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wetsuit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wetsuit at their own discretion, provided, however that participants who wears a wetsuit within such temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Above 84 degrees, wetsuits are prohibited.

Yes there are differences between a wet suit for triathlon and a scuba suit the neoprene is much more buoyant in a triathlon wetsuit and also the design is more hydrodynamic and the suit is more flexible to make swimming more proficient. 

 

Happy Racing!

Relay Champions at Trievents Bonelli Park./ cycling back to health.

Hammer (the Min Pin) myself and Al a winning combination!

It has been a long two years for AL, who managed to do the unexpected and break his femur while scuba diving at Catalina Island in 3 places and even detaching his ACL with a broken piece of femur!

Opting for non invasive surgery meant it would be a long slow recovery but he would have no metal pieces in his leg. He wore a knee contraption and huge brace which covered his whole leg, a handicapped sign on the truck and a wheel chair!

In January 2013 he felt good enough to begin riding his mountain bike again so I dusted off the cobwebs on mine so I could tag along, it was great to have my cycling buddy back again! So we decided we would do a few triathlon relays together Al would do the cycling portion and I would swim and run. That way we could enjoy each others company in training and in racing more importantly get Al to come along to the triathlons which I just am simply passionate about!

 Relay number 1.

All smiles before disaster ensued.

Our first relay was on April 6th at an Xterra in Bonelli park. we figured home turf and great training we should podium...mmm

I swam and then exchanged chip with AL he set off for two laps of the mnt bike...

At the finish line me and my man!

 After 50 mins had past I realized something must have had happened to AL...yup he had crashed as his front wheel blew out! on a hot turn. Our event was over. He went to medical and was cleaned and bandaged up and he told me to go finish the run it would be good practice!





The next morning was the first relay in the Trievents series at Bonelli Park, Al was pretty banged and bruised but we decided to go to the tri any way and give it our best shot!

swimmer with bandaged cyclist !!

Despite Als injuries we made the Podium in first place what a difference 24 hours makes!

Podium with Hammer!

At the second trievent a month later we also placed with a third place, Al had had a mechanical but still finished the bike and I had an amazing run! we also at each event put up a Booth representing Polar Monitors and Hammer Nutrition.

The second in the series was a little more cycling and running. The day went well and it was awesome to be part of the grassroot event! Trievents really is growing into its 31st year!


The final event of the series is in June, and there was around 800 triathletes signed up for the express and Championship events that is HUGE for this triathlon. The sun was out plenty of smiles to be shared.

I had Hammer Nutrition samples and info, the latest Polat Monitors and even Ocean Potion sunscreen.

 The swim was 1500 meters, I was with the mens group as I was mixed relay, on exiting the swim I handed my chip to Al who was dealing with a cracked rib and asthma while he was cycling I took photos and encouraged and cheered on the other triathletes I just love these events!

I was all smiles on the 6.2 mile run, I was being conservative as I had hurt my foot if I kept my feet in a straight line they were okay going up the hills I went side ways but I got the job done!







Al and I made the top spot on the podium and of course we included Hammer who is my running buddy on my long runs! We met amazing athletes made new friends and chatted with old friends!
We also were the number one relay team combined in all the 3 events! SO not bad for team work!

I presented the overall champions in both races with a brand new Polar RCX5 monitor and also raffled off two FT7 Polar monitors. And gave out samples of the Hammer Vegan Bars.

Proud team Polar powered by Hammer Nutrition!

There are many reasons to do triathlons, but when I get to share my passion of the sport with my husband it really is a cool thing and to think the doctors told him he would never be the same on that leg he broke!

On the note I have to rest my foot it needs to run happy and not in pain.

With Hammer , Al Hammer and Cookie!

A HUGE thank you to Hammer Nutrition, Polar Monitors, Rudy Project, Brooks running, Serfas, Kool n Fit, Ocean Potion Suncare, Profile-Design, Aquaman Wetsuits, Covina Masters Aquatics, Williams Wheels. Fuelbelt. Trislide. and Triall3SPorts.

a day at the races....Nanny Goat Style

Racing Nanny Goat is a little like watching a huge orchestrated horse race, the Kentucky Derby comes to mind only it is not horses with names like secretariat racing but two legged animals called Ultra runners and from the stalls the horses are watching the show...

I needed to put my blinders on I could not believe I was watching 225 humans pretending to be race horses!!

 All joking aside Nanny Goat is the brain child of Steve and Annie Harvey two amazing race directors, their passion for producing a fun event such as Nanny Goat is over whelming and their chosen charity is Wounded Warriors Since it's inception the Nanny Goat has raised over $38,500 for the Wounder Warrior Project; they hope to hit at least $50,000 in 2013.

With Steve at the end of running 50 miles.

 So you may be thinking what is the race all about it is really very simple, 225 runners get together on the Sexton Horse Ranch, a mile loop is out lined, passing through a barn which is were a timing mat is placed and race HQ, on leaving the barn the runners run in a loop, passing Ranch dogs napping in the middle of the path, horses are watching from the fields and the wild chickens are hiding out. 

Race Barn HQ

On Friday afternoon the fun begins with runners camping out and claiming Stalls, a minimum of 5 runners to a stall, this was the 5th year and a record number of runners, after signing in and getting a cool Nanny Goat t shirt, tattoo & beer mug we had a magnetic wrist band and every time we passed the timing mat our name and number of miles would appear on the wall.

Baaaaaahhh

Race Re Cap

Steve had all the runners enter a pen!! Yup we were corralled like cattle into an open pen, Steve went over a few simple rules if you run 12 hours your time will reflect time and mileage if you run 12 hours and one minute you will be entered in the 24 hour run and then there is an option for 100 miles. the National Anthem was sang beautifully and we were off through the barn and out of the door the loop began.

  My plan was simple to tread carefully as I was supposed to rest my foot from uphill running...and try to finish 50 laps which would be 50 miles and if possible do the last lap with Abigail my 5 year old grand daughter who would be here at 6pm.

After my first five miles I took a Hammer gel and my endurolytes, race cap supremes anti fatigue caps and Endurance amino. I had a self contained aid station but also loved that the race was sponsored by Hammer Nutrition and Heed and FIZZ was available too. After 10 miles I started sipping perpetuem and by the time I had finished the 50 miles I had also eaten 2 Hammer Chocolate Vegan Hammer bars and some almonds.

Mile 32 and still smiling... the sun came out!

Every mile I met a new running friend or I caught up with an old friend it really was not too bad and was great to see so many new and old faces! Every one had a story to share and was amazing to watch the top ultra runners keep on ticking off fast laps. One runner Leon Gray had literally been hit by a bus and managed to walk 26 miles considering he only made one mile last year that was an inspirational feat of perseverance.

Leon Gray was hit by a bus his t shirt said what is your excuse!

The whole 50 miles was an unbelievable experience, there was plenty of good food and water available and when the temperature began getting hot, Popsicle s appeared in the ice chests! Steve and Annie had all the bases covered, even hosing down the fine dirt and dust we runners were kicking up!

I sprayed my legs with Kool n Fit every few miles and slip slap slopped on the Ocean Potion,  I kept my heart rate around 135/140 through out the whole event and very grateful my foot never caused problems. 

At mile 42 I called my daughter in law they had not left yet so I decided to take my camera and take the next few miles at a more leisurely pace so I could run the last 50 with Abigail.

The "Jester" ran his 500th mile at Nanny Goat he has done all 5 consecutive Nanny Goats!

 I have to say the highlight of my run would have to be seeing Abigail and have her company to run the last loop, and she gave me a run for my money!

Abigail in her Hammer Nutrition t shirt in full stride!!!

Rainer and I at the finish with our medals

All smiles resting in my stable really shocked to be in 3rd place for 50 miles!

My ultra running buddy Paul Halliday

Tired feet and dusty feet!

Happy winner of a Polar FT7!

After I had left the venue, runners kept on completing loops through the night to reach 24 hours, and some completing a 100 miles or more! they were tantalized by BBQ aromas of veggie burgers and tri tip, spaghetti and cup o noddles. Each runner received a beautiful medal that could be doubled as a magnet the 100 mile finishers received a Nanny Goat buckle.

I will be back next year hopefully to participate again in the Woodstock of Ultra running where real men run in Pink, rooters crow and horses watch in utter dis belief, the real story is the money raised for Wounded Warriors and the Sextons for letting the Ultra runners invade that one mile loop. A friendly race for children and dogs....next year Hammer will run too for his own medal.

Hammer was sad not to run we will fix that for next year!

A special thanks to Juan Nunez and Tina for the lift to Nanny Goat, also to Hammer Nutrition, Brooks Running, Fuel Belt, Polar USA, Rudy Project USA, Ocean Potion sun care, Kool n Fit, to Shelli Sexton for opening her horse ranch to this incredible cause. Big Mahalo to Steve & Annie Harvey and ALL the goat volunteers who made the race/event possible.

Heartbreak 100

Rory and I all smiles at mile 70 (thanks Steve for the pic)

Late Thursday evening my friend Rory text message came through...hey Suzy want to ride a century on Saturday ...my treat?
Mmm; I thought... I was planning a scuba trip, but it was canceled and then planned on helping a tri clinic that was canceled too, I had no excuse other than that I had not done any specific training for a 100 mile ride and that would be my longest ride of 2013! By Friday noon I was registered and thought oh my what have I got my self into!

Love my Kool n Fit and Rock Tape

Saturday morning arrived and my right foot was not a happy foot I was having a little pain which I did not like but figured once it was in my bike shoe it would be secure and snug......

the views were breathtaking

I had a blast going through the National Park

 Heartbreak is not exactly an easy 100 miler there is quite a bit of climbing and it actually begins from mile one to mile 20 with a nice gradual uphill a few rollers and uphill to Apache Saddle, I could recuperate and fill up my bottles with fresh water I also ate a Hammer Vegan bar which I really liked.

There were only a few stops in this 100 mile event organized by Planet Ultra, 4 stops in all and well spaced out, we wasted a lot of time at mile 52 as there was only one bathroom..... but apart from that, all the aid stations were fully stocked with my favorite Nutritional product you guessed it Perpetuem, Sustained Energy, Heed and Hammer gels!!! it was a smorgasbord of Hammer Products. I had already enough to get me through the event as I multi bottled on my fuel. Just needing water and take in my endurolytes.

hammer hammer mile 52!

 I was a little worried I would not make the ride with the way my foot was I could not stand up on my pedals and it hurt to clip in and clip out but while riding it just went through the motion! I felt great and Rory was fun to cycle with and was great cycling with Steve Meichtry this guy has over 130 ultra cycling events to his name! and rode 200 miles that day! 
I fueled entirely on  Perpetuem Hammer Vegan Bars and Endurolytes, I had no issues with my nutrition today and was really happy I had accepted Rorys invitation and was so cool to see a lot of familiar faces. The climbs were not that bad and the weather was perfect, we did have a little head wind at the beginning of the ride and the long stretches of downhill were really not that bad and the whole day was just perfect for cycling meeting old friends and making new friends!

After the event was over Planet Ultra put on a great BBQ, I was able to enjoy a really nice veggie burger and enjoyed catching up on the adventures we all had had while cycling heartbreak! I was so happy to take off my bike shoes and put on my comfy Brooks Launch!

Huge thanks to Hammer Nutrition, Serfas Tires, Polar Heart Rate Monitors, Rudy Project USA, Williams Wheels, Fuelbelt, Ocean Potion suncare, Profile Design, Brooks USA and TRIALL3Sports !
Below is from my Polar RCX5.
https://www.polarpersonaltrainer.com/shared/exercise.ftl?shareTag=37aa507fbdef15e9f90299

Thanks for reading!