[Yo Sake]

<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><Short version></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">6:14:22, AG 56^th/122</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><Long version></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">The race was, well, more than 10days ago and our family took a vacation to PNW right after the race, so the race seems so un-dramatic looking back and already faded away in the rear-view mirror. </span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">After the Boston Marathon, my training was all about cycling - I had a short (only 3 months) but solid training heading to my 3^rd HIM in 3yrs.  3hrs+ rides were no longer ‘chores’ and with mixing up mountain biking I knew I was enjoying riding more and becoming a better rider.  Other than experiencing a returning vertigo for a few weeks before this race, and being so overwhelmed with the hectic work schedule, I was ready and excited about racing. </span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">-Swim:  40:31 (32^nd out of water)</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">It was cold (low 60’s) and the current seemed to be a little against us (point to point course) based on the time.  My breathing was more labored than I wanted….kept on thinking what this would do to me later on.  Looking at the position, I swam ok.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">-Bike:  3:11:35 (down to 66^th)</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">I felt pretty well thanks to successfully letting some air out of my stomach early on.  The weather was better than forecasted at that point with maybe higher 70’s and cloudy.  I don’t remember exactly but after 30min or so into the riding, I started hearing some ‘shhhh’ noise from the front of my bike.  Hmmm, something got stuck?  Then, started noticing the front tire causing some bumpiness.  Ahh.  FLAT TIRE.  For some reasons I didn’t get upset or anything, maybe because I was having a great time riding.  So stopped to try to remove the tire.  That might have been the first time to change this particular tire – very tight.  With three tire irons, I finally removed the tire, then the tube, and tried to place a new tube on the rim.  That was just not happening quickly enough due to the super-tight tire (not much space to work on).  That was when I heard the Tech support scooter!  I made sure accepting his help wouldn’t disqualify me before letting him touch my tire.  He asked if I checked the cause of the flat, I said no.  He started removing the tube out again and checking the back of the tire, then removing/turning it inside out, taking all his time in the world.  And he noticed a little cut.  He said this might make it or might not.  I said I had no spare tire.  He said he did.  650c?  Yes he said while removing a brand-new Continental Triathlon tire out of his scooter seat!  Yipee!  I had no reason to get upset about this flat, you know.  I don’t know how long I lost here – probably 10-15min.  I continued on with a nice ride while holding back a bit and  thanking as many police/volunteers as possible.  I felt great at the end – the best HIM ride of three.  My bike computer says 18.5mph. </span></span></p>
<p>      </p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">-Run:  2:16:05 (climbed up to 56^th)</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">Out of T2, I saw 3:59 something on my watch.  I thought the sub-6 goal could be still possible if I could run 9min/m which would be an easy pace for me under a normal training day but this was after 1.2mile ows and 56mile biking.  The first 5miles or so went well at sub 9, then the familiar feeling of nausea returned – I thought it was out of the way during the ride…  Maybe the heat (mid 80’s/high humidity by this time?) did it.  I ended up stopping numerous times, puking a little I had in my stomach.  Fellow runners/volunteers/spectators offered a help, water, ice, etc.  I took an orange piece, coke, whatever with a hope to expedite a complete throw-up but none worked.  I just kept going and finally got it done. </span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">-After the race</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">I felt miserably sick during the 6-hr drive home.  I told DH on the phone this was no longer fun and I was quitting a longer distance for sure and maybe even triathlon all together.  Now almost 10days since the race, I am not sure if I gave up on tri racing.  And I am too stubborn and hard-headed to accept a failure to figure things out.  So I will probably race an Olympic distance in a few weeks - I think struggling 6.2 miles is easier to take than much longer distance.  But I have to try things differently just to see how they help my puke issue, though I don’t know what. </span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">A funny thing is, I realized as I wrote this RR, that I had 33sec PR for this distance <span style="font-family:wingdings;">J</span></span></span>.  It would have been more sizable improvements if it were not for the flat.  But the dancing bananas will have to wait until I figure out the puky issue/get better at running after swim/bike.            </p>
<p> </p>
<p>With this, my tri season is pretty much over and my focus goes back to running.  I will be running a half and full in Oct/Nov.  A big difference from the last year is that I am also looking forward to continue riding my bike; I didn't want to even look at my bike aftet the HIM last year.  Now that is an improvement </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thanks for all of your help this season, again! </p>

 

[BethR]

Congrats Yoshiko on a great race and kudos to you for staying calm and not letting a flat or your stomach issues stop you. I do hope you get the stomach problem solved but at least you know how to manage it during a race. Great job!! And I certainly think you deserve dancing bananas. If I could find them on my iPhone, I would provide!!

 

[ksurp]

<p>Great job!  A PR is a PR. Nice ride especially with not getting flustered about the flat. It's cool that tech support happened to be in your neighborhood.  Hope you get your tummy issues figured out - that must be so frustrating. I'm interested to know how this goes in your upcoming Oly. </p>

 

[mrscoby78]

<p><span>Quote:</span></p>
<div class="quote-container">
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>ksurp</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69181/rr-racine-him#post_1928147"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>A PR is a PR.</p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
Word.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>That's an amazing time AND you had issues on top of that.  Very cool.<br>
 </p>

 

[Alaska Mike]

<p><img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/banana.gif" title=""><img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/banana.gif" title=""><img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/banana.gif" title=""><img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/banana.gif" title=""><img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/banana.gif" title=""><img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/banana.gif" title=""><img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/banana.gif" title=""></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I think you had a great race.  Sounds like you definitely would have been sub 6 if not for the flat tire.  That's out of your control.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As for the run, everyone was slow.  I ran 6 min slower on the same run course verses last year.  Adam Zucco, who finished 14th overall, asked me how I felt on the run and when I said I was slow, he said he felt better because he was also.  Everyone was slow.  It was a hot day and that is a deceptively tough run course.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It was great seeing you before the race and I'm sorry we didn't see each other before you left.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you decide not to race HIM distance in the future, no shame in that.  Do what makes you happy, this sport is too tough to note enjoy what you're doing.  Maybe taking a break from it for a while will let you step back and figure out some of the issues  you're having.  You seem to enjoy doing the Xterra races, why not focus on that next summer?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Whatever you decide to do, please keep posting here.  I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say you're a valued member of this community.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Mike</p>

 

[KitKat]

<p>Great race Yosh!  It sounds like you had a positive attitude about this one (maybe less pressure on yourself to perform?) even with the flat and puky issues.  I would bet the nausea this time was dehydration/heat exhaustion from the heat and humidity.</p>

 

[Thor]

<p>Regardless of how you feel you did in this race, what Alaska Mike says is spot on. If it is more a chore to do something, it isn't worth doing, for there are far too many new and more (for you) interesting challenges out there, such as Xterra, etc. Go with what motivates you, even if it is something that is fun over something that you are good at.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As for the race, no doubt you would have had sub-6 if not for the flat. Sorry to hear, but as with anything, those things unfortunately happen. I had a flat (my first flat ever in a race) -- actually, I had TWO flats -- at Worlds in Holland a few years ago. It was the biggest race of my life. But no matter, I gave it my all, had fun, and walked away knowing that on that day I put my soul on the line in the way that stacks up with my needs even though my time was slower by a few minutes. Although I love to see a certain time on the clock, I have learned to judge myself based on the effort I give and how smartly I race.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Mike also raises a good point in about EVERYBODY being slow on the run course. There's a reason. If everybody is slow, so too will be you. Regardless, I still think you did well.</p>

 

[Dougie Fresh]

<p>Great job, Yoshi.  My heart breaks for you with these on-going stomach issues.  It's obvious that you really enjoying the training and the racing so it really sucks this gets in the way.  As for your race, I like the attitude you project in your race report.  You rolled with the punches and enjoyed yourself even with feeling miserable afterwords.  Enjoying the running and the biking and all the best for your HM and marathon.</p>

 

[em73]

<p>nice job, Yoshi!  a PR with a flat, heat, and your stomach problems?  that definitly shows your hard work has been paying off.  I hope you can get this figured out soon.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>(oh, and let me jump right on the "don't you dare leave!" bandwagon, we'd miss you too much!)</p>
<p> </p>

 

[LookiLoo]

<p>Congrats on a great race, regardless of the stomach issues and a flat, you PR'd and I would call that a success   Triathlon will always be there, so don't feel guilty about doing other stuff too - hopefully in the process you can figure out the puking thing!!  I have found that I feel a bit more balanced if i don't place all my eggs in the 'tri' basket, so to speak.   Get out there and enjoy pure running and mountain biking for a while!  I was getting burned out on the 'tri crowd' lately as I often don't feel like I fit in really well with some of the mentality.  I have recently fallen in love with trail running, and have a lot of goal races in the future for that, perhaps even an ultra. Same with open water swimming - there are some great races that are just pure swimming and I look forward to that challenge.  I think having more goals than those strictly related to triathlon racing has given me a more postive perspective on tris in general.   </p>

 

[miles99999]

<p>Solid job Yoshi, flat tire, puking and all.  You should be happy with your PR and considering the time you lost with the flat tire, it sounds like you had a really good race.  Once you figure out the nutrition, i.e. cause of your stomach issues, you will be in great shape. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Also, never make rash decisions about future race endeavors right after a tough race because they never stick.  I swore back in 2000, after my first marathon, that I would never do another marathon....yeah, I have done a bunch since then.  Take the time to figure out what is best for you, what you want to focus on and you will be successful.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Again, great job and good result!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://projectarizona.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Jamie</a></p>

 

[pcsronbo]

<p>2 week no decision zone</p>
<p> </p>
<p>PR w/ flat and a slow run day? I'd say that's a killer PR.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>More later.</p>

 

[kburnell]

<p>Way to get through all the challenges the day offered and still finish with a good result! A flat tire and sickness on the run, that's tough (but obviously so are you for dealing with it and pulling off a PR!).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Enjoy shifting your focus back to running for awhile!</p>
<p> </p>

 

[niemsco]

<p>Hey Yosh!  Congrats on the PR, and fast bike time despite the flat.  Did you ever see that pulmnologist (sp?)?  </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I remember that day, it sounded tough, most of my teammates did the race and I heard the complaints for a week on the heat on the run.  Hang in there and give it a break for awhile.  You are great at all three disciplines, if you decided you don't want to do them in one race, its not a big issue you can still enjoy competition and training.  Though I know you'll be back! </p>

 

[Yo Sake]

<p>Thanks guys for your kind words!  I will be sticking around here even if I decide to take a break from doing tri races.  I still swim, bike, run among other things and I enjoy being a part of this community. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It certainly stinks that I can't race the way I think I am capable of, but as somebody said before, tri race is not just a sum of three sports; one sport affects other(s)  and balancing three plus nutrition and all makes it very challenging.  So....I just got to keep trying!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> <span>Quote:</span></p>
<div class="quote-container">
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>KitKat</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69181/rr-racine-him#post_1928208"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>I would bet the nausea this time was dehydration/heat exhaustion from the heat and humidity.</p>
</div>
</div>
<p>The heat definately played a big role in getting sick.  I just know the icky feeling was identical to the ones I have been experiencing even under a cooler weather. </p>
<p><br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>LookiLoo</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69181/rr-racine-him#post_1928242"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>Congrats on a great race, regardless of the stomach issues and a flat, you PR'd and I would call that a success   Triathlon will always be there, so don't feel guilty about doing other stuff too - hopefully in the process you can figure out the puking thing!!  I have found that I feel a bit more balanced if i don't place all my eggs in the 'tri' basket, so to speak.   Get out there and enjoy pure running and mountain biking for a while!  I was getting burned out on the 'tri crowd' lately as I often don't feel like I fit in really well with some of the mentality.  I have recently fallen in love with trail running, and have a lot of goal races in the future for that, perhaps even an ultra. Same with open water swimming - there are some great races that are just pure swimming and I look forward to that challenge.  I think having more goals than those strictly related to triathlon racing has given me a more postive perspective on tris in general.   </p>
</div>
</div>
<p>Glad to hear you found a good balance!  Ultra,uh? Wow!  Keep having fun!  I am planning to do 'Swim to the Moon -5K' OWS in a few weeks.  Have never run trail races (other than Xterra tri's) but they are definately on my radar.   <br><br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>niemsco</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69181/rr-racine-him#post_1928771"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>Hey Yosh!  Congrats on the PR, and fast bike time despite the flat.  Did you ever see that pulmnologist (sp?)?  </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I remember that day, it sounded tough, most of my teammates did the race and I heard the complaints for a week on the heat on the run.  Hang in there and give it a break for awhile.  You are great at all three disciplines, if you decided you don't want to do them in one race, its not a big issue you can still enjoy competition and training.  Though I know you'll be back! </p>
</div>
</div>
<p>No, I haven't seen pulmonologist.  Not sure how to go about it.... I have no breathing issues what so ever during my daily life and I feel I am doing something not right during swimming.  Got to keep on working on that. <br><br>
 </p>

 

[Yo Sake]

<p>I forgot to mention - a few hours into the biking, I saw a female racer on the side of the road with the 'look' of wishing somebody to stop.  Nobdy was.  So as I passed her, I yelled at her 'what do you need!?'  She replied 'cartridge!! - I got a wrong kind' or something like that.  I stopped as I took out my threaded and non-threaded cartridges as she ran toward me.  She grabbed one and yelled at me 'You Rock!' as she ran back to her bike and I hopped back on my bike and went on.  I felt good.  Hope she had a good ride afterwards.   </p>

 

[jroden]

<p>good to see the last sentence, I think if you get hurt running you now have a new sport and understand how to make bike riding plenty hard.  Least you got a new tire out of the deal, did it seem like it went on pretty easy for him?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I think you should try a cross country race this fall, it's a whole different kind of running race.  Nobody gives you a hug or a finishers medal, just a place to cough.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cyclocross is of course the purest can of Sterno any cycling yahoo can wish to eat.</p>

 

[SpartyGirl]

<p>Hurray for PRs in the heat...with a flat tire no less.  I did not handle my flat tire nearly as well in Racine back in 2008...cried like a baby.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ANYWAY, follow your heart.  Find the fun.  All things you've heard from us before.  I do hope that if I am ever back in the mitten state that I see you at a few triathlons - your smile lights up the place. </p>

 

[Yo Sake]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>jroden</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69181/rr-racine-him#post_1929163"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-bottom:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-right:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>good to see the last sentence, I think if you get hurt running you now have a new sport and understand how to make bike riding plenty hard.  Least you got a new tire out of the deal, did it seem like it went on pretty easy for him?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I think you should try a cross country race this fall, it's a whole different kind of running race.  Nobody gives you a hug or a finishers medal, just a place to cough.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cyclocross is of course the purest can of Sterno any cycling yahoo can wish to eat.</p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
The tech support was a big man but had some difficulties to put on the tire.  He had this gismo, looks like some sort of tongs, to use as a lever to push in the tire.  That looked better than a normal tire iron which could make a pinch hole on a tube as it pushes the tire in.</p>
<p>I am planning to do some XC races this fall.  It won't take much to convince me to try cyclocross either, after trying a MTB race!  Picking up a low-end (=heavy) MTB over obstacles don't excite me but sounds fun, and DH is pretty close to give it a try too.<br>
 </p>
<p><br><br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>SpartyGirl</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69181/rr-racine-him#post_1929190"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-bottom:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-right:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>ANYWAY, follow your heart.  Find the fun.  All things you've heard from us before.  I do hope that if I am ever back in the mitten state that I see you at a few triathlons - your smile lights up the place. </p>
</div>
</div>
<p>Thanks Sparty for yoru warm words.  I do hope to see you at the races here in Michigan.  Train in 99F heat and race in 80F heat.  You will be golden <br><br>
 </p>

 

[cak73]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>kburnell</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69181/rr-racine-him#post_1928603"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>A flat tire and sickness on the run, that's tough (but obviously so are you for dealing with it and pulling off a PR!).</p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
I couldn't have said it any better!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Congrats on your PR!!!  Hope you can find a way to resolve your tummy issues.  Am looking forward to hearing about your continued adventures this fall!</p>