For the past few days since the race, I have been in Portland, Oregon attending the USAT Arts and Science Conference. The Olympic triathletes are speaking at the conference on Monday night and sharing our experience at the Beijing Olympic Games. I have gotten the opportunity to meet coaches from around the country as well as many age group athletes who competed at thier National Championships this past Saturday.
Tomorrow morning I will be up very early to catch a flight to NYC. As part of my sponsorship with Toyota, I will be on the Today show on Wednesday morning and speaking about my charities as well as Toyota's Engines on Change Program. I have never had an experience quite like this and excited to meet Meredith, Matt, Ann, and Al! Other athletes Toyota sponsors will be there as well, including Hunter Kemper and swimmers Dara Torres and Colin Joenes. Aside from all the travel, I am very excited for this opportunity. I did not realize how long it takes to get to New York when departing for the West Coast (over six hours of flying)....only to turn around on Wednesday and fly back to Colorado Springs.
Fortunately, I will have about nine days to train and recover before heading off to Dallas for the US Open Toyota Cup.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Elite Nationals
This past Saturday, I raced elite nationals at Hagg Lake, Oregon. Hagg Lake was about 1.5 hours away from downtown Portland, so we were out in the country...and it was breathtaking out there! The course was very rolling (barely a flat section on the course) and lined with huge pine trees. The temperatures indicated that we were just about to begin the fall season, with highs in the 60s. The water was just warm enough to be non-wetsuit (69 degrees). Although this temperature would be too cold for warming up, it is okay when you are racing!
The race began at noon, with 19 other women on the starting line.
I had a great start and got out to an early lead for the one loop swim. I ended up leading the swim and exiting in first position. The water level was low in the lake for this time of year, so we ended up having a longer T1 run (the run out of the water was just a prelude to all the hills to come!). I had a decent transition, and immediately we began climing as we hopped on our bikes. I decided to climb the first hill with my feet on top of my shoes and did not put my shoes on until I crested the first climb. I pushed the first climb, realizing there were three other women with me, Sarah Groff, Jasmine Oenick, and Julie Ertel.
I tried to mix up the pace in the bike and make our bike group even smaller by launching a few attacks throughout the technical, hilly, eight-lap bike. Although I was never able to break up the group with attacks, we still rode hard and made the bike challenging.
Once we approached T2, I had a great transition and was out on the run course just a step behind Julie.
Once out onto the run, we had to start up the steep hill we climbed on the bike. Although it was quite short for the bike, it did not feel so easy on the run! The run was very hilly and some of the hills could really take the power out of your legs. Despite the course, I was feeling great during the race. Unfortunately, on the first lap, the turnaround was not marked and I did not know where to turn!! I ran past the spot, asked where to turn and Julie and I finally just decided to turn around. By the second lap, the cones were up and we were able to make the turn appropriately! I may have lost about 15 or so seconds, but in the end, it did not matter. I lead for about three laps of the run, with Julie right there. She made surge at the end of the third lap and I was close to her, but never could quite get back up to her. She finished in first for her second national championships and I finished 10 seconds behind. Sarah Groff claimed the final spot on the podium with her 3rd place finish.
Overall, I am pleased with my performance, but of course you always want to improve and think of what you could have done to place higher. I felt strong throughout the race, but my main focus is just less than two weeks away with the Toyota Cup in Dallas.
I had so much fun just getting back in racing on Saturday and am really looking forward to racing the remainder of the season.
For full results, go to http://www.pigmantri.com/jmsracing/results08/usatage08d.html
The race began at noon, with 19 other women on the starting line.
I had a great start and got out to an early lead for the one loop swim. I ended up leading the swim and exiting in first position. The water level was low in the lake for this time of year, so we ended up having a longer T1 run (the run out of the water was just a prelude to all the hills to come!). I had a decent transition, and immediately we began climing as we hopped on our bikes. I decided to climb the first hill with my feet on top of my shoes and did not put my shoes on until I crested the first climb. I pushed the first climb, realizing there were three other women with me, Sarah Groff, Jasmine Oenick, and Julie Ertel.
I tried to mix up the pace in the bike and make our bike group even smaller by launching a few attacks throughout the technical, hilly, eight-lap bike. Although I was never able to break up the group with attacks, we still rode hard and made the bike challenging.
Once we approached T2, I had a great transition and was out on the run course just a step behind Julie.
Once out onto the run, we had to start up the steep hill we climbed on the bike. Although it was quite short for the bike, it did not feel so easy on the run! The run was very hilly and some of the hills could really take the power out of your legs. Despite the course, I was feeling great during the race. Unfortunately, on the first lap, the turnaround was not marked and I did not know where to turn!! I ran past the spot, asked where to turn and Julie and I finally just decided to turn around. By the second lap, the cones were up and we were able to make the turn appropriately! I may have lost about 15 or so seconds, but in the end, it did not matter. I lead for about three laps of the run, with Julie right there. She made surge at the end of the third lap and I was close to her, but never could quite get back up to her. She finished in first for her second national championships and I finished 10 seconds behind. Sarah Groff claimed the final spot on the podium with her 3rd place finish.
Overall, I am pleased with my performance, but of course you always want to improve and think of what you could have done to place higher. I felt strong throughout the race, but my main focus is just less than two weeks away with the Toyota Cup in Dallas.
I had so much fun just getting back in racing on Saturday and am really looking forward to racing the remainder of the season.
For full results, go to http://www.pigmantri.com/jmsracing/results08/usatage08d.html
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All Matching!
Some of the new 2011 TYR cycling kits matched great with my Fuji and Zipp wheels!
Run Shots!
New 2011 run gear. Poor TJ was quite sore after his 70.3 the weekend prior.
Downtown Sydney
This is taken from the 20th floor of my hotel room. You can see just to the left where we swam in near the Opera House.
Check out the Scenery
Out training in Idaho before heading to the airport! Beautiful lake in the background.
Ready For 2024!
My niece has my suit and Speedo backpack...ready to train (but I think she mentioned she was going to Six Flags!)
Marin Triathlon
Becky and I hanging out at the awards post race
Seoul WCS Finish Line
I though I had finished the race, but I forgot to cross the timing matt completely until 10 sec later!!
Holding the Cup!
Race to the Toyota Cup winners in Dallas, Texas. The cup was heavy...and brrr it was a cold weekend in Dallas!
Post-Race
Matt Reed was first for the men's race
Crossing the Tape
Always a good feeling to break the tape!
On the Bike in Minnesota
Here I am on my Blue at the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon this past Saturday
LTF Swim Start
Here we are right at the horn (I am in the Blue). Thank Paul Phillips for all the great pics more at: http://www.competitiveimage.us/tri/Sarah-Haskins/index.html
Bike Shot
Out on the bike course---quickly going through my bottles!!
Flying Dive
Here I am headed back into the water after the first lap.
Crossing the Finish!
4th place
T2
I am headed into the transition area--ready to run!
Washington DC WCS #3
Here is a pic of my bike pack out on the course
Ready, Set....GO!
My parents came to visit me in Colorado over Memorial Day weekend (Nate was out of town). They came along to a track workout and Sarah wanted to race me!!!
Cheyanne Mountain Zoo
Feeding the giraffes---they have LONG tongues...
Enjoying a Popsicle!
Maybe most is not getting in her mouth...but that's not always the point, right? Sarah and my parents are enjoying a lunch at the training center.
Run Workouts For Runners and Triathletes
Here is a picture of Bobby McGee's new book.
Babies are Wiped Out
Megan and I are holding the sleeping girls---
Sarah, Sarah and Anna
Sarah (2 yrs) is getting to know her new baby sister!
Sarah Sharing Her Tags!
When Sarah goes to sleep she puts the tags from her blankets on her eyelashes (she always uses the yellow one). She also thinks everyone else wants the tag when they sleep too---including her newborn sister!
Mom, Baby and Sarah
Megan and Anna are both doing well. This picutre was the day Megan and Anna got to come home from the hospital. Sarah giving Anna some snuggels!
Michael and Meghan's Wedding
Nate and I are getting ready to walk down the asile for my brother's wedding.
High Powered Fans
These fans are the horsepower of the tunnel...very powerful! They can simulate speeds of 80mph.
Holding the Flower Girl!
Feb. 14th wedding day....Nate and I are holding our niece, Sarah. She did a great job walking down the asile at 23 months!
Inside the Tunnel
On my Triad, in my new aero position!
Last Minute Travel
Here we are with our U-Haul...we made it safe and sound!
Wren Hollow Elementary
A couple of weeks ago I went back to my Elementary school and spoke to the kids about Triathlon, goal setting and the Olympics! They gave a wonderful welcome with signs, posters, and cheers!
Christmas Morning
My Mom, Sarah and I are playing with Sarah while she is enjoying her new toy. This elephant is very strong...my Dad sat on it and it held (he is 230lbs!!)
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Here is Jess snuggling with her babies (Gwen and Rowan). Gwen looks a lot like Jess and Rown look like his daddy, Lucas.
Snow!
This view is off my parents deck (the last picture showed the many colors of fall...but winter can be beautiful too!)
Post Parade
Busch Stadium in the background....looks different without the crowds!
On the Run in Beijing
Racing in the Olympics---if you wonder what the black strap is in my suit, it is my timing chip. It was falling off of my ankle on the bike and I did not want it to get stuck in my chain ring, so I ripped it off and shoved it in my suit!
Another View of Winter
Same view as earlier blog post, but with snow!
Holiday Night Out to Dinner
Nate and I with Tommy, Sarah (brother-in-law and his finace) and a friend of Sarah's. Tommy and Sarah are getting married October 17th.
Wedding in Minnesota
Nate, my cousin Matt Beasley, his wife Lindsay and I. The wedding was beautiful!
Thanksgiving Parade
Here I am ready to ride in the yellow Mazda (sponsor for the parade). It was great to see all the families and kids out to watch...
Fall Folliage
View off my parents deck
Fall Folliage
View from my parents deck
Lake Shot
View of the pond on my parents property
