Katy Flatland 2015

So ... again, training for MS150 has been intimidating. I'm sceered of the hilly roads and the drivers around here and mileage intimidates me. I belong to some groups of riders and triathletes on Facebook and someone mentioned Katy Flatland and I thought I could do flat. There was a 38 mile, 55- mile, 62-mile, and 100-miler. Most folks were doing 62 or 100. I thought ... 38 is too short, and if I do 55, what's another 7? So ... through FB, I made arrangements to carpool and bunk with 2 other women. They knew each other and were trusting that I wasn't going to be a serial killer. As I was packing, I got distracted by cups and bottles. Decided, I need to purge, right? This is the purge pile to charity. There are more that I kept. Yikes. The Musician is happy to see these go. 

After we checked into the hotel, we met up with TriForce for dinner at BJs. They have a new kale and brussels sprouts salad and were willing to swap goat cheese for avocado. It was amazing. Such a fun, energetic, inspiring group of peeps that totally outclass me in athleticism. I am inspired the by the people at the table who have completed multiple Ironman races, sometimes more than one in a year, and the people who overcome such hardship to train and compete, and the people who qualify for Kona by earning their spot on the podium. These folks are truly badass, but oh, so very very nice. They made me feel welcome and part of them, even though I am clearly not at their caliber and probably never will be. And, Charlie graciously picked up our packets to make it all go smoother.

Next morning, we all met for breakfast and did a carpool caravan to the ride start. It was a rolling start, so we could go anytime. The TriForce team who has done this before knew the system and we got a quick picture and headed out before the crowds and early enough to try to beat some heat. I gotta' get me a kit so I can ride with the cool kids. In the meantime, I was digging the YMX Yellowman jersey and arm coolers I was wearing. MadKool Fabric kept me cool and kept the sun off.

It didn't take long for these speed demons to leave me in the dust. And I'm riding without a bike computer, because I never found it after I didn't put it on my bike in Transition the week before. The course was beautiful and flat, which was really nice for me. From time to time, I fell in behind other riders and enjoyed the draft. Sometimes, I needed to go faster. Other times, I couldn't keep up. The views were beautiful and I regret not taking pictures of the fog rising off the fields. At Rest Stop #1, I saw a few of the team. They were rested as I was arriving, so I got some refreshing cold water, stretched my legs, and off again. I was feeling pretty decent.



Shortly after this, the 38-mile route turned. I stayed for the 55-mile route. And a few miles later, I was glad I did. There was a bike down. There were people around and the girl was shaking and crying. Witness said, she just veered and fell. At first she didn't know her name. I held her neck still. Spoke slowly and doused her with water to cool her off. It seemed like forever for EMS to arrive. She had stopped shaking and crying. She knew her name again and the date ... her birthday. But, she had no memory of where she was and what she was doing ... just that she hurt. She could wiggle toes. She got a neck brace and onto the backboard and I let EMS do their thing. Then I was off again. Made it to Rest Stop #2 and enjoyed ICE!!! AND WATERMELON!!!

Few minutes later and there was the turn for 62-miles. HMMM!!! What's the difference? 7 more miles. Better not push it today. Got in some good drafting time behind a guy and we rode together for several miles. It made the trip to Rest Stop #3 pretty fast. It was starting to get hot and a little windy at this point. I met up with some 62-milers who are on the HEB Bike Team and TriForce. If I had gone the 62-miles, they would have been long gone.

I headed out before the rest of the group, but they passed me on to Rest Area #4 which really wasn't that far away. In the meantime, I got a few calls from work ... no, sorry, I'm too far away. Really, I wish I could have helped. I stopped here and had what may have been the best Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich in the universe. I drank Tailwind full strength this time and it had gotten me through a long way, but was watered down as I had been refilling with ice. I think this could be my new "go to" drink. It's got a light flavor, but no gut issues. Also had a Huma gel somewhere along the way and it was just as good as last time.

So, I was pretty happy to finish 55 miles. It's the longest I've ever ridden since I biked across Kansas with Girl Scouts in 8th grade. I am feeling pretty good about myself about now. Then, I ate 3 slices of pizza with cheese (yes, I was really really hungry and salad just didn't seem like it would cut it). Gut bomb would come later. My carpool and hotel buddies had done 62-miles (followed by a short run) and we didn't have to wait long for the other who did 100-miles (followed by a short run). Then it was back home. Yes, I slept in the car. I hope I didn't snore.

Thanks TriForce for being so very supportive and encouraging. Thanks Katy Flatland organizers for a really great ride with amazing support and incredible volunteers. And, if you are inclined to support my efforts at MS150, it's never too little, or too late. People and families impacted by this condition appreciate your support, and so do I