Category Archives: race preparations

Peaked or Peaking and Last Race Before Ironman

  By Crystal Clarke | August 11, 2017 - 12:45 pm | , , , , , ,
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Emotions have been running high for me lately. Such is the way of the last weeks before Ironman (combined with other life and woman things). I know that this happens, but it is still difficult. This past week has been my “peak” week. However, I believe my body is done with the long training sessions. My last bike ride (last Saturday) was 150km and it took all I had to keep going. Not that I really had a choice. I knew that my partner would not come and pick me up no matter how much I pleaded. Even if I … Keep reading →

The No-Goal Triathlete

  By Crystal Clarke | August 5, 2015 - 4:13 pm | , , , ,
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In 4 days I’ll be participating in my first triathlon in almost a year. This will be the 10th time I’ve been in this event. My best time was in 2006 with 3:52; my worst time was 2014 with 4:59 (yes, training DOES make a difference!). Not surprisingly, the bike time makes a huge difference (see the table below). This year’s race, though, will be in a team which is a first for me. I’m excited not to run! It’s always been my Achilles heal (pun intended), but I do love the run. So many people excited about finishing. It … Keep reading →

Second Summer

  By Crystal Clarke | September 25, 2014 - 8:23 pm | , , , , , ,
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This past week a very amazing thing happened… we got a second summer! Considering it’s 35C in Las Vegas right now, and will likely be in the 30s on race-day, I have been very thankful for some hot weather training. I feel like I’m cramming for a test. In reality, it’s more to just put my mind at ease so that I know that I can do this. Truth time: I’ve been doubting myself. The good news is that I’m pretty much injury-free, my cardio is good, and I’m in the best shape I’ve been in in over three years. … Keep reading →

Race #2 of 2014

  By Crystal Clarke | August 6, 2014 - 12:56 pm | , , , , , , , ,
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In only 3 days I will be participating in my second triathlon this year. My training buddy and I were looking back at my history of the race, which is very varied. It will be interesting to see how Sunday plays out. This race has followed me throughout my triathlon life and I have loved every second. My times vary from sub-4-hours to sub-5. This year I’m being realistic and looking closer to the 4 and a half to 5-hour mark. That is, if my knees will stop freaking hurting! This morning’s run/walk was pretty painful. I have GOT to … Keep reading →

Pre-Race Jitters

  By Crystal Clarke | July 19, 2014 - 2:32 pm | , , , , , ,
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This morning I went for my pre-race swim with my training buddy, Blair. It went well even though I forgot my wetsuit. So I swam in my bathing suit, which was actually pretty good. It prepared me for the “cold panic” that I always get (and I think most get) when I first get in the water. The water this morning was clear and calm, even though it was pretty windy. I met another triathlete out there and we may even become training buddies! As I’ve mentioned before, training buddies are the shit! As I was driving into town this … Keep reading →

1 Day Left!

  By Crystal Clarke | May 5, 2012 - 9:17 am | , , , , ,
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Yesterday we left Saskatoon with our Prairie Team in Training team. I’ve never done a race with 50 other people, most of them strangers. However, there a few that are quickly becoming friends. My nutrition plan is to stay as normal as possible. However, last night I went out in search of a vegan restaurant. The place I wanted to go was closed, but I’ll be heading back there for lunch. Instead, my fellow vegetarian Ashley and I headed to a Lebanese restaurant and had a wonderful meal even with DESSERT! It’s just so refreshing to go to places where … Keep reading →

Ready to Roll

  By Crystal Clarke | July 11, 2009 - 9:22 pm | , , ,
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I am sitting in a very cool place while outside is scorching hot. Well, not as hot as it was earlier, but pretty close. Actually, I’m in Penticton which is not nearly as hot as Osoyoos. Apparently the water was 22.5 degrees Celsius today, which is .5 degrees cooler than the cut-off for wearing a wetsuit. Whew! I have never done a triathlon without a wetsuit before. I guess there is a first time for everything! This race is all about first-times for me. I have been really nervous about this race and was wondering what that was all about, … Keep reading →

Frank Dunn Triathlon preview

  By Crystal Clarke | August 5, 2008 - 10:00 am | , ,
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 This weekend is my final race of the season: Waskesiu’s Frank Dunn Triathlon. This is my longest-running triathlon with this being my sixth year in a row to complete this race. I was a little uncertain after my half IM experience as to whether I was going to do this race or if I would pull out or if I would just stop after the bike. However, I have been running a bit lately and with my knee feeling as close to 100% as it has in months, I’m going to go for it. This morning I was looking at … Keep reading →

Ironman advice

  By Crystal Clarke | December 14, 2007 - 10:41 am | , ,
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So I subscribe to many online ‘zines about triathlon. The one I got today from Trifuel is a really good one on racing for Ironman. I tried to transport myself to a year ago when I was starting on my training plan and thinking about what this article would have done for me. I don’t honestly think I would have known what it was talking about, but now that I’ve been through it I can really appreciate the advice given. So I thought I’d add the four keys that they talk about and add my comments. The whole article is … Keep reading →