NYC Triathlon 2016- My First Tri

NYC PANASONIC TRIATHLON

JULY 24, 2016

This past weekend I completed my first triathlon, another race checked off my 2016 Race Goals. This triathlon consisted of swim (1500meters-bike40k-run8k), and I’m still in awe and disbelief that I did this. One of my favorite quotes, “Nothing is Impossible, the word itself says I’m Possible”- Audrey Hepburn.

 I remember when I decided to do this race was last year when I volunteered for the event and signed up in November, right away I hit the pool which was my weakness although I was consistently swimming I was still learning technique, breathing, gliding, sighting all new words I learned while training. I was still using nose plugs while I was training and practicing and it wasn’t until about 2-3 months before the race I finally got rid of them. Within those 2-3 months I bought a road bike, I met my coach from TriHuracan and the amazing athletes that are part of that team and from there I grew as a an athlete and became a triathlete. Biking was also my weakness, learned how to ride a bike a few years ago and still didn’t have the confidence riding for a while I would  go ride with my friend and relied on him on looking back for me and taking me through easy routes. The speed gave me fear of not stopping in time and getting hit by a car or flying off my bike. My running the last month of training became minimal when I rolled my ankle when I fell off my bike and still not 100% but with Physical Therapy and some rest (hard for me to just rest) I’m getting better day by day.

So my experience for my first triathlon was amazing and I impressed myself with my time of 3hour35min and my goal was to finish within 4 hours. Race morning I got there at 4 am with only about 4.5 hours of sleep. I set up my bike and gear and walked to the swim start with my wetsuit and it was a nice calming walk which I needed watching the sun rise above the water that I was going to swim in.

 

 Swim, well still a bit of my weakness but within time I will build up endurance, better breathing and overall become a better swimmer. Jumping in the Hudson, I’m sure a lot of people are asking, what was that like? Well I couldn’t see anything as soon as I jumped in, just brown water , I started swimming with the group I went out with about 15 woman and think about 500 meters or so in I started slowing down then it became a little mental for me thinking ugh not even half way done, am I there yet. I started swimming freestyle, head above water, back stroke even floating at one point just to get to the finish which felt never ending. At one point I stopped at one of the surfboards where they had people watching you to make sure everyone is ok and I took a breather since I was feeling my wetsuit constricting my chest.  When I finally reached the finish of the swim, I didn’t feel my legs for a bit was a little off balance then was able to walk after that, had to walk/run for about 600 yards barefoot to get to the bike transition area.  I walked with someone that I had met from Riverbank Park where I trained which was a nice walk to have some company with. Took my time during my transition, I went to restroom looked at my list, yes I made little post it notes for my swim, bike, run so I didn’t forget anything lol.

 

Bike- I hopped on my bike and I felt ok took it slow because I knew there was a sharp turn coming and a steep hill, in my head was thinking I’m going to get stuck, not going to go fast enough, will collide with someone in that narrow turn. I know I need to get that negativity out of my head, but I made that turn and it was all clear of bikers and I saw a friend and she cheered me on and I went for it and got up that hill nice and smooth. I then continued on a bumpy turn to get to the west side highway which I didn’t know what to expect but there weren’t a lot of bikers when I got on and felt at ease. I was expecting a 2 hour bike time and finished 1 hour 53 minutes.

Run- Well my legs felt like jello when I started to run and they gave us another steep hill to run, we were starting in Riverside Park so to get out of that park everything was uphill. I felt good until about 2 miles in and the heat started to get to me, I was pouring water on my head my neck, jumping the sprinklers all I wanted was it to end. Once I crossed that finish line was so relieved and happy and sense of accomplishment in reaching a goal I have wanted for quite some time. 

TRIHURACAN TEAMMATES

So now that I am done with my first triathlon I will be doing one more for the summer and continue my running goal of running 50 states, Chicago Marathon in 10 weeks.

Until next time, Happy Running, Swimming, Biking!

ROAD TO MY FIRST TRIATHLON- NYC TRIATHLON 7-24-16

JULY 24, 2016

One month from today I will be doing my first Triathlon (SWIM-BIKE-RUN), the nerves and excitement are building up.  The race will start with the swim portion, 1500m in the Hudson River then will 40k bike up the west side to the Bronx and back, the run portion will be a 10k finishing off in Central Park.  This journey has been a mix of emotions for me training for this race. Adding on 2 new sports to your training is a task on its own. I know I can run that’s my strongest link from the 3 events in a triathlon. I have 23 half marathons, 4 marathons and 1 ultramarathon under my belt.

Swim

I started hitting the pool and I would just swim work on my technique which I had none from the start and my breathing which up until  2 months ago I was still using my nose plug. All my life I swam but never with proper form but I used to get from one wall to the other wall without even putting my head in the water and if I swam under I used a nose plug or held my nose haha, yes I always feared of getting water in my nose, cause well it sucks you get that burning feeling and I didn’t love it. Thanks to one of the lifeguards where I train at gave me some tips and well I graduated and stopped using my nose plugs, for a while I still carried it with me like a safety blanket haha. With a month away I still haven’t done my open water swim because every time I had it scheduled something came up. Hopefully this weekend I get to break in my wetsuit and get in open water and test out the waters. Hoping to do 2 more open water swims sessions before race day.

Bike

The biking part has been a big step for me also; I learned how to ride a bike a couple of years ago with a mountain bike from Toys R Us. My best friend Enrique showed me, boy does he have patience lol and he is now training with me also for his first Triathlon. I remember when he asked me to meet him one day for a ride; I walked 15 minutes to meet him instead of getting on the bike by myself haha. I bought my first road bike in May, figured I needed an upgrade from my mountain bike. I bought one of the basic Trek road bikes, I didn’t want to spend a ton of money and she was perfect for me. The first day I took the bike home I road it half way home on the west side, was still a little fearful, definitely faster then what I’m used to.  The first day I took her out for a real ride I hit some hills going up was fine but going down on the street with cars and potholes well I caught a panic attack between the speed and fear of not stopping and getting hit by a car. I even met up with some friends for a long ride and she is also one of my sole sisters in Latina in motion and gave me some tips and helped me with my confidence on the bike.  I can say now 2 months later I am more comfortable, went on my own last weekend for a 32 mile bike ride.

Run

Training for this race, I haven’t run as much as I like because I am focusing on the parts that I need the most help with. I also didn’t have any big races scheduled to train for. For my run I have been doing twice a week and an added run in some of the bike rides which are called Brick workouts, bike then run immediately after.  I have been doing hill training more which I wasn’t doing before but thanks to my awesome coach and  an awesome athletes at  TriHuracan I have become a stronger runner when I’m hitting those hills.

Let the countdown begin 30 days til race day!!

My Quest to 50 +1 (Puerto Rico)

My Quest to 50+1

March 13, 2016

Puerto Rico Half Marathon

On March 13, I completed my plus 1 on my Quest to 50+1.  This race was my 23^rd Half Marathon that I completed, although not one of my best races thus far this was by far the most memorable. Traveling to Puerto Rico for this race has been in the works for quite some time, my cousins in Puerto Rico have wanted me to run this race after reading about my journey on running 50 states so I then added the plus 1 on my quest.  I really had a plan to PR (set a personal record) in PR but due to the conditions and maybe being too much on vacation mode I didn’t do so great. Race morning it rained and also rained throughout. The race started at 5am to beat the heat but within in mile 1 I had already felt the 95% humidity, by the time I reached Old San Juan the streets were dark and could barely see so had to really take it slow, cobblestones were slippery and the streets were narrow.  The best part of my race was seeing my cousin (whom I met for the second time only) was riding the course on his bike as a coach, he recorded me and took pictures and motivated me throughout. I felt ok but not great enough to run faster than 8:30 pace which I had planned. My pace was sporadic up and down at mile 7 felt a little light headed at mile 9 I grabbed an ice pack someone was giving out to cool me off. Last mile my cousin riding next to me says I am almost there and just have a downhill to go and then comes the pouring rain, although refreshing it was a downpour that visibility was minimal. As I cross the finish line, couldn’t have been happier to be done and I knew my time wasn’t the best but I am ok with that.

                                       
       

     

    

This race had brought me to meet new people in the Latina’s in Motion Chapter from Puerto Rico and NJ, fellow Junkees from Ohio who I met on fb through Run Junkees Club, my friend’s husband aka my twin I call him because we run the same pace.  My friends from New York ran and I was able to spend time with my family which was great.  So far this has been my best Runcation I have had. My Runcation consisted of traveling the island, dancing, spending time with friends, eating, running on the beach and just an awesome time.  

Now to focus on my upcoming races in April a 15k, and 2 Spartan races, and continue my Triathlon training (swim, bike, run have to practice-practice-practice)  I am looking for another half to do sooner than later but haven’t found any that fits my schedule.  

Until next time Happy Running!

My Quest to 50-Race to Inspire

I was going through my running blog documents and found this one that I wrote last year and never posted it. Here is how I started running and my journey throughout my races. Enjoy!

RACE TO INSPIRE

My name is Daisy Santana and I live in New York and this is my story on what inspired me to run. I began running in the year of 2009, I lost my job the previous year and I was looking for work for almost 2 years. As I was looking for work I continued working out and staying active, after all I have a passion for fitness and I tried to keep my membership open to stay going to gym and taking classes that I loved. One of my friends from class approached me about a race a 10k to run with her so I said sure why not and I started training. I remember the first outdoor run I had, it was in the middle of August and I went out for my first run in Central Park and after 5 minutes in the heat I was done, I knew it was tough but kept going and finished at least a mile. From there on I started training for my first 10k that was scheduled in two months. In those two months a friend of mine bought me my first pair of running sneakers and continued to train for that 10k (6.2 miles).

 "Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world." - Marilyn Monroe

 

Running gave me a goal and something to look forward to especially since I wasn’t working. Gave me a sense of peace and happiness and loved the way I felt while I was running and when I was done. Race day was here, and it was a chilly rainy morning, I was hesitant to run, didn’t know how to dress so I layered up. I show up at the race very nervous and anxious at the same time, I trained for this I knew I could do it but was still nervous.  Race begins and I begin to run, what an amazing feeling and seeing so many people with the same goal but for all different reasons.  After mile one I was taking layers off, clearly I was overdressed but felt good as far as stamina and my legs felt fine.  I see a friend along the way and we say hi to each other and that gave me some more motivation. Once I crossed the finished line was so happy I completed my first race. From there on I was hooked to running and racing.

After my first race, I signed up for the lottery the NYC Half Marathon that was for the following year in 2010, besides this big race I also finally found a job and met some amazing people that  worked with and were very supportive in my running. I trained throughout the winter and recruited one of my friends that joined me in training. This was a new challenge, training through the winter and for longer distance but I’m always up for a new challenge.  I trained on the treadmill, and in cold weather. Race day comes and I felt great, running the first part of the race through Central Park and that amazing feeling running through Time Square the second part of the race. I finished my first half marathon in 2 hours, not bad for my first half, was very happy. 

I ran a few more races along the way; I joined the NYRR club so I signed up for various distances. I even planned a trip to Las Vegas and recruited some of my friends to join in and run a half marathon over there and it was also another great experience.  The following year 2011 I was running all year and was thinking of running a half marathon in Philadelphia  but it was sold out, I told my friends lets go for the Full Marathon, mind you it was only 10 weeks away and we said hey why not. We trained and were consistent with our long runs and we all did pretty well with our race, I did hit the wall around mile 20 but had a friend push me through.

In the year 2013 I ran the NYC Marathon, this will be my second Full Marathon, I trained 16 weeks for this race that brings out all types of runners, spectators and a supportive city. It was a cold November morning and I waited a couple of hours until start time. There are about 40,000 people running this race so they have different start times. I began the race, still felt the chill in the air but felt great. I ran with one of my training buddies, I call him my running bff for the first 15 miles, after mile 15 we went our separate ways  and I took off, by Mile 16 is when you hit Manhattan and hundreds of people waiting for you to cross the Queensboro Bridge, “wow” is all I have to say. I continued to run feeling amazing, I had my cheer zone at Mile 19 and was so happy and smiling the rest of the way, they gave me second burst of energy.  By Mile 22 I had a second cheer zone, four more miles to go and that’s when the Heart comes in, your legs are tired, and all you have is Heart to get you to that finish to cross that line. I finished in 4 hours and 10 minutes, 18 minutes faster than my first Marathon in Philly.

In 2014 I had some knee pain, my kneecap is misaligned and they shifted, pain started the first time when I trained for Philly then it went away. Last year I taped up, wore a brace and was in pain running on and off. I was worried that my running days was gone and over. I was feeling defeated but kept running but cautiously and went to Physical therapy where they showed me some exercises that I can do to strengthen. After a year of taking care of my surrounded muscles and strengthening I am feeling better, no pain, no brace, no kt tape nothing.

So here we are 2015 and I have completed 20 Half Marathons, and I’m in training to complete my 4^th Full Marathon this year again in NYC where I hope to set a personal record. I also have set a goal to run 50 States and to run in Puerto Rico so that’s my plus 1. I was inspired to run 50 States after completing Nevada and Philadelphia, I had the conversation with one of my old bosses and he said if you do this, you have to make it either a Half or Full Marathon. So far I have completed 13 States and I am planning 2 more this year.

 I know I have a long way to go and I will set myself up for new challenges along the way. I love the feeling of racing and seeing how far I can push my body. It’s not about competing and beating other people it’s about competing with myself and making myself better.  I am so happy and grateful for what running has given me a sense of happiness, peace, strength, health, empowerment, new friends-reconnected with old friends, the running community is amazing and supportive.

So I leave you with this quote, I keep it as the heading in my blog

 “The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.”
― John Bingham

My Quest to 50+1 (Puerto Rico Half Marathon)

My Quest to 50+1

March 13, 2016

Puerto Rico Half Marathon

2016 New Year, New Challenges!

2016 Goals

·         Puerto Rico half marathon which is my plus 1 on my Quest to 50

·         Spartan Trifecta which means completing a Sprint, Super, Beast distances

·   JFK 50 miler

·   NYC Triathlon

·   Smuttynose Half Marathon

·   Chicago Full Marathon if I get in with lottery

·   Niagara Falls Half Marathon

·   Various races throughout the year in NYC

·   Also I committed to running 1000 miles for the year.

Started my year with an indoor triathlon with some awesome people, I improved from last year as far as the swim and the run goes which I am happy about.  Last weekend I went trail running which was so awesome, I didn’t even run with music which I usually do for zoning out purposes but running in nature was great.

My first major race this year will be the Puerto Rico Half Marathon in March, I’ve been looking forward to running this for a few years now and for a vacation. The race will be early 5am start which is super early for me since I’m not a morning person but will be done in less than 2 hours and can nap on the beach after. Training has been going well; I have been running 3x a week and incorporating cross training (spinning, rowing, and swimming) to prep for my triathlon as well.  I continue to do my usual boxing twice a week which I love.

So far have 26.68 miles for year so far, which means I’m kinda slacking for the month I should be doing that much in a week so need to step it up.  Hopefully by the end of the month I will have reached 100 which is my goal, I will repost and make it then. 

Until next time Happy Running!!

My Quest to 50 +1, 2015 Race Year!

MY RACE YEAR 2015

2015 was a great running year for me, although I didn’t do all the races I planned due to financial reasons I did complete most of my races I had on my list. I completed 2 marathons (North Carolina and NYC Marathon) and 3 states (North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Maine) toward my quest to 50. I completed my first trail run in Bear Mountain which I love, my First Ultramarathon, first indoor Triathlon and my first fun Underwear Run a lot of first for me this year. I also ran smaller races in between 4 milers, 5ks, and a 10 miler; overall it was a great running season.

My running family has expanded this year meeting new runners from (LIM, Runners United, InstaRunners, Harlem Run, RunJunkees Club) and having the support from the running community especially the Latinas in Motion. I don’t run with my sole sisters often but we always support each other every day no matter what. The support from my family and non-running friends, my salsa community has also been great throughout the year.

Training for the North Carolina Marathon this year required, willpower and dedication and determination. I had to train throughout the winter even when people said I was crazy for going out when it was 15 degrees or colder. Winter training actually became enjoyable after doing it for 16 weeks and I can say I’m actually looking forward to running this winter again.

NYC Marathon what can I say it’s New York, the city that never sleeps. There were about 50,000 runners and triple that in spectators maybe more. It was so amazing to run through the 5 boroughs. Although I’m bummed I didn’t meet my goal time but at least I finished and that’s what matters.

The highlight of my race year was my 60k my first Ultramarathon in Central Park. I have been wanting to do this race for a few years now, although my training for it wasn’t ultra-training, I basically decided I can do NYC Marathon (26.2 miles) on November 1 and then hey what’s 11 more miles ha-ha. Running this race was so awesome to push your body to run that far, I had people cheering me on and running laps with me which definitely helped a lot to have that support. As I’m writing this blog 2 days later my legs actually feel pretty good. I am looking forward to running another ultra and actually training for it.  

Here are some pictures from 2015 training, racing and having fun. Had to put some in collages to fit them all in J

 

Looking forward to a couple of weeks off from running and focus on my 2016 goals. Stay Tuned…

My Quest to 50 +1, 14 Down 36 More to Go (Maine)

My Quest to 50 + 1 (PR)

14 Down 36 More to Go

Maine (Mount Desert Island Half) 13.1 Miles

October 18, 2015

This weekend I completed my 14^th state on my quest to 50 and my 22^nd Half Marathon.  I visited Bar Harbor, Maine this weekend and so far one of my favorite states that I have visited. My race itself wasn’t so great due to fighting a cold all week and my immune system wacky but this trip was so worth it. The town of Bar Harbor was super cute and I got to visit Acadia National Park which was on my bucket list of National Parks to visit and it was absolutely breathtaking. I also got to meet some really cool people with Operation Jack for Autism and Sam. I will try and keep pics to a minimum in this blog but everything was so pretty have to share a little of it all.

A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE RACE

It was an 8 hour drive to Bar Harbor, Maine from my home and I’m so glad for my best friend Enrique to make the drive.  We arrived in Maine late afternoon Thursday night and in time to watch the sunset by the water which was a beauty and then of course we had to have some Lobster or how they say in New England Lobstah. The next day on Friday despite the rain and my cold we still decided to stick to the plan and visit Acadia National Park. We couldn’t do one of the hikes but we were able to do one that was still beautiful.

Sunset at Bar Harbor

LOBSTER ROLL

CADILLAC MOUNTAIN

Lunch by Jordan's Pond

Jordan's Pond in Acadia National Park

Trail around the Pond

Top of Cadillac Mountain

DAY BEFORE THE RACE

On Saturday the day before the race we drove the course which started about 13 miles 

from town, the course was quite hilly and the way the race was set up we had to run on the side of the road with traffic still flowing in some parts which was a bit crazy and a first for me.  Since we still had some time before dinner we decided to go back to Acadia Park and visit to places Thunder hole and Sand Beach which was also beautiful and worth the trip.

Thunder Hole at Acadia

Thunder Hole at Acadia 

Sand Beach 

PASTA PARTY NIGHT BEFORE

Saturday evening we had plans to attend a pasta party and I got to meet Sam who I raised money for his charity Operation Jack for Autism, such a cool guy and super nice. He even gave us a little painting to everyone who raised money as a token of his appreciation which was really awesome.  The painting was even more special because it was painted by adults who have special needs. I also got to meet the rest of the folks who were also part of Operation Jack and also ran the race.

Dinner with Sam and Operation Jack for Autism Folks

RACE DAY

Race day is finally here, Woke up still feeling a bit sick and the temps were really cold 31 degrees with wind gust at 18mph.  I’ve ran in colder weather than this before in freezing temps but guess since I was still fighting a cold it wasn’t as fun. I actually went into the race feeling I would have a good race just pace myself but at the start of the race my toes felt like they were frozen, I ran the first couple of miles and warmed up but toes still felt good, at mile 3 I felt dizzy and hot and thought I was going to faint, this was a first for me during a race and the fact that it was so early on in the race was a bit scary. I took ammonia inhaler, not sure what it’s called exactly but it’s a little stick you pop and take a whiff and then I took a power gel which has electrolytes, walked a bit until I felt ok and continued my race. I definitely took it easy though, no racing for me so I ran when I felt good and walk a bit when I felt bad.

My friend Farah was also running this race with no training at all but this was her birthday race so she came out.

Overall the road trip/weekend was fun with Enrique and Farah. Maine was so beautiful and Acadia National Park is a must see if you ever go visit. Race itself wasn’t my best and was a bit tough may have to go back for revenge haha and I got to meet some cool people.

Race course

Post Race

Post Race with the Birthday Girl

UPCOMING RACES

In a couple of weeks I will be tackling the TCS NYC Marathon for the second time, feeling excited.