Let me start by saying I didn't meet my goals of 1:20 time or placing in my age groups. But that's just incidental. My time was 1:22, which is 6 min faster than when I did the same race 7 years ago. If I was a year older and in a different age group, I would have placed. (But I don't want to be closer to turning 4- that much.) And considering I have 2 kids now and family commitments, then I'm very happy.
Here's the rundown: Despite being really nervous the week before, I was pretty relaxed in the several days leading up to the race. That is, until 5 minutes before the start. I was in the 3rd of 4 waves of swimmers. The swim was the most uncomfortable part of the race. I just wanted it to be done. But I only went to breaststroke twice to get re-oriented when I had several people right around me. Was able to run out of the water and get through the transition quickly.
I was surprised how fast I went on the bike. I pegged a couple people ahead of me to try and keep up with, and after a couple miles went ahead and passed them. I was in a small group the whole ride, and was pleased at how well I could keep up. And because everyone had their age written on their left calf, I could see who was in my age group and who wasn't. One woman, the same age as me, had a tri-bike, aerodynamic helmet, and a very fit body- I was able to stay with her until a long hill at mile 12. Even then, I was happy I had done all the hill repeats as I powered up the hill.
Transition to run was fine- I was tired, but I appreciated all the bricks I had done. I wish I was just a little faster on the run. I decided to try and stay with another woman just ahead of me who was my age. She kept me going a bit faster than I may have done on my own. I was hoping to pass her at the end, but couldn't quite pull that off. I did narrow the gap. She must have known I was there b/c as soon as we crossed the finish line, she turned and shook my hand.
And my cheering section was the best. Donny, Tavyn, and Brenna gave me high-fives on the run and were fantastic. My dad was there as well since my mom did the race. She did a great job.
So lessons learned?
I am pretty fast- and next year I'll be faster.
Have electrolyte-drink on the bike. Since it wasn't a long race, I only had water and my legs were cramping a bit at the end of the bike. Could I have passed my running friend w/ a little more energy? Who knows.
Spend more time in open water swims so I'm more comfortable with it.
You know, there were more 'lessons learned" but I can't think of them right now. And quite frankly, I need to go wake kids up, head to work, and train for the next race. But that's a different post....
No comments:
Post a Comment