Weekend Wrap-up

The weather in the last three days has been such a variation of clothing options.  On Friday morning, I almost boiled over at 5:30am during my run, which was a lot more warm than I had anticipated.  I was a wet mess of sweat and misty fog by the time I returned home.
Saturday morning's run was a bit reluctant, as I wasn't too excited about heading out into the rain that just wouldn't let up.  I came home sporting the "drown-rat" look, but at least I looked like a hard-core superstar out there (either that, or just plain crazy).
This morning, ever the optimist, I wore shorts and lots of layers on top for a long bike ride, and I think my goosebumps could have counted as a fifth member of our bike-crew; they were so large!!

The runs were great, but quite uneventful.  I want to talk about my bike ride!

I know I have said this a million times before, but training in groups is so much better than training alone.  The actual workout is still the same (actually, it can be more challenging when we force each other to push ourselves) but the time flies by with the laughter, and the chatting.

I love love love running with other people so obviously I was drawn to training for triathlons with a group too.  The open-water swims this summer have been more about the camaraderie of complaining about the cold water as a group, than they have been about the workout.  And I have learned a lot about swimming and the amount I can push myself too.  Win, win!

Biking with others is so different than running with others.  It's a lot less chatty while we're on the road, as there is the safety element that can't be ignored for the sake of conversation.  But convening at intersections, or at the completion of the route makes it alllll worth it.  Especially if the bike ride ends at a Starbucks, like it did today!

I headed out with Tricia, Sylvie and Lorraine this morning (they all thought my choice of shorts instead of pants was nothing short of certifiable).  Around these parts it is hard to find a route of any distance that doesn't involve hills, so it was a perfect challenge.  We rode about 35km, and it was great!  I loved the downhills (of course) and the scenery was terrific (no photos of scenery.  Take photos while biking? Not there yet, and maybe I will never be at that level!).

We encountered many other cyclists out enjoying the sunshine (and wind).  I was proud to be out there among them, but I did realize that I have a long way to go before I really feel like I am a "cyclist"!

We still look happy after all of the hills and wind!

I have to admit, my favourite part was the Starbucks.  Warm drinks, lovely ladies...That's what it's all about, amIright?

Happy running, cycling, etc...

--Shrug--

Well.  Time is money.

We've all heard it before.  Sadly, I learned just how true that saying is last weekend in my race.  My "last-ditch" race, specifically.

When I realized the momentum that the hype for Boston 2014 was taking, it was summer.  I was well into my training for a fast fall marathon (the Scotiabank Toronto marathon, Oct. 20).  I realized that although I had qualified in Boston for next year's race, I may need to better my time to ensure I would get in, what with all of the other thousands of people that would also want to race.

I realized that I would have to cut off more than a month of training to be ready for an early September race, if I could find one that still had open spaces.  I found one.  In Pennsylvania.  A mere nine-hour drive between me and the race.  No problem!

The Lehigh Valley Marathon in Allentown would be my race.  If I could get a PB, or even pull in a race close to my current marathon PB, I figured my chances would be good.

I had a very strong summer of training.  I ran, swam, and biked a lot, and I had some awesome long runs.  Some long runs were so great, and some of my speed work made me feel ready.  Papa and the boys were so supportive of my training, and I really couldn't have spent so many long hours out on the roads if it weren't for them!

I knew it wasn't ideal that the marathon fell on the first weekend that I was back at school, but tapering actually worked in well with the other chaos that was happening in our house...phrases like "where's my water bottle?" turned quickly into, "where's my backpack?!"

So.  Here's the race/weekend report, and, as a head's up...it didn't end the way I wanted it to :(

We decided to head to Pennsylvania as a family.  Papa was off that weekend, and there were a few things to do/see in the area.  Our kids LOVE hotels (especially hotels with pools) so we knew they would be excited to take the road trip!

We left Friday right after I was done school.  Our kids were so awesome in the car.  They (generally) got along well, and patiently waited until rest stops for potty breaks and food.  I wish I liked riding in the car as much as them!

Papa and the boys...ready for the long ride

By the time we rolled into Allentown on the Saturday, I was excited to get to the expo and pick up my race kit!  The expo happened to be right next to our hotel, which was in a very nice and cool area of the city.  The Runner's World 1/2 marathon will actually start/finish in the area next month.

The expo was quite small, which I was disappointed by.  I was hoping to buy some new running stuff (as usual) but the only thing I purchased were some gels (albeit at a great price, but kind of a boring purchase).

We bribed them with m&m's to be patient at the expo

Also, the line up for my bib was terrible.  I have a popular "last name" letter (R) but I seriously waited in a line (while Papa waited with growingly impatient boys) for 20 minutes.  There were only max. 10 people ahead of me.  I couldn't understand what the problem was!  Until I got to the front.  The person in charge of my alpha really was having difficulties figuring out the system.  I had to find my bib for her, and I feel bad about complaining, but geesh.

The shirts were nice, and they look like they will fit nice too.  Always a plus at races!

We took the kids to the Crayola Experience in downtown Easton PA (nearby) and, as luck would have it, the finish line was only a block away, so we scoped that out while we were downtown.  The finish area looked quite small, so Papa and I decided that we would forgo having him and the boys waiting for me amongst all of the people, and I would just finish out the race on my own, then call him to come and pick me up.  I know.  Not the most romantic, but when there are 3 kids under the age of 6 involved, you have to go the practical route.  always.

The kids loved Crayola.  They made personalized crayons, markers, and played with all of the interactive displays and play areas.  Definitely a highlight for them.

How cool are these personalized crayons?

We ate a very uneventful dinner (I had some sort of spinache/bruschetta pizza/calzone thing) and called it a night.  I had to lay everything out the night before as we were leaving by 5:45am for my 7am start time.  I checked the weather 10 more times (High of 15--nice!  90% humidity--booo) and closed my eyes.

I slept almost perfectly...Olly shared a bed with Papa and I, so the toddler took up most of the bed...and I woke up 2 minutes before my alarm(s).

Our boys were troopers, and stumbled awake at that early hour so Papa could drive me to the starting line.  The starting line was at a hospital.  They boasted "lots of parking".

As we rolled up the highway to our exit, we started to see all of the brake lights.  Uh oh.  The other 2500 people running this race were arriving at the exit at the same time.  Dang.
Of course, THAT was the moment that I decided I needed a potty break, obviously.  I survived, and I know it was just my nerves.

By the time we got up to the front of the exit lane, it was painfully close to race time (I think it was 6:40am) and I had to jump out of the car at an intersection and run to the starting area.  I needed at least one porta-potty stop, and the line ups looked lonnnnng.

I jumped into line, and hoped for the best.  It was a very short 20 minutes that I waited in line.  All the while, announcements were being made that "the race will start in 5 minutes...2 minutes...please join us at the starting line..."

I was in the porta potty when the gun went off.  Of course.  But with chip timing, I knew it wouldn't make a difference.  Of course, being all flustered and sprinting across the parking lot to the starting area when I was done did not make for a graceful start.  And no, I did not wash my hands!  

I crossed the starting line, in a massive crowd of runners, and tried to settle into a pace.  I think I was too flustered to worry about slowing into a sensible pace.  When I hit mile one, I was at a 7:45/mile, and I thought (although it was way faster than I like to allow myself run the first mile) I would just settle in and figure it out as soon as the big downhill was done. There was a massive downhill in mile 2 that I sped down like it was the only mile I was going to be running that day.  Oops.

Just past mile two, as we were rounding a corner, a man was clapping and cheering by himself.  It was none other than Bart Yasso.  Yep. No big deal.

From that point, we ran into a trail, and I really feel like we stayed in the trail until the halfway point.  Seriously.

The trails were not crazy--they were a mix of gravel, mud and sand.  There were a lot of mini incline/declines.  I really found it hard to fall into a good pace.  I ran a lot of trails this summer, but only for easy runs, so trails to me define easy pace.  Racing in trails was hard as I was either way too fast, or plodding along like it was a recovery run.  :/

We finally came out of the trail at the halfway mark, and I looked at the clock to see "134:40".  Oh, no. Way way way too fast.  This is where the "time is money" thing comes in.  I had "banked" time unintentionally, and that NEVER works in a marathon situation.  I knew right then and there that I was headed for a road of devastation.  A long road that would end in disappointment.

I held on to my pace, and headed back into the trails for the second half.  The trails were nice and shady (yay!) but oh, so lonely.  No spectators.  at all.  I really felt like I was on a training run.  It was becoming a mental game quickly, and (especially because I already knew I had ruined my first half) I was starting to lose my drive.

My fuel intake was going very well in this race.  I really "practiced" liking gels on my long runs this summer, and I planned them out very well.  No stomach issues, and I saved the caffeinated ones until the last 1/4, which was smart.

Mile 22-23 were out on a wider road, so I felt the urge to speed up.  It hurt a bit, but I really pushed and it felt good to push.  Then we headed back into the trail.  I was done for.

I looked down at my watch and realized I was going to have to really push myself to make those last 3 miles to make my 3:30 time goal.  I just didn't care anymore.  I ran up to a woman who was clearly feeling the same way as me, and we started chatting.  She had also been in Boston, and was at this race to better her time, like me.  She was really amazing.  She was 28 years old, and had run SEVEN Bostons in a row.  Her and I chatted the rest of the way through the race (slower than we needed to).  I knew it wasn't the fast pace that I needed to make it to Boston again, but it was the best I could do in that moment.  And sometimes that is just what it is all about.  That moment.

I crossed the finish line, knowing that my 3-minute buffer for Boston (I had qualified in Boston back in April) was all I had this time around.

I was so glad that race was over.  I was so glad that all of the worry, and calculating, and fear of not getting in again was out of my hands.  Not in the way I wanted it to be, but at least I had tried.

The last week has been a bit hard at times.

Hard to hear about the "staggering" amount of people that were registering for Boston.

Hard to sit on my hands and not be one of the people allowed to register yet.

Hard to know that I probably wouldn't get to be a part of the race this year, that changed my life last year.  I had anticipated returning and redeeming that race for myself to (attempt) to round out the emotional healing I have endured over the last five months.

I know that everyone that has run a faster qualifying time and has registered will make it a special race. I know that the people that worked with the BAA to make the field of runners larger has made such an effort to make it a special race.  It will be.  And I will cry this April from the moment of the start of the race, until the last person finishes.  I will probably stay in my jammies and eat popcorn and try to be okay with not being there (it is a holiday that day, so I don't even have to go to work).

I am trying to think of all of the other amazing opportunities I will have in races in 2014.  I will perhaps strive for more distance in the triathlon, I will try my first Ragnar Relay, I will try to make my sub-42 minute 10km that I have been striving for.  There will be so many more races that will be special.

I know that running a marathon is a big deal, in and of itself, sure.  It is just such an emotional and physical investment, that of course, every one of us wants to go perfectly.  That doesn't always happen, but at least I can take this base I have built and try to go fast in some more races this fall!!

*No photos from the race at all.  I even brought my phone with me, hoping to at least get some pics before the start of the race, and, well, I wasn't about to take porta-potty shots, so no pics were taken!

Just this one photo after I met up with Papa.  I have never been so salty/sweaty after a shade-filled race!

Happy running!

I promise not to be whiney about this whole Boston thing again.  Just had to whine it out this once!

Goodbye Summer, Helloooo the Rest of the Year!

Another labour day has passed. Another first day of school has arrived.  Another summer of long days, sunny bbqs and ice cream cones is wrapping up.

Summer fun with the boys

Oh, how I miss you already, summer.  The following list is of the things (in no particular order) that I will really, really miss about summer:

- aforementioned ice cream. I am not a dairy-eater.  I avoid it in most of its forms, including ice cream normally, but there is something about enjoying a sweet cone of black cherry while watching the "double chocolate" drip all over my two-year-old that makes me happy (even if it's just one scoop)!

- the heat!  Oh, the warm cozy sunshine!  I will longingly dream of that sticky, humid warmth when it is January once again.

- the lonnnng days. How amazing is it to wake up to sunshine (a miracle when you have children that awaken with the roosters) in the morning?  Today, a fellow runner and I were pouting a bit about the inevitable darkness that comes with th fall. How unfair to cut out the sunshine at both ends of the day!

- all of those open-water swims. I really got into a lake-groove this summer, and I still cannot believe I was swimming all the way over to the Island at Guelph lake by the latter half of the season. I really did not know I had it in me, and I can't wait to see how far I can go next year in the lake. *never THIS far though. Swimming from Cuba to Florida.  Woah.

- cuddle time. My little Milo (the cuddler) would spend loads of time catering to his mama's cuddling needs this summer. We do cuddle in the other 3 seasons of the year, but we just seem to have more time to hang out in the summer and I miss it already.

- sitting in the shade. There is so little shade other seasons of the year, and, frankly, we just don't need it that much in December, what with it being dark all the time, and so so cold.

- lemonade and other cold drinks. Mmmmm. I would like to say I sit in the shade and sip a cold drink and relax, but I prefer to have a cold drink post-run so it is too sweat-filled of an event to be relaxing. But nice nonetheless.

- shorts. Getting back into real clothes for school is making my brain hurt a little.

- biking. I was just getting the hang of those clip less pedals, and now the season is coming to an end. Sure, sure, lots of people (real cyclists, probably) bike well into the fall, but I would hardly call myself a "real cyclist" yet. I sure hope I can convince myself to use a bike trainer this winter (and purchasing one is not the same as actually using one, so I am going to need to create some sort of accountability for myself)!

- family time. Spending time with our families and friends over the summer takes the cake. I love having more time to fit in special visits with loved ones.

I could probably go on and on and on about the amazing greatness that we all know summer is. But, as luck would have it, I do like lots of things about the fall too (and spring, but I really have to think optimistically to get along with winter sometimes).

I enjoyed a wonderful run this evening of 5 miles...a warm up (8:00/mile) then 3 tempo miles (7:20/mile) then a little cool down mile of (8:00/mile). I am in full-blown taper mode for my marathon this Sunday (double gulp!) so tonight was my last (big) run. A recovery run tomorrow, a refresher run on Friday, then (literally) off to the races for Sunday!

look at me, all in black on an evening run!  not too long from now I will be wearing the obnoxious glow-in the dark clothing :(

I do have (lofty) race goals, but I will commit to those later in the week when I am fully ready to divulge how optimistic I am when it comes to running and keeping my act together over the entire 26.2 miles!



Happy first-day-ing, running, etc!

How Romantic...

Sometimes, when the planets align in a certain way, Papa and I find ourselves with time to hang out together, without the boys.  I know. I took photos to prove it actually happened.  Yesterday.

Most of the time we spend together without the boys is spent getting chores done (boring) around the house, or running errands (mostly boring).  This summer, however, we have managed to squeeze in some biking and running time together, and, (gasp!) a few uninterrupted lunches out as well. It's been awesome. 

Yesterday we headed out for a lovely bike ride together. 

I love how you can see my "selfie arms" reflected in my sunglasses!

I think Papa enjoyed drafting behind me (kidding) in the busier roads, but we did manage to bike side-by-side on some of the lonely country roads as well. It was not a long ride, but a nice hour of biking in the sunshine together!

We returned home and quickly changed our shoes for a run together. Yep. Two things as a couple in one day!

We compromised on 7km (he wanted 6k, I wanted 8k). It was a nice trail run together, and by the time we returned home, we were ready to go out for lunch!

I love that summertime brings these opportunities. I also hate that fall/winter/spring does not allow for these opportunities, due to that whole "gainful employment" thing. The best thing to do is be thankful we enjoy each other's company enough to make time for *dates* every now and then. 

Happy running

p.s.  we do get a babysitter from time to time throughout the year, to go out, eat dinner, and talk about our children the whole time, like most married people do!  And, I have been made fun of by my peers, for hiring a babysitter so Papa and I could go to the pool in the evening and swim together!

It's the little things...

Sometimes it's the little things that make my day. Actually, lots of times it's the little things.

Today I had a long run on the calendar. A big one. I have to admit, I was not looking forward to it. Not even a little.

A week ago, I had a much shorter "long" run (after having built quite a few weeks of high-milers, it was a scaled back 18km run, with 8 km of race-pace in the middle). Although the run started out just fine, I experienced a cramp (not like me) and my legs just felt like they were totally protesting the entire time :(
It was everything I could do to hold on to that race pace portion, but I did. After that, though, I just wanted to curl up like a little puppy into the cozy ditch and let the day pass!  I did talk myself out of that, cut the dramatics, and made it home, but I was really in disbelief that I could feel so crappy on a run, let alone a "shorter" long one!

It was probably that horrible run from a week ago that lead me to dread getting up today. But, of course I got up and ready anyway. The leftover high from last weekend's race made me do it, I think.

I headed out the door into the fresh, cool air.  This wasn't going to be so bad after all. I cruised along. Birds chirped, the fluffy clouds rolled through the blue sky. The breeze cooled my shoulders. My music played the familiar songs that make my route even more like a routine. By the time I rounded the turn to the added portion of the run, I felt myself surging and speeding up because the energy I needed was just there.

There was sun.  There was shade. There was a breeze. There were courteous motorists that gave me room to run on the shoulder. I got lost in thoughts and the miles flew by. Almost 40km later I was home.

I walked into the house to three high-pitched voices, saying, "mama!" And, "you're just in time for lunch!"  So cute and chaotic all at the same time.

I quickly went upstairs to get the ice cold bath ready. I try to foam-roll while it's filling.  Before long, I had company. Which is the main "little" thing. My little Milo, eager to join me for my "ice-tubbies".

"You realize it's super cold in there?"  I said.
"Yep...I can do it" as he stripped down.
"Ok. You first!"  I didn't think he would submerge more than one of his little toes.

The kid plunged in. It was freezing. I clenched myself in, keeping a brave face.

I have to say, that "ice-tubbies" are far superior to the average ice-bath. For one, a four-year-old is very entertaining experiencing a polar dip for the first time.  Also, toys. Kids drag toys into the tub regardless of temperature. The time passed by very quickly, and I never imagined I would have quality mama/milo time in an ice-cold tub.

My little adventurer

Happy running/tubbies!

Uh Oh...

I think I might officially be hooked on this whole "triathlon" thing.

I've done a LOT of road races over the years.  I have loved (almost) every single one of them.  I have loved the energy, the sense of accomplishment, the lovely routes, etc.

But I have never, ever had this kind of photo taken of me during the race:

I look like I am DANCING! 

I know, it is a ridiculous expression.  But that is how I felt the entire time!  So excited that the swim went well!  So excited that the bike went well!  Sooooo excited to be on the run portion!  It just was that awesome.

The Recap:

The race was the IronGirl Sprint Triathlon, in Grimsby.  IronGirl has been around for a decade now, but this is the first race they have held in Canada.  That is very likely to change in my opinion, because the event seemed to be successful and well-organized.

I decided that I wanted to go to the venue the day before to pick up my race kit, and scope things out.  One of my beginner-triathlon friends, Allison, came along, as we both wanted to scope out the course and get a feel for the race area.  We arrived and picked up our race kits, checked out the expo.  I bought a couple of pairs of tri-shorts, which I fully intended on wearing for the race the next day.  Yes, I always try new things for races, and yes, I know that you aren't supposed to do that.  I think it might be "my thing".  Brand new, never worn shoes for a marathon?--why not?!  New fuel belt for a marathon?--you bet!  First time refraining from running with socks on in a race?--is there any other way??

After checking everything out, we headed down to the swim-start (this swim would be a point-to-point) and decided to practice the swim.  We wiggled into our wetsuits, and dodged some seagull poop waded our way into the water.  The temperature was perfect.  It was clear, and mostly calm.  We swam down to the swim exit, waded around a bit, then swam back.  It was a lovely way to gain familiarity to the course, in my most nerve-inducing portion of the race!

We headed back to the car and drove the run-route.  We then decided it would be wise to also check out the bike-course, but after driving for what felt like forever, we abandoned that mission with the thought that it might just be better not to know how far we had to go!  (save that for race day when we had no choice but to finish!) Besides, we were getting hungry, so we headed to grab a bite to eat.

Later that night, I started to lay out my race day necessities.  My dad helped me load my bike into the car, and I made myself a "double-check" list, as I would have to leave quite early in the morning.  I also hoped my wetsuit would be dry by morning!

Before I knew it, my alarm was sounding and it was time to get up. It was race day!  I was too tired to be excited.  But with a quick trip to Starbucks in my future, I knew that I would have energy soon :)

I picked up Trish, our official race-photographer/cheering section very early, and I am so glad she could come along with our group to the race.  She took the photo above, and all of the photos I have of the race.  It was nice to have a fellow-triathlete there that was not nervous, to keep all of our heads on straight, and of course, take photos!

We made our way to the race site, and it was nice to know where we were going.  We racked our bikes, got marked up, and before long, we were wiggling into those wet suits.

Our group, posing with our bonnets

We planned to get into the water at the swim finish area, and use the swim to the start as our warm up.  That was one of the best ideas of the day!  I felt so ready to go by the time we got down to the starting area, and because we had a water-start, I didn't even get out of the water, I just floated around until it was my wave's turn to go to the starting line.  When they called wave one, I started to feel my nerves kick in.  My wetsuit felt like it was ten times too tight, and I had to start breathing deeply.  As soon as the gun went off for the purple caps to leave, I relaxed quite a bit.  It seemed like they made it a long ways away in just 3 short minutes.  This wasn't going to be so bad afterall, I thought!

There was a quick "three-two-one--gooo!" for my wave, and off we swam.  There was very little chaos.  No one bumping into me, initially!  Yay!  I just swam, and breathed, and it was all very civil.  As we continued someone swam right over my back, but it wasn't really that startling, as I was in a groove.  All of a sudden, I started to see purple caps (wave one) and I realized that I was catching up to some of the slower swimmers from the first wave.  I was almost there!

I actually thought, "this is just lovely" during the swim, which I never thought was possible during a race!

I hopped out of the water (see above photo for elation) and bolted up the steeeeeeeep hill to transition.  The path was a bit narrow, so I was trying not to bump into anyone.  My wetsuit came off very easily (the hill was steep, but very short, so I had lots of water still in the suit so it came off like a dream).  I threw on my helmet (after almost forgetting to take  off my swim cap--talk about a rookie) and my shoes, and grabbed my bike.

The bike course was a flat out-and-back.  It felt like the first 5km took forever, but the next 15 went by very fast.  It was awesome to see the lead women on their way back.  I tried to count how many people were ahead of me, but I started to lose count in the 50s.   :(

I did manage to pass some people along the bike course, and I was so amazed by all of the women that had "16" or "17" on their legs (age).  I never would have been brave enough to do a triathlon at that age! Now that I am (old) I am willing to do anything crazy (?!)

I saw a few of my fellow newbie tri-friends along the route, and I tried to cheer like crazy while staying upright on my bike.  They all finished this race looking awesome.  I am so proud of you, Tanya, Linda, Lorraine and Allison!

By the time I was back at the bike dismount line, I was feeling so ready for the run!  I wanted to be back in my element (and, honestly, I wanted to get out there to find/pass the women that passed me on the bike ride)!

I made sure my shoes were positioned properly on my feet, and bolted (or at least I felt like I bolted) out of transition.  I forgot my hat, but I wasn't really worried I would get a burn on my face during the 5km ahead.

Heading out for the run

The run course was a great loop.  It went by very fast, and it had road and trail portions.  There were a few water stations, and I had a couple of sips of water, really because my mouth was getting dry.

As I headed to the finishing stretch, I was so pumped up by all of the spectators (and personal fans...thanks Tricia!)!  I ran hard to the finish, where I was super-pumped to see the clock...1:18:40!!  My "A" goal had been to finish under 1:20, and in the top 20 of my age group.  What I didn't even realize, was the fact that the "clock" time was 3 minutes slower than my real time due to the swim wave starts!!  I actually did 1:15:40! Even more exciting!!

I rounded out the race in 26/505 total finishers, and 6/68 in my age group.  Although it wasn't a "podium" finish like the other two races I did this summer, I am most proud of how strong I felt during the whole thing (how's that for cheesy?)

I think it's safe to say that triathlons are here to stay in my life, whether I stick to the short fun races, or (gulp) attempt anything bigger, I am not really sure!  This summer has definitely been a great way to have fun at races and to train with other people.  So. much. fun.

I have done a couple of runs since Sunday's race, and my body feels great (which is a good thing, as my super long run of 24 miles this week needs fresh legs)!


Happy running!


p.s.  The tri-shorts that I wore for the first time worked out great!  They didn't budge a bit during the bike or run, and I do not regret trying them out!!!

Triathlon that wasn't a Triathlon

On our way to the race site on Saturday morning, as we drove along Lakeshore road in Bright's Grove, the big waves of Lake Huron looked very intimidating.  Very wavy. Very scary for this newbie swimmer.  So scary that I contemplated forcing my brother to turn around so I could just go home and crawl back into bed.

When we lined up to get our chips and get marked up, we heard that the swim portion had been cancelled on account of the iffy waves.

I was relieved that the waves wouldn't be pulling me back to shore, but a tiny bit bummed out that I had pumped myself up for the swim, that would now be turned into a run.

My second triathlon turned into my first Duathlon!  I've never done a duathlon, so, yet again, I was looking at a PB no matter what!  My big brother Scott was racing the duathlon, so now we would be in the same race.

I had forgotten a hair elastic (the only thing I forgot, but still quite a bummer) so I improvised. The spare tube for my bike came with an elastic band around it, so that would just have to do.  The course for both runs and the bike promised to be flat, so I was thankful for my hilly running as of lately...

We racked our bikes, scoped out the transition area, then waited patiently for the start. I have to admit, I had made plans for some obligatory-open-water-swim-panic, pre-race, so when I didn't have to build that in, I was a lot more relaxed, and I felt like I had some extra time on my hands! (Also, not having to wiggle into the wetsuit helped).

We did a small warm up run near the duathlon run 1 starting line, (which was on a trail) then we squished our way to the starting line, and the gun went off!

That first run was quick. I got some advice from Mark Linseman (speedy triathlete) prior, which helped me out a LOT. He suggested that I refrain from sprinting that first run all-out, as I may pay for it on the bike, as I was not accustomed to sprinting before getting on the bike (hm. Good point!). He also reminded me not to lose track of my running shoes in the first transition, as I would need them again in transition 2 for the second run (gee, another very good point!  There is a reason he's a professional!)

I came in for the first run in an ok position, and dashed to by bike. I tossed on my helmet, wiggled on my bike shoes, and took off. The transition area was very bumpy and I realized that I need to work on gracefully running with my bike to the exit/mount line. There were lots of spectators cheering, so it was a nice boost as I took off down the residential area toward the main road for the out-and-back. I quickly got into high gear...I was on a mission to catch up to my brother!

The bike portion was a bit windy (ok, a LOT windy). It was humbling to me. I definitely realized in those miles on the bike course that I should really make cycling practice something I do more than once each week. I know, I know.  That should be a no-brainer. But there are always reasons to go for a run instead of a bike ride. I love bike rides. I just always pick runs instead!

I did catch my brother (who, in all fairness, was completely and totally peer-pressured by me to sign up, and therefore had only a couple of bike rides this season as practice, and every single one of them included toting his children with him on the bike). He was looking fresh, but also looking like he was hating the wind as much as I was.

So.  The wind.  You know how you promise yourself that the wind isn't so bad on an out-and-back course because at least on the way back it will assist you?  Ya. That is exactly what got me through the first half.

Then, I hit the turn-around.  It was windier on the way back. How can that even happen?!

So, I dug deep and tried to keep my pace. I was passed by some super-fancy bikes, and some racers that definitely look like they practice a lot. I made lots of promises to myself, that I would catch them on the run. That is what got me to the bike finish.

As I plopped off my bike (yep, that is exactly how graceful I felt) and toted my bike back into transition, I heard "Go Amy!!!" How exciting!  The shouts were from my very best friend Janice and her daughter Mallory!  They came to cheer us on, and it was awesome!

I racked my bike, changed my shoes (and almost forgot to take off my helmet) and ran toward the exit. I accidentally ran back to the bike exit (oops) so I added a bit of time to my transition when I had to turn around and run to the run start (I sincerely hoped no one saw my rookie mistake).  I was back on my running feet, and on a mission to find some of those people that had passed me on the bike.

The run was also nice and flat, on a paved trail for most of it. My legs felt great. I drank lots of water during the bike portion, and I could feel it sloshing around in my stomach, so I used the couple of water stations to pour it down my neck.

I was catching people and powering past them, and it made it that much easier to keep my pace. Before long, I was back at the wooded area for the finish.  Janice was there cheering, and I managed to stop my watch as I crossed the mats (I never remember to do this.  It's the little things).

I had enough time to run back around to cheer my brother through (he was not far behind). I am so proud of us!  Duathlon finishers!

I have exactly zero photos of the whole event (I know).

I managed to score 3rd place overall female finisher (2nd place 30-39)!  But the real bonus was the "post-race feast" which included watermelon (I ate a ton) and homemade butter tarts, among many other fine treats.

my lovely "3rd Place" plaque!

I can't wait until next year, when I can take on the swim also. It was such a lovely day.

I also must mention how much I love triathlons for the atmosphere. Road races are great, but I think triathlons have more opportunities for friendy chatting with other racers, and general bonding (?).

I have only done 2 races, but I have learned sooo many tips and tricks from other athletes, and felt the friendliness factor here for sure!



Happy running/biking/swimming!!