Report from Race #2 - Langley Pond International Distance Triathlon

I would be lying if I didn't start this blog by saying how relieved I am that today is behind me. This being the longest distance race I have completed since beginning triathlons last year, I was very apprehensive about everything that today would bring. Nervous would have been an understatement for what I was feeling.

The race setup itself was quite unique - to get out of the swim, you had to have enough strength after swimming to get yourself up on a floating dock using your spaghetti arms. This was followed by an uphill run on uneven terrain of rocks, grass and dirt for what seemed like 1/4 mile to get to the transition area. Of course, this was all done while barefoot. (Not Cool). The first hill climb on the bike could not have lasted longer and we got to do it twice (Really Uncool). The finish line for the run...let's just say you get to see the finish line but you have to pass it, go all the way down to the end of the dam and then back to the finish line (Not cool and totally cruel). Lastly, it was HOT today...hotter than I had planned in my head.

My overall race performace was what I would describe as average. I was much more pleased with the wetsuit swim that I had anticipated. Although, I must admit that it felt like they were moving the farthest yellow buoy the closer I seemed to get to it. Still can't get used to being kicked and swam over. I really want my own lane! I was very proud of the bike leg. Felt really good and focused on pacing. I took an opportunity to use the first loop as not really a warmup but a chance to check out the route so that on the second loop, I knew where I could boogie. The last road we biked on a route that Jeremy decribed as a sucker with a stick was the bomb. Shady and multiple downhills. This made up for the first part of the sucker route that I wish someone had bitten off before we ventured out. That climb was tough. Then, there was the run or should I say, the walk. I totally seemed to shut down on the run. Honestly, I did shut down. Less than a mile into it, I was just over it. I didn't want to run today. At mile 3 or so, I was pleasantly surprised when I met a new race-day friend named Jim. He and I finished the remainder of the run leg together. We walked, we talked, we ran, we walked, we ran through some man's water hose (what a pleasant surprise for him to allow all of the runners to run through his hose as he sprayed us the entire event) and we walked. Jim and I learned a lot about one another throughout this grueling process. I was not pleased AT ALL with my run performance today. And, looking back on it, I probably did not do so well after not drinking AT ALL on the run. I have to consciously tell myself to drink and was so dreading the run that this seemed to slip my mind.

After all was said and done, I never expected to place in my Age Group. My competitor from the NW Tri Club who admittedly finishes last passed me on the run. As I saw her disappear ahead, I thought many, many thoughts. We changed clothes and hung out for the awards ceremony. When all was said and done, I took 3rd in my age group. Proud of the award but not proud of the run performance. The things I learned today: Pacing makes a big difference. You have to make yourself drink. Kicking is not really necessary when you are wearing a wetsuit. And, once you stop and walk, it's easy to stop and walk again and again and again.

Thanks to Teresa, my parents and Jaime for coming out and supporting me today. Jaime has been my friend since elementary school. We've stayed in contact over the years but recently just really reconnected on a 3-day getaway in Charleston (love her!). I couldn't have been happier to see her at the start and at lunch with my family and friends. Oh yeah, I know that Jim will never read this and probably never know but what a difference he made in my event today. GO MARINES! :)