Today was my first official triathlon, the Winona Lake Optimists Sprint Tri. I've done 2 indoor triathlons over the past winter, which meant a pool, stationary bike, and treadmill and no transitions, but those just can't compare with the real deal I did today...
Weather: nice, mid 70's, light breeze from the east, not too much humidity. We got lucky after this miserable week of heat and humidity!
This was a whole new experience and I was up early. I live across town from the race, so it wasn't a big deal to get over there and get my stuff together early, before there were lines for body markings, ankle chips, and to put your stuff in your transition area. I thank each of you who gave me advice over the past few weeks. I took alot of it to heart and used it today. I set up my bike and my gear (look back a couple entries for a photo of my setup!) and just sat on the curb to watch the other athlete prepare and take notes. I was really glad they had a seminar at packet pickup for newbies that was full of instructions, tip, rules, and more, and was pretty sure I was ready. I got to talk to a couple of my college cross country teammates (and one of my college coaches), plus a few other friends before final instructions were given. They announced that the water was 84F, too hot for wetsuits. Fine, I don't have one anyway LOL, but that was like bathwater warm water. Too warm for my swimming tastes. All 639 participants lined up by the beach to watch the first few waves take off. I was in wave 8, so I started near 8:30. By then, I had an idea where people were standign up in the water and things like that. Our group went out and the horn went off. I was in for a shock! I was prepared for the swim, but not for the mass amounts of seaweed. I had no idea there would be so much, or that it could cause so much drag. Between that and the total blackness of the water, due to all the previous waves before us, my swim was really rough. I took a couple backstroke breaks to keep my mind in the game, because that seaweed was just crazy. After the turnaround, we were ehaded right into the sun. So much for finding a sight point. I stayed near the rope to try to keep myself straight. I heavily apologize to the person who I kicked in the head (several times) on the return trip... I saw the buoy and stood up. Yay,t he swim was done, now to focus on the bike! I ran up the path while I pulled off my goggles, cap, and earplugs. I didn't tell too many people I was doing the race today with a nice ear infection, but when I pulled my earplug out of that ear, the sudden pressure change caught me off guard. Ouch! I had no problem finding my bike, since most people had alaready been there before me. My transition went well, considering this is my first swim/bike one ever. I was glad I had set up a small footbath to get the sand off (thanks for that tip!) and dried my feet before putting the rest of my gear on. I grabbed my bike and was able to run with it through the rest of the transition area. My watch said 16:something when I left transition. I got off to a decent start (thanks for the tip to change gears before setting upt he bike!), but whoever's bright idea it was to put a giant hill in the first 2 blocks of biking needs to be shot... The open road bike course was nice. I saw one of my college teammates in front of me and passed her, but she later got me back. Everyone was respectful when passing, and there was good traffic control along the whole ride. I hydrated well and ate some Power Gel Blasts (the gumdrop like things) in the bike, and think I did well in getting the right things into my system. Early on, I did spit up some of the lakewater I had inadvertently swallowed and my body didn't like, but was fine otherwise. My bike was amazing, much faster than I had anticipated. I felt better as the bike went on, and picked up speed on the return ride. I passed more people than passeed me, which made me happy. I got back to transition and dropped my bike gear. This one was much easier because all I needed to to was grab my hat and take off. I didn't have too much problem with my legs on the changeover, a little tiredness, but nothing major. As I left transition this time, my watch said 1:08 something, way ahead of my planned pace. Woohoo. And my strongest event last. I passed a lot of peole on the run, but my body was starting to feel it by about mile 2. I knew what the course was like, since I train in the area, so I went ahead and walked the couple hills. I took liquid at all the water stops (each mile),and decided that next time I'm taking my refueling belt with me. I'm too used to being able to drink whenever I want, and that did mess with me a little today. There was a giant hill at mile 3, and my old college teammate blazed past me. Go Julie! I had no idea I had transitioned faster than she had, and was surprised to see her. She looked strong! There was a heavy downhill in the last half mile, and I had to walk it, my legs didn't like it much. We turned onto the last stretch, and I was able to pick up some speed and pass like 4 people in the last quarter mile. My watch said 1:45:57. I was so excited! My goal had been 2 hours, and I had smashed it by 14 MINUTES! When I crossed the finish line, my ear decided to speak up and my equilibrium went whacko when my motion stopped. I had to be held up for a couple minutes, but my excitement quickly took over. Not only had I done it, I had done well, not made too many mistakes, and has totally outperformed my expectations!
I cooled down, ate a bunch of pizza and pierogies,and chatted with my friends before awards. The final finisher got a 7 squad car police escort with sirens blaring and lights flashing, so we all went over to cheer for her. She was so excited!!!! At the awards ceremony, I just missed getting a prize in the Athena class, but I won a freaking ENTRY TO ANOTHER LOCAL TRIATHLON (read that as $60 entry fee!) in August in the doorprizes!
I had a great day.
I got a big surprise and a good laugh when I finally got home and stripped down for my shower. I found seaweed in my suit, in my (oh so tiny, I can't imagine how it actually stayed there) cleavage, and even in my butt. I had to have John look me over to make sure I got it all. ROFL! SEAWEED IS NOT MY FRIEND!!
Tonight my Mom and Dad and Briley are coming up to take John and I to dinner. What more can I ask for?
What I hear:: Michael Johns - Hold Back My Heart CD
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