Race Report and 20 mile Run

I went into Sunday's race with a few nerves, but mostly I wanted to just test things out...see how my body felt, how the water was and how I was in the water. The first race of the season is always tricky because there's this unknown of how I will perform. I always err on the side of high expectations (which I've learned after 3 kids to start out low and build up gradually), just because I've been training so hard through the winter. I do want to say, before I start my report, that the best part of the triathlon world is the family it becomes. After 4-5 races every year, you start to get to know more and more people and every race is kinda like a party. It is really fun.

I got there just in time, set up my area, mingled with pals, looked around and wondered if I had everything. I tend to be a minimalist by nature, so my transition area always looks a little bare compared to those around me. And being the first of the season, my brain is not in transition mode. Anyways, I sauntered to the water...very slowly...think lots of rocks and no shoes. My wetsuit is always a wonder to me, how in the world to get it on and be comfortable. I got it on with the help of friends and did a "warm up" swim. The water was COLD...61 degrees apparently. My face was numb and it was very difficult to breathe in a controlled manner. Swam for about 7 minutes then popped out and chatted with more friends.

We were the last wave...all the ladies over 35...it's always nice to be last when it's chilly because the weather warms up and you don't get pummeled by a bunch of fast guys in the water. I did fine, controlled my breathing, then on the back stretch got a bit cocky and tried to draft. I wound up with a bunch of water in my mouth instead of air and mildly freaked out. Side note: last year I had a moment in a tri where I nearly quit because of not being able to catch my breath. It really took the wind out of my sails for the season. So, I talked myself down...I started swimming slowly and regained my breathing and confidence. Finished strong with a 13:48 for the 750 meters.

Ran to transition, somehow managed to get the wetsuit off and get all my gear on for the bike. Cruised the bike course, could have gone much faster but didn't. I think I need to start wearing my heart rate monitor for this portion because I just lolly gag. Oh well. 20.1 mph for 12.4 miles.

Run went great...I just stayed in zone 4 (I think)... averaged 7:45 minute miles and kept my head clear of the negativity by using the verse again, "I can do all things through him who gives me strength". Every breath, one word. It works wonders and keeps the icky talk from getting in there.

I placed 5th in my age out of 29ish. A good day. Goal met: practice swimming in freezing water and keep my wits about me. So all in all, success.

Today, I managed a 20 mile long run. I did 4x1 mile zone 3 repeats to start. My times are getting slower not faster on those, but I figure with racing yesterday...whatever. I felt good until about mile 17 then the wheels nearly fell off the bus. I slogged the last 3 miles through the wind and stolen Gatorade bottle (Grrrr...I planted it on the route so I could have something for the last bit). Times were much slower with the wind, but, again, whatever.

This week will be interesting with end-of-the-year festivities and Eric possibly traveling. I'll do my best. Just received news that my grandmother is in the hospital...doesn't look like she's got much longer. So, may be planning a last minute trip out to California soon. Coach didn't figure "grieving" into the training plan. Hmmm....it will be interesting to see what that looks like.