Sunday morning was looking to be a beautiful day. I woke up, had my breakfast (peanut butter & banana on whole wheat toast), and started to get ready. After gathering the rest of my stuff, getting dressed and having the roomie do my hair, we were off!
The race was a small one (only 134 finishers), and my friend Debbie was racing too. Kevin came to cheer me on, and also my dad and little sister, and my brother and his girlfriend.
A little before 9 we headed to the pool. They lined us up by number (they said numbers were based on our estimated swim time). I was surrounded by tall men. I was nervous. I asked them not to plow me down, just to pass me. We had 300 yards to swim, 6 laps across the pool. I probably didn't take off until 9:30 or so, since they sent a person about every 15 seconds.
 |
| Getting ready to go! |
Off I went! I have a problem with getting anxious at races and my heart rate getting too high. I could feel it creeping up already. I managed to pass the guy in front of me. I felt like my technique was pretty good, but was happy to finish.
swim time: 6:05
3rd in Athena, 77nd overall
I ran from the pool to transition, and quickly put on my socks, shoes, and helmet & grabbed my bike. After getting to the road, I had a little trouble clipping in to my pedals, but was soon on my way. I had already ridden the route, so there were no surprises. A few rolling hills, but nothing major. A few people passed me, including the guys I started the swim with. According to my Garmin I was going on average 30 sec faster per mile using a lower resistance and faster cadence as one of my patients had told me a couple days earlier. As a result, my heart rate was high. I was just hoping I could control it better once I got off on the run.
 |
| Coming in on the bike |
bike time (including swim/bike transition): 36:46
2nd Athena, 106 Overall
Racked my bike, changed my shoes, and grabbed my new handheld bottle (review to come soon!). As I grabbed my Garmin from the bike, something happened, and the whole thing shorted out. blank screen. I was beyond mad. I really wanted it to help push me through the run. I was struggling, my heart rate was up high, I was having trouble getting my breath. Maybe partly due to not feeling well friday & saturday, and maybe party due to the higher heart rate on the bike. My legs felt awesome, but my lungs were in rough shape. A few people passed me. A 57 year old man told me "good job" and to keep it up. I pushed on, stopping to walk as needed. A girl passed me who looked like she could be an athena. I wanted to badly to keep up to her, but I just couldn't do it. I was feeling defeated, and disappointed. I was so happy to see the finish line.
 |
| Coming in on the run to the finish! |
Run time (including bike/run transition): 37:07
3rd Athena, 115 Overall
Was I happy to be done? YES! Was I happy with my performance? Not really. I felt like my run was really weak. I was disappointed in my endurance, and figured I kissed away any chance of placing. But then I saw the results posted. 3rd overall Athena, sweet! Not that there were many of us, but it was exciting anyways!
 |
| shadowy shot with my medal! |
Total time: 1:19:59
Next up is Run to Home Base May 22!
