I love this race series. They
are small, low key, and everyone is really nice. This was also my first race after IMTX last
year so I was excited to compare results.
Pre-Race Week
I started strength training on Monday and I was really sore all
week. I still managed to get most of my
workouts completed. Deep down inside I was
nervous about this race.
Race Day
I met my friends, Andrea and Christina, at 5:15 a.m. We visited
during the 1 hour 15 minute drive and they helped me take my mind off the
race. This race has a pool swim so Suzie,
a friend and NET athlete, and I go in a good warm up swim. I was so tight after the warm up and I felt
tired.
Swim – 450 yard
Suzie and I started in the perfect place, we didn’t pass anyone
and we didn’t get passed. I had a great swim;
I was calm and relaxed the entire time. My
time was about 1 minute faster than last year.
T1 was also very fast and I decided to go sockless.
Bike – 15 miles
Last year my cycling improved tremendously and I often over biked
during races. Therefore, my run
suffered. On my last visit to The TriShop in Plano, TX my bike fitter told me, “You know a triathlon is really a
runner’s race with a swim and bike before.”
So this year I have decided to hold back on the bike and focus on the
run.
Last year at this race I averaged 18.0 mph and I pushed hard. I was thinking, “Man 15 miles is nothing compared
to 112 miles!” This year I had a great
bike, I didn’t every feel uncomfortable or like I was pushing too hard. I averaged 18.3 mph and it felt good! I made
sure I took in enough Powerbar Perform.
My T2 time was great and I couldn’t wait to get out on the run course.
Run – 5K
OK, this is where my race fell apart last year. I was reduced to walking and I was
miserable. My average pace was 8:47
min/mile. Well, that was not the case
this year. I felt great and I didn’t
have to stop. I concentrated on keeping
a high cadence and running relaxed. My
average pace was 8:11 min/mile. I wore
new shoes without socks and I didn’t even get a blister.
Overall – 1:26:04
I won my age-group but more importantly my time was 4 minutes
faster than last year! I had a great
race and I was so happy to get to share the experience with my friends.
My determination and hard work paid off and I’m excited to see
more improvement!
