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Triathlon Pink - Triathlon


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Sydney, New South Wales
Australia
T3Events
29C / 84F
Sunny
Total Time = 00m
Overall Rank = 486/507
Age Group =
Age Group Rank = 0/
Pre-race routine:

Alarm went off at some very early time and after ignoring it for awhile I had two choices, stay in bed and forget to race or get up...

I got up - had a nice LONG hot shower, got dressed in my pretty new trisuit, threw on a pink singlet and had some brekkie - PB on toast and some flat diet coke.

Threw my bike in the back of the car and drove out to Olympic Park. I hadnt been too nervous up to this point but driving along I realised I was actually going to do a race... umm really?

So after 2.5 years out with a chronic illness and injury I found it really hard to believe it was going to happen so I was in a bit of a daze to be honest and kept expecting myself to back out... weird thought pattern to be honest when you are sitting there waiting for yourself to freak out and turn around.

Parked the car, grabbed my gear and stood in the never ending line to register and headed to transition where i got chatting to some lovely ladies.

The place was packed and I ended up on one of the furthest racks from all the entry and exit points for the swim, bike and run... oh well i was here to finish so who cares!

Laid my gear out and went to put my bag in the holding area with a couple of other ladies M and J. Took of my singlet and jandals and left behind my sour snakes, museli bar and water... in hindsight I should have taken it with me for a snack and some water.
Event warmup:

Walked with the ladies up to the aquatic centre bare foot, all dressed in lycra. J got there and realised she had just walked around in nothing but a swimsuit - we decided everyone else was probably to busy worrying about themselves to worry about what we looked like.

Went for a nervous bathroom break (there was quite a que) then headed to the grandstand were they were corralling us all. It turned out they were calling down people in groups of 10 based on consecutive race numbers and sending them off into the pool in those groups about ever 10 seconds (I think)

In total I ended up sitting in that grandstand for over an hour waiting ot be called... not much of a warm up! And by the time my race started I was feeling a bit hungry... I had counted on the race staring at 9:30am but my wave didnt hit the water til an hour later than predicted...
Swim
  • 00m
  • 300 meters
  • / 100 meters
Comments:

Good thing I like to swim as I knew I was going into this with almost no swim training. The course was a pool set up with buoys to swim around.

Jumped in ready to start and got bubbles up my nose.. hmmm that wasnt smart. I was in a wave of 10 girls... all with consecutive race numbers so I had no idea where to position myself.. no worries.

Off we went and I found I couldnt hold on to one girl so I settled into my pace, breathing quickened pretty fast but I figured Id just see how I go.

After getting around the first turn I got caught with a swimmer on my inside who was a touch too slow but not slow enough that she was easy to over take, it took a couple more turns to get around her as she would always cut me off at the inside at each turn.

Heading into the last 100m I had already picked up some of the previous wave and still had an elevated HR. Went around a girl in a matching tri suit to mine but floating on her back then kicked up the pace to sprint into the ramp out of the pool

Got out with a big smile on my face and smiled at the volunteer waiting there.
What would you do differently?:

Umm... swim more than 4 times since last summer would have been a start.

Im also a head down swimmer so I really dont site much which put me slightly off course at times when aiming for the buoys although I must admit being in a pool I swam a lot better on course than I have in the past.

Oh and how do you go around a buoy? Im not sure... but not the way I did it!
Transition 1
  • 00m
Comments:

So I get out of the pool and realise its a a fair distance on uneven surface to transition, rip off my cap and goggles and make the conscious decision to walk the uphill, settle my breathing and not wanting to anger the knee/ankle and feet gods this early on in the race.

When I got up the incline I jogged into T1 with a big smile on my face - guess what? Im racing... and its good fun!!! Hooray!

In T1 someone had messed up my transition area but at least i could find everything... sunnies on, helmet on, grab a sip or two of water... and then try to get my bike shoes on.

First one slipped on no problem - the second kept feeling like it had a big uneven lump in it. Realised it was the insole slipping... after wasting a few minutes I just ripped it off and slammed my shoe on.

Then I had a LONG walk in cleats to transition... NOT fun... and VERY slow... oh well.. I got there eventually and was REALLY looking forward to the bike!
What would you do differently?:

Get Tri shoes - my old bike shoes are just slowly reaching the end of their life span and the insole issues plus having to do up 3 straps is just making it complicated.

Learning how to put on my shoes ON the bike would definatley help too but I need to work on the bike handling for that.
Bike
  • 00m
  • 9 kms
  • 0.00 km/hr
Comments:

Heading out of T1 I go to swing my leg over my bike nad slip in my cleats... whoops!!! Then get on my bike nad cant clip in... one of the volunteers asks me if Im ok as Im motoring along and I just grin and say 'all good'...

Get clipped in, take the couple of bendy bits in the loop and start to build my speed up to 27kph at which point the bicycle computer stops working... its a temperamental thing and just decided today it didnt want to work!

Oh well... big grin on my face and Im riding over pavers which are a uneven to ride over and Im motoring past people - this is AWESOME!!!! :)

Click into the Big Chain ring as planned and feel the kick in speed... first race Ive used the BCR... I LOVE that feeling and knowing its a short distance Im ready to push it!

Head to the corner, inside pedal up, lean bike, yell thank you to the volunteer... woo hoo!!! Hit the bottom of the course at the turn around... take the corner a bit wide but manage to pull it in.. get over taken by a few people who I play yo yo with for most of the course.

Have a look around... there are old beater bikes, hybrids, mountain bikes, roadies and very very few sets of aero bars! This is SUCH a cool race... you dont do it to be serious...

Head up for the end of the first loop and get overtaken by a girl in aero position, try to hold on but its not happening so I just keep on going.

Continue on shouting thank you to the volunteers - knowing how to take a corner definatley puts you at an advantage and most of this course is on a BIG wide road so lots of space to over take people.

There were friends riding together with matching helmets and all sorts of craziness.. I was really sorry when I hit the third and final lap as i could have quite happily kept riding all day!!!

At the turn around point for the final lap I change gears back into the small chain ring and spin faster to try and whip out some of the lactic acid... head to the dismount area, nice smooth stop and get off the bike ready for the LONG walk in cleats back to my transition area.

Side Note: Bike time includes T1 and T2 which makes me disappointed as I know I was a lot faster than what the overall time came out as
What would you do differently?:

Check my bike pre race - turns out my rear brake is rubbing on the wheel so that would have slowed me down.

Learn to Put on and take off my shoes on the bike - or at least practice clipping in more.

Thats about it - this was SO MUCH FUN!
Transition 2
  • 00m
Comments:

So once again I had a long walk in cleats to get to my transition area.

Ran into M who I had chatted to earlier in the day, while I was typing up my shoe laces she mentioned she had just finished her race and said she would go watch for awhile (her race number was about 200 before mine so her wave left about an hour before I even got in the water!)

Told her I would wave at her as I walked past...

Made a conscious decision to skip putting socks on in T2 and jogged comfortably up towards the start of the run course (back near where the bike course started... was a lot easier in sneakers than my bike shoes)
What would you do differently?:

Not much this was a smooth transition for me... in hindsight if the run had been any longer I would have needed them as I still posses a really yucky blister thingy on the side of my foot from the race.

Not chat quite so much in transition perhaps... but this was about fun for me so I figure that was more important
Run
  • 00m
  • 3 kms
  •  min/km
Comments:

Knowing at this point Id been out in the sun awhile and not had any water since I left transition earlier that morning so I jogged as far as the aid station and then walked while I drank some water... it was too cold for me to drink easily but memories of my past experience with heat stroke while racing meant I wanted to get some water down.

Picked up to an easy jog again but my heart rate wouldnt settle and I was sounding like an asthmatic elephant so I walked for a bit and this is where the trouble started.

By the time I hit halfway through the first lap I was getting serious pain on the outside of both my calves/shins... right up the site. Every step was agony and I couldnt really walk at a any pace.

I hit the turn around for the first lap and kept walking and started to panic, there were tears as the bad guy in my head started telling me I was a complete idiot for attempting this, I know my body cant run etc

Then someone came past me and patted me on the back and said good work or something to that effect - of course that didnt stop the tears but I started to pull myself together and about half way back to the bottom of the course someone called something from the crowd ( I couldnt remember what it was) and I tried a flat footed shuffle which picked my pace up a bit.

Kept that going to the end of the first loop, hit the aid station and walked a bit then metnally got in my head that I was going to shuffle some and walk some... it worked and I picked up the pace a bit.

This was most of the second loop and I pulled myself back together again. The flat footed shuffle seemed to be shaking out the pain in my legs a bit so moving was easier and coming in to the end of the second loop I smiled at the voluteer positioned there and said 'one more - Im going to do it!' with the biggest smile!

Ok they didnt know how important finishing this was to me after the last couple of years but right then I knew I was going to get through that final lap and i was going to finish I was SO incredibly excited!!!

Headed past the aid station - asked for two cups of water - one went over my head, the other I drank slowy and continued the shuffle walk strategy.

Passing the turnaround for the final time I yelled 'thank you ladies' to the volunteers who had been standing out in the sunshine for serveral hours by now and took my final walk break on the way too home.

Jogged down to the finish area and realised I was going to finish, serious tears as I gave a little skip and a clap, jogged to the finish line through my hands in the air and smiled...
What would you do differently?:

Some run training would have helped but with the injuries its been out of the question.

I need to have a sterner talking to with my mental demons too... all hope is not lost at signs of difficulty - stop looking at it as an excuse nad use it as an opportunity!
Post race
Warm down:

Once they had taken the timing chip and given me my PINK medal I ran into M who had waited til I finished before leaving - as a complete stranger I appreciated the gesture and i hope to see her at the All womens race in February.

Drank lots of water, got my bag and pulled out the treat of jelly snakes I had been saving.

As they had sent off another 200+ people in waves after me I then grabbed my bike and positioned myself near the finishing area to clap people home.

The crowd had thinned out as people had gone to congratulate family and friends so I wanted to make sure I was there to clap the last people home - and I was... that made me feel really good.

Got teary again when the last people finished with their kids or friends who went back to jog with them and peel off to let them finish alone...

Then hung around for the presentations. They dont award age group trophies as such and instead give them to 4 names drawn at random - I thought that was great for this kind of race.

Plus spot prizes etc and it was all over. Walked up to where I had parked by the aquatic cenrte, paid the parking and headed home. Stopped on the way home in my trisuit, with my race number and medal around my neck too duck into the supermarket for a roast chicken and white bread...

Got home and ate to BIG chicken sandwiches with salyt and lots of butter, the last of my diet coke and finished off the sour snakes Id been nibbling on!

3-4 hours laters i fell asleep for a 4 hour nap! And i can say for the last couple of days Ive had some sore muscles, swollen ankles and a horrible blister from my choice not to wear socks... but I wouldnt change any of it! It means I RACED... :)

Spent the next day or so trying to get myself well hydrated again and


What limited your ability to perform faster:

Training - I decided to sign up for the race a week in advance. i havent really been able to run train for a LONG time so I was relying on general fitness to get me through.

Lack of swimming too - but I knew Id finish the swim so I wasnt worried about that one!

Event comments:

This was a fantastic event to get women trying the sport, having fun and raising money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Their choice not to seed anyone, and not to have any timers at all around the race venue sets the tone really strongly for this race and what it is all about... setting yourself a challenge, participating and having fun.

So many happy people who couldnt believe they finished a triathlon is a true testament to what this race is all about. And why the Sydney event was the biggest womans triathlon in Australia...




Last updated: 2008-10-09 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:00:00 | 300 meters | / 100meters
Age Group: 0/
Overall: 354/507
Performance: Good
Suit:
Course:
Start type: Inside Pool Plus: Waves
Water temp: 0C / 0F Current:
200M Perf. Good Remainder: Good
Breathing: Good Drafting: Average
Waves: Navigation: Average
Rounding: Below average
T1
Time: 00:00
Performance: Bad
Cap removal: Good Helmet on/
Suit off:
Wetsuit stuck? Run with bike: Yes
Jump on bike: No
Getting up to speed: Below average
Biking
00:00:00 | 09 kms | 0.00 km/hr
Age Group: 0/
Overall: 436/507
Performance: Good
Wind: None
Course: Mostly flat on pavers and road - incline into the turn around and uphill back but nothing major
Road: Rough  Cadence:
Turns: Average Cornering: Average
Gear changes: Good Hills: Average
Race pace: Hard Drinks: Not enough
T2
Time: 00:00
Overall: Good
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike
Running with bike Below average
Racking bike Average
Shoe and helmet removal Good
Running
00:00:00 | 03 kms |  min/km
Age Group: 0/
Overall: 501/507
Performance: Average
Course: Mostly Flat, very slight incline up top the turnaround but nothing that anyone would really notice. Hot - no real shade on course
Keeping cool Average Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Good
Mental exertion [1-5] 4
Physical exertion [1-5] 4
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Average
Race evaluation [1-5] 5

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2008-10-20 7:38 PM

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Champion
26509
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Sydney
Subject: Triathlon Pink


2008-10-20 7:51 PM
in reply to: #1755356

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Master
2201
2000100100
Elgin,
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink
Great job.  Congrates on a good race.
2008-10-20 7:56 PM
in reply to: #1755356

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Elite
4372
200020001001001002525
Connecticut
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink
Nice job!  There is nothing quite like the thrill of racing!
2008-10-20 7:58 PM
in reply to: #1755356

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Master
1817
1000500100100100
Lafayette, IN
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink
Thanks for sharing your experience!  It's always inspiring to read about others overcoming hurdles to make it to (and through) race day.  Congrats again!
2008-10-20 8:00 PM
in reply to: #1755356

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Pro
4216
20002000100100
Sous Mon Diadème
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink
Great job, Cat... and I love seeing all those happy people.  Sounds like a fabulous event and, well, you know, how could Triathlon Pink not be??!!
2008-10-20 8:01 PM
in reply to: #1755356

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Extreme Veteran
809
500100100100
Central New Jersey
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink
Woohoo Cat!  Way to go on finishing your triathlon.   I know exactly how you feel toughing out that run portion.   What you wrote could easily have been me writing my experience particularly at my second triathlon.  Glad you stuck it out and finished and you being there to cheer on those last finishers probably meant more to them than you realize.


2008-10-20 8:04 PM
in reply to: #1755356

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Champion
7704
50002000500100100
Williamston, Michigan
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink
Congratulations Cat   I'm so happy for you.  You really found some joy out there on the course it sounds like WHOOP WHOOP YAY for you When is the next race?
2008-10-20 8:06 PM
in reply to: #1755356

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Extreme Veteran
301
100100100
New Zealand
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink
Woo hoo! Good on ya girl! And that medal is so cool!
2008-10-20 8:10 PM
in reply to: #1755356

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Extreme Veteran
600
500100
Melbourne
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink

How easy it would have been not to get out of bed, but you did it Cat, you raced! That's just awesome.

I hope you're in for a great season!

2008-10-20 8:16 PM
in reply to: #1755356

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Pro
4507
20002000500
Simpsonville, SC
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink
Yay. Cat! You ARE a triathlete! You finished your race. Way to go! Congratulations on a great comeback


2008-10-20 8:17 PM
in reply to: #1755356

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Extreme Veteran
530
50025
Northwest Louisiana
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink

Congratulations on a great race and comeback! I loved reading about the "singlet"....I grew up in Singapore and I haven't heard the word "singlet" in a very long time!

 



2008-10-20 8:20 PM
in reply to: #1755356

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Royal(PITA)
14270
50005000200020001001002525
West Chester, Ohio
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink

I am so happy you chased those demons away and got out there.  You were terrific to do this one a whim.  It's awseome to see you thinking ahead to furure races this season too

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

2008-10-20 8:35 PM
in reply to: #1755356

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Champion
5117
5000100
Brandon, MS
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink
So proud of you, Cat, and so glad you DID IT!!!
2008-10-20 8:37 PM
in reply to: #1755356

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Pro
4608
20002000500100
Brooklyn, NY
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink
Congrats Cat, way to decide to do it, push through and enjoy the experience. You know, there is a technique to swimming around a buoy but I have yet to master that one either
2008-10-20 8:42 PM
in reply to: #1755438

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Champion
23360
5000500050005000200010001001001002525
Taser-World
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!

I'm so glad that you went and did this. It took guts to get out there and battle your "demons." But you DID it. You raced! And you finished the race!
Yay SuperCat!!!!!!!!






2008-10-20 9:20 PM
in reply to: #1755356

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Science Nerd
28760
50005000500050005000200010005001001002525
Redwood City, California
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink

Congratulations on a great race!!  I'm so glad you were able to do this.

I love the pink nails with your medal.   



2008-10-20 10:59 PM
in reply to: #1755356

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2008-10-20 11:20 PM
in reply to: #1755356

Veteran
306
100100100
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink

HOORAH to a great race!!! Congratulations!

2008-10-20 11:54 PM
in reply to: #1755356

Master
2665
20005001002525
The Whites, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink
YAY, CAT!!!! I *knew* you'd rock the house, and you DID! How very cool for the other woman to stay for you, and then for you to pass it on to the rest. What an awesome day, awesome sense of accomplishment. Enjoy every one of those stiff muscles.
2008-10-21 1:52 AM
in reply to: #1755356

Expert
831
50010010010025
Eltham North, Victoria
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink
Absolutely wonderful, Cat. You must be so proud. This is the stuff that is always incredibly inspiring.
2008-10-21 7:16 AM
in reply to: #1755356

MotoQueen
13195
5000500020001000100252525
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink
Way to go Cat. We knew you could do it. It does feel good to race again, doesn't it.

Hip Hip Hooray!



2008-10-21 8:31 AM
in reply to: #1755356

Master
1688
1000500100252525
ALSAGER, CHESHIRE. UK
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink

Excellent Cat, absolutely excellent. You must be very, very proud of what you have achieved.

Love the asthmatic elephant comment. Sure we've all been there.

Very big hug & xxx's.

2008-10-21 2:57 PM
in reply to: #1755356

Expert
919
500100100100100
Greenville, SC
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Great race and great report. Thank you for sharing this.

GO CAT and GO PINK!!!

2008-10-21 5:18 PM
in reply to: #1755356

Champion
26509
500050005000500050001000500
Sydney
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink
Thank you - Im pretty happy about it!!! Just got to work out the run thing and Im going to get a race season!!!
2008-10-21 9:13 PM
in reply to: #1755356

Master
1548
100050025
Perth, Australia
Subject: RE: Triathlon Pink

I've already given you an inspire about this but I wanted to add some more to the actual RR

BIG WELL DONE!!!!

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