Winterlude Triathlon - TriathlonWinter

I started middle to back of mass start. It took awhile to get the legs and balance working. Skated much better and faster on the return from the turn-around with a light wind at my back.

Do more skate training before the event to strenghten skate-specific hip and calf muscles.

Quickly took off skate at the lakeedge and ran about 150m to T1. Dropped off my helmet and grabbed my skis, then ran another 30m to the mount line. Quickly snapped then on took off hard.

I hammered really hard the whole way and got a charge out of passing many. Still lost some time when I got stuck behind a few slower skiers on narrow sections. I knew I had gone too hard when my calves started to cramp on the last leg of the 2nd loop. I was able to keep it under control until I put my shoes on in T2. Bang! Both locked up tight.

Out of my skis at the dismount line and a short run to my running shoes. Took awhile to get my frozen runners on. The lace locks that I put on and adjusted when the shoe were warm had to be readjusted after fighting with them for awhile. Took a small drink of water from Gloria at the exit station. Then ran out hard on cramped calves.

Run was basically a sufferfest. Did the best I could do but was frustrated at being passed because I usually have the leg to hold them off. Pushed as hard as I could all the way.

No warm-down. Just tried to warm-up. Two cups of sweet coffee (out of hotchoc). By the time I managed to get a coat and dry gloves on, I was chilled to the bone. Hobbled back to the car and sat with the heater blowing until Gloria finished her volunteer duties.