Lake Mills Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

First race in my full sleeved Rocket Science wetsuit. Suit felt comfortable and pleasantly warm. First 200 started a little rough and took a few minutes to get in a groove. Because everyone was still packed in, did a little drafting. Until the guy I was drafting decided that breast stroke was the better way to go. After that, no real drafting potentional, so I had to do it on my own (never really works that great). Was hoping for a little better time with the new suit However, actual water time was about 9min. That avgs to about 2/min per 100. That is not horrible for me. In fact I was surprised at the number of bikes still there when I got into transition.

Beat last year's time by about a minute, still think I have much room for improvement. Ok for 1st race of the season.

Would have been faster, but I had so many decisions to make. I mean the blue jacket goes with my shoes, but clashes with my bike. While the arm warmers are popular with the ladies, would they be too dressy for this type of event? Well after preparing a pro/con chart I decided to go with the arm warmers.

Hey this was over 30 seconds faster than last year. What can I say? I don't like to be rushed.

All kidding aside, I am seriously disappointed in this leg. Five minutes slower than last year. Sure there are lots of excuses: cold, raining, some wind, longer course (.8 more) than last year, more hills than last year, no taper. However I am not really interested in excuses. THe bike was my focus in the off season. I did Jorge's program, put way more miles on the trainer than ever before. I did this so I wouldn't have to stick my arm in the excuse bag this year. So while I can find some positive things (18 avg. on slick roads, which would not have happened in the past) I don't want to find positive in this ride. It is well below my goal and that is unacceptable.

I am struggling with this one right now.

meh.

I have to admit I was so mad about my bike, that I came out transition steaming. In fact the first couple of 10ths were at about a 6:15 pace. I had to have an immediate discussion with myself, that I need to ease back or I was going to implode. Settled into a more reasonable pace of between 7:30 and 8:00. Seeing some of my fellow Donks out there was nice and helped break me out of my anger trance. Kept it together at the end and pushed it sub 7's to finish out.

Are you kidding? This was a ray of sunshine in an otherwise rainy race performance.

Stewed around all grumpy like for a while. Went back to transition, got warmer clothes on and ate a Clif bar. Got myself together enough to go cheer on some Donks coming in.


Wish I knew.


Ok the run wasn't the only bright spot. Seeing all my Donkey friends (both participants and Jockstrappers) makes getting out of bed worthwhile.

Kind of summing up the day: I pulled out of the parking lot with my wetsuit and water bottle on the roof of my car. Thankfully someone flagged me down, before I got too far.