Take on the Heat Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Got in when it was my turn to go and swam. After about 150 the guy behind me, #57, passed me. I decided he was NOT going to get away so I drafted off him the rest of the swim. Drafting = swallowing a lot of water thanks to his kick. Blah.

With about 100 left to go, we came on some guy. #57 passed him on the left and we were coming up to a wall, where we needed to go right to get in the next lane.

So I stayed behind the guy and played with his feet. It was pretty obvious I was doing it on purpose. We get to the wall. Does he stop? NO! UUGGGGH! So I then had pass him at the all and fight to get around him. What an a-hole.

During the last 50 me and #57 came on some slow swimmers. He went left and went inbetween them. I went right. So we were 4 people across the lane. I then went for the side of the pool and pulled myself out. Screw the ladder!

AG Rank: 5 out of 24.

So we had a REALLY LONG run from the pool to transition. My goal was to have a fast transition so I was running out of the pool area.

Just as I hit the door, a 2 year old boy is standing RIGHT IN THE DOORWAY! COME ON! I mean, he's in this narrow doorway and there are flags on either side exiting the door (aka: NO SPECTATORS ALLOWED). I start yelling, "YOU HAVE GOT TO MOVE!" Of course, being a child he doesn't.

So I somehow get around him and he moves off to the side.

Listen up parents, I was nice. Other racers who are working for a podium spot will not be. They will knock your kid over in a heart beat. Keep your eyes on your kids!

Got to where my bike was racked and got out of transition as fast as I could.

#57 was in transition with me, but I beat him out!

I need some cycling shoes that are for tri's. My stupid cycling shoes cost me time on this one.

Went out to the right and immediately #57 passed me. I was going around 25-27 mph and it felt great. I felt good that my 20 mph average goal would be achieveable.

Did some turns and made it out to a long stretch of road with two hills. The kills kind of kicked my rear, but I was still doing pretty good.

THEN I turned right and the headwind hit me. Great. I was pedaling my butt off huffing and puffing... which resulted in a side cramp. Not good. Even then I was only going around 16-17 mph. Sad. My goal of a 20 mph average was dwindling.

Fought a headwind all the way back for the second loop. On the first loop I passed 8 people!

Now, at some point on the first loop I passed #57. Then he passed me again on a downhill on the back stretch.

The second loop was like the first, except I was slower and more pathetic into the headwind this time. Yeah. I went a little slower in hopes that my side cramp would subside. I wouldn't have a good run going into it with a side cramp.

It should be noted that Tim did NOT catch me on the bike, but he was right on my heels after I came into transition.

Uh, not ride 75 miles the day before. :) But since Longhorn HIM is my goal, I did what I needed to do according to my training plan. I can place in my AG at raced in 2010. :)

AG Rank: 7 out of 24.

Not a bad transition. Of course I had Sabrina getting me back for yelling at her and Tim earlier this year at races. She was yelling, "Socks, you don't need socks!"... and I replied, "I DO! I'll get blisters"... and so on. HA!

Finally got some speed laces so this was quicker than usual.

Started out with the side cramp. Great. Once I have it, it won't go away. I told myself before the race, even if I had a side cramp I had to run.

So I jabbed my fingers into the cramp, and ran. It was painful, but I kept going.

Tim passed me early on in the run. Which was fine. I was a lame duck out there.

Honestly, the fact that I kept close to a 9 minute mile, with that side cramp is just impressive. I started to walk a couple of times because I was in so much pain, but told myself I HAD TO RUN! So I got back to running.

Uh, not ride 75 miles the day before. (See a theme here?)

Crossed the finish line and was happy to be done. Went over and saw Tim and Sabrina and got a massage. :)

After sitting around about 30 minutes, I convinced Tim to go out and do the run course with me again. I needed a long run day and so did he, so we went and did another 3 miles.

It was fun! We went slow (a 10:30 minute mile) and chatted the whole way. Everyone who was out there (although it was sparse) were first time tri-ers. It was great cheering them on! We even met a lady who was 67 years out out there doing it! So cool!

Also, Derek (Big_D) was awesome and took pictures of me at the race! I have posted some of them below. You also get a wonderful shot of half dressed Tim and me looking tired. HA!


SIDE CRAMP! Story of my life.

75 mile ride the day before! :)


Overall a very good race. I'll be back to do it again in 2010. Except next time, I'll be placing in my age group. Watch out ladies.