Danskin Women's Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

I think the course was short.
As soon as the wave started, I sprinted to get as far out in front as I could. Right off the bat, there was a woman right next to me going stroke for stroke. We were so close to each other we bumped into each other a few times. We stuck together for nearly the entire way out to the first turn. At the turn, there were a lot of people in the wave before us. As I made the turn, I lost my swimming partner in the crowd. I made the next turn to head back towards the shore. I swam more on the right than the bouy line and had some open water. I was still swimming through the wave in front of me and had to dodge a few people's feet/legs as they breaststroked. I kept swimming until my hands were touching the sand. I pushed the swim and had to walk for a few steps to catch my breath before jogging up the sand to the swim exit.

Nothing...maybe a little better nagivation, but overall, I am happy with this swim.

As soon as I crossed over the timing mat, I took my wetsuit off and started the long run to the TA. The road isn't smooth and by the end, my feet hurt from running on the blacktop and rocks. I sat down and rolled on my socks. On with my shoes, helmet and sunglasses and I was off.

Nothing. Good execution.
2nd in my AG. Missed 1st by 1 second.

I sometimes get into a groove and can't go faster. I wanted to push it to see how I would do. If I blew up for the run, so be it. I started out hard and sipped some water while trying to get my HR and breathing under control. About 1 mile or so in, a woman passed me in my AG. Since our AG was split between 2 swim waves, I didn't know if she started in my wave or 3 minutes before me. I was pissed off she passed me and I kept the pace steady. I made my move and quickly repassed her pushing it really hard so she would forever be behind me. I never got passed for the rest of the bike. Continued to push it hard on the way out. I hit the turn around and was smacked with the monster headwind. I stayed aero and pushed on. I took a GU with about 4 miles left. I could tell my legs were hurting from the pace and headwind, but knew the course wasn't 11 miles. I heard Brad yelling for me as I pulled into the transition area.

Nothing. I went as hard as I could go.

No issues racking my bike. Slid my Zoot shoes on along with my visor and race belt. Grabbed my water bottle and I was off.

Nothing.
Tied for 2nd in AG for T2.

I could tell my HR was high. I settled into a rhythm with my breathing and cadence. The sun was out and it was getting warm. I was happy I had my running water bottle and would squirt water on my head every so often. I was passed by a few people, but kept pushing as hard as I could go. I had a stitch in my side that wasn't really going away. Towards the end of the first loop, I saw Brad and told him, "this hurts". I made the turn for the second loop and knew I was almost done. With about .75 miles to go, I was passed by a woman in my AG. She was moving at a pace faster than I could hold. I tried to go with her but knew I couldn't make it to the finish line with her. I accepted that she would be ahead of me. Shortly after that, she stopped at the water stop. I kept running and thought I could get some ground between us. Unfortunately, she soon was passing me again...but then made the right turn to start her second loop. I was happy to not have to try to stay with her to the finish. I saw Brad and Julie close to the finish. I had nothing left to give. Managed to outsprint another competitor right at the finish line.

Nothing at all.
I left everything I had on that course.

Met up with Brad and Julie and we then found Tim who rode up to the race.
Grabbed some water and fruit and loaded our stuff in the car. Julie and I waited for the results and awards as the guys rode home.
Glad we waited around. I came in 4th in my AG last year and had some unfinished business out on that course. Glad I was able to push it as hard as I did...especially after IMKY.


An Ironman 2 weeks prior.



This was the first year Sally Edwards split from Danskin. It was Danskin SheRox this year. Karen Smyers was actually at the race...at the swim start high fiving athletes as they entered the water and then at the finish line.
Pros: Very organized, lots of volunteers, nice medals and awards, "local" beach race where we can stay with my sister

Cons: getting out of the park is always a pain, the way they organize the transition area is weird, they got rid of the porch grass lining the long run from the swim to the TA, lack of any substantial food, distances of the swim and bike were short

Despite my long list of cons, I always enjoy this race. I am not sure it fits in our race schedule next year.