Miami Nice - TriathlonOlympic

We noticed how strong the current was pulling south, so I aimed a bit north as I swam. I concentrated on really pushing myself and trying to stick with Kristy as much as I could. I was with her at least 2/3 of the way and then lost her. I did really well keeping a good pace and sighting, although it was overcast and not very sunny, which made it difficult to see the buoys. My aim was dead on and did not get off course till the last turn. I think the current was pushing us towards the shore and since so many people were swimming this way, I did not think I was off course till I looked to my right and saw another whole line of swimmers further in the lake. Ugh..I just tried to focus on getting myself to the end in the shortest distance from then on. Every time I looked up to sight, a wave hit me in my face..it was pretty funny..I did a little breaststroke to do sighting and that seemed to work better.

Work on staying on course in rough waters

Ran into T1, he ground is painful at this race!!! Got to my bike and threw on my bike shoes, grabbed my Garmin and helmet and I was off. I wish I had a long sleeve tech shirt!!!  Any way..not too bad of a transition considering I was at the other end.

wear arm warmers at a cold race!!!!!

Ok, so I am off and going..Good speed at first, but into a headwind…Here comes the first bridge.. I worked well with my gears since I ahd known what to expect and I just pushed it as best ask I could. I wanted to have my Garmin just showing my HR, so I went to switch the setting and accidently pushed the lap button..Damn! Now, I was in transition mode. I stopped the watch and just used my computer..I really wanted the data, but nothing I could do about it now! ..3/4 of the way up I got pegged in the face with a gust of sand..for the rest of my ride I was all gritty!! !!!! The wind wwas coming from all sides and I was so scared going down the other side and was afraid I was going to topple over..I pumped my brakes quite a bit! We will work on descending! Got down and did the turn around..nice to have the tailwind now!!! AS I went down the other side, I still was still scared I was going to fall over, but really just hung in there..once I was down, I got into a great groove and kept my cadence around 92-93..Althouigh I was cold and my quads were pretty numb, I couldn’t really tell if I was in pain or not, so I just pushed it as hard as my body could handle.Way to use what you had! As I approached Rickenbacker again, I k new it was the last time this year I would race this bridge, so I pushed as hard as I could..YES!!!! As I went to the other side, I just kept repeating over and over out loud “Trust yourself, Trust your bike” I was so freaked I was going to fall. I am not a speed lover!!! At least on hills!!! Well, the repeating made me much calmer and I was finally done wit hteh bridge. As I came down the other side, I saw Donnie..with the cowbell!! Nice to have him cheering us on! I tried to keep my pace fairly fast since I knew once I was heading back in with the headwind, I would slow down dramatically. AS I came to the last 300 yds, I pulled my feet out of my shoes..almost couldn’t do it since My toes were numb as can be! I jumped off my bike and ran into transition as best as could with half numb feet.

train on hilsl a lot more!

T2- pretty uneventful..threw on socks and my new Brooks (yup, I know nothing new on race day, but I did try them out Saturday 

not much..

I also grabbed my new  fuel belt. AS I put it on, I noticed it was too big, but I kept it anyway. AS I Ran, it moved up and around so much…I felt great on the run since the weather was perfect for me. I was hanging on with a 10:04 pace and knew if I could just keep up with this pace, I would have a great race. I carried my own fuel so I did not need to stop at any aid station. I started with my 9/1 plan, but when it came to the 19 min, I felt so good that I told myself to keep running till I really felt the need to stop. SO, I ran till about 26 minutes..did a 1 minute walk and then did the same thing. After hitting one other aide stations, I asked if I could leave my belt there and pick it up on the 2nd loop. So I did. I just carried my fuel with me and kept going. I really felt great as it went on and paid close attention to my RPE and HR.yes!!! .I was running at an RPE 6-7 for the first few miles and then would try and pick it up a bit after mile 4. The last mile I Really wanted to have it in me to run 9:30 miles..I did that up until I came out of the woods and there was now a headwind. Ugh..I would rather be in the woods!!! I knew the finish line was not too far away so I picked it up..but, I will say that that wind made it feel like I was moving backwards! I headed in and got cheered on by Eric and Donnie . Yay!!!! I finished my last race of the season and I had a PR!!!

train train train..not use new fuel belt!

hung out with friendd, got a massage and watched friends get hardware


need a to lose a few lbs!


Things that went well:
1.I was totally prepared with my bike..not mechanical issues phew!
2.my fuel was spot on and I knew I had the right combination for the race
3.I knew what to expect with the bridges, so mentally I was prepared and ready to hit them.
4.I had a good vision of what I wanted from the race and really focused on that.
5.My run was the best in a very long time and I really stuck in there..partially because it wasn’t hot and I wasn’t melting and also cause my body felt good that day!
6.I had a great time with everyone and seeing them on the course! Great way to end my season!

Things I wish went differently
1.I had bought a speed suit, but it was the wrong size and I could not get the right one sent in time. I should have taken care of it sooner since I did have time for that.
2.I should have worn my Brooks a few more times before the race to make sure I would not get blisters  I have 1 under my right piggy that stayed home
3.I should have not tried the new fuel belt on race day…It was very annoying wearing it and I need to find another way to carry my fuel