Diamond in the Rough Triathlon - DuathlonStandard

cool outside and raining, so started run at easy pace; knew I had only 2.7 miles, so go easy - - realized I had actually practiced this - so perfect!!

nothing

pouring down rain - glad I had covered everything with towel and a plastic garbage bag - also glad I used the lime green bandana to mark bike. easy change to shoes, helmet - - probably could have saved time by wearing gloves in the run (might have been too hot though) - knew I took a little extra time - but okay with it.

not much - - ran in and ran out - - -all is okay

rainy conditions, pouring - rain hurt when it pelted me. started good - run had warmed up the legs, so no 10 minute warm up required; strong on hills, used combination of spinning and standing (never below 5mph and many times 7mph), downhills were cautious - several accidents, could not make up time on the downhills. Straight aways used aerobars and kept good cadence, never got cramps, very good fluid intake and calorie intake - -gels at 4 miles, 14 miles and 24 miles; really helped keep me on top of my game, big hill, no problem, very happy I kept the pace above 5mph and passed 2 riders who never caught up; ride felt very good - pleased that I was able to pass several riders - frustrated that I continued to get passed (by folks who had flat tires and caught up to me, ugh!)

practice riding MORE and LONGER to BUILD STRENGH and ENDURANCE - - I guess that's what it takes to get faster - - - don't know what else - -just need to go FASTER, FASTER, FASTER

excellent dismount and run to bike racks - absolutely NO cramping - -good fluid and calories; good stretching on bike - - felt awesome to be able to run to transition area

nothing

focus on cool day, easy run, find my "forever pace" and just DO IT! thought briefly about walking and said NO, I'm running this entire 5 miles - and I did!! happy to catch up to others and pass them. watched other runners coming in - love to hear their coaching and support (looking strong, keep it up!). Ate a gel at the half way mark - -excellent timing - - - poured water on my head and in my face - refreshing - it was COLD. Really gave me an extra jolt! only had a couple sips of water to wash down the gel. wanted to make sure I finished race in less than 3.5 hours

nothing -- once I learn to run faster and run further -it will all fall into place - - I was very happy at my pace and how I felt - - started to get winded near the end.

walk - - really wanted to SIT - couldn't even talk - - very relaxed, happy, felt strong - but winded and need to SIT, legs were okay, it was my butt that started to hurt - - felt like I needed to SIT. Ate a turkey sandwhich and had a coke and fruit gummy bears. Not exceedingly hungry as in past races


experience running longer distances at a faster pace; and not being able to ride the bike faster.


Even though it stormed and poured the whole time and we didn't swim (I was really looking forward to the swim) I enjoyed the race. Felt I did well on the bike and suprised myself on the run(s). I have never run 7.5 miles at one time (without stopping). It was especially good that it was cooler and it rained. I think that helped a lot. I was shocked that I won 3rd place - didn't even hear my name and missed my place on the podium. They let me take it later and got my picture (but without the others).