Cranberry Trifest - TriathlonOlympic

Considering all the issues I was having at the sprint, I felt so much better on this swim. I was able to maintain my breathing and effort well. For some reason I remembered at the beginning of the race to get a musical cadence in my head and sync my stokes to it. For some reason I get a waltz in my head which works well with breathing every 3 strokes.

Passed a few people, but did not really try to. Next wave started to catch me at the 1/2 way point. Just made to the outside of the course and gave them room.

Since my aerobics were all messed up the day before, I am very happy with this.

Not too bad, and almost the same as for the sprint, so at least I am consistent.

Most of the course was quite smooth. A few pockets of roughness, but it was all good. I just wanted to get into a grove and go. Thank goodness for the Computrainer. I found a steady cadence with a good spinscan. I could really feel the form even though I could not really push the pace.

Was quite entertained for the first hour or so. I was in the second wave, and apparently the women were in the next waves. At least the scenery was easy on the eyes :)

As I entered Lakeville on the back end of the ride, the world came past in a big hurry. Huge chunks of riders manage to finally catch up to me. No worries, just love the fact I was an early wave to enjoy having people out on the course with me.

Ok, so need to figure out how to not head out of transition without my race belt. 2 days in a row. At least this time I noticed within about 6 steps of heading away from my bike.

No illusions of grandeur as I hit the course. Planned on 6 min run and 1 walk from the get go. Looked at my watch, did a little math, and realized a PR might be out there to be had. I had chosen my VFFS again as they would at least keep my running form honest. Ended up in a rhythm of 1 minute walk every 1/2 mile or so until about mile 4.5. At mile 5 the hill began. I had pushed hard and used what I had in the tank. Ended up walking a ton during the last mile, but managed to get my watch to read under 3 hours by the end of the run!!

Turns out I forgot to start the watch on the swim, so no PR, but it did allow me to push hard. This year at least I did not push to hard or mess up on nutrition. I hit the finish line and needed to lie down. My nose was tingling and I was just exhausted. Felt absolutely great, just had nothing left in the tank. I think this was the most complete effort without going over I have ever done. So very proud of my tactics and effort.

Downside of lying down at the finish is the paramedics kept asking me if I was ok. I just wanted to take a nap, but kept smiling so they did not think I had passed out. Got up and ended up sitting in the ice bath. It felt great!! Only felt cold getting out of the water.

Special thanks to DK for the orange slice and keeping an extra eye on me at the finish line. I just hope my photos look as good as the races felt.

took quite awhile to get my body to have any sense of energy again. Hit the BT tent and just hung out for awhile. Eventually got a plate of food I could not finish and enjoyed the company of friends. I had what I am calling a "Field of Dreams" moment after the race. I was like " is this heaven?..No Lakeville" :) The feeling was better than my PR at this race or the satisfaction after both my Marry and 1/2 Iron efforts. It just felt like everything was right with the world, even if it was only for one day.


I can not say enough about this race. I will keep on doing it as long as I can and it is still offered.