Falls Duathlon - DuathlonStandard

This must include transition because I am pretty sure I came in around 18 minutes. Not sure, but anyway it was a VERY hard run. I started off way too fast and hit mile 1 marker under 9 minutes. Everything hurt and the hills were murder, it was just too fast for me. I recovered the best I could on the downhills and to make it back without hurting myself. Probably not the best way to start a race.

I don't have the time, but this was hampered by trying to snap my helmet strap with bulky gloves on. Once I realized I was an idiot and took them off, much time was wasted. I clearly lost my head because I left T1 without the gloves! At 38 degrees and rainy! D'oh!

Put the gloves on AFTER buckling my helmet.

We had headwind and strong crosswinds on the way out, added on top of the cold and rain. And sleet. I did the best I could and fortunately the return trip was MUCH better. The skin on my hands was very cold, but I managed to pull my shirt sleeves down to my knuckles, which really helped. At the end I wasn't generating any heat due to the tailwind and slight downhill and then I got really cold again. I had to sit up and ride in the hoods - ugh. But considering I was just below the 50% overall on the bike, it was obviously difficult for a lot of people.

There was the usual foolishness like any sprint race with people not staying to the right, etc. Fortunately the field was small enough it wasn't too dangerous.

I was too cold to have a gel, which I planned to do on the bike (two, actually, one right away and one at the end). I decided to have my gel in T2, which ended up being enough.

Stay home.

No official time, but this went pretty well. My legs/feet from the knee down were numb, so getting my shoes on wasn't as smooth as usual :)

This actually went really well, the time must include transition. I couldn't feel my feet or ankles for at least the first mile, so I had to take the downhills more carefully. I felt really positive and just tried to keep up a steady pace. It felt SO GOOD to be off the bike! I love a second run in a du.

After the race I was starting to get very cold. I was torn between wanting to wait for my friend at the finish, stand in the food line, or bring stuff to the car. I ultimately got in the food line and we headed back to the car right after my friend finished. I definitely gave it everything I had.


Final Stretch always does a good job and I really like their races. The weather sucked and it almost always does this weekend, it's a curse.