South Bay International Duathlon - DuathlonStandard

In last year's race, for some reason, Run #1 was only 5K. But this year, from everything I could read, Run #1 would be a 10K. I didn't know for sure, though, until I approached the end of the first 5K lap. Fortunately, I paced myself for a 10K, and everything worked out fine. I was mostly happy with my time and splits. I chugged some Cytomax at each water station.

I didn't think I did too bad, but I was still a MOP/BOP 9th out of 13 in my AG for Run #1. I guess I just need to keep working on my speed... I'm still not very confident in my ability to hold up on the run.

Everything went well except for jumping on my bike. I almost wiped out on a speed bump, but somehow held it together.

Run PAST speed bump before attempting to mount my bike.

I was hoping to hold a 20 MPH pace, but didn't quite get there. I was a little disappointed at first, but then I remembered I'd already run a 10K. So I guess 19.6 MPH is okay. My only problem was my rear derailleur kept slipping out of gear while climbing the hill each lap. I think I overtightened the cable the night before. It didn't cost me a lot of time, but it was annoying -- and the loud clanking noise was embarrassing.

After making a bike adjustment, I need to make sure I do a test-ride on the hills before a race. Lesson learned.

I wasn't sure how I'd hold up on Run #2, but everything seemed to go okay. My calves and hamstrings were tight for the first mile or so. No cramps or side stitches.

I was a bit too tentative. I just need to pound the pavement, and not worry about bonking.

Walked around the sponsor booth area for a while, ate a burrito and a bagel.


Inexperience. I still don't have enough confidence in myself to put together a solid race.


Well-organized event overall. The volunteers were great! The timing/results were handled really well. Post-race food was great. The only small complaint I have is that the wave starts were very confusing. For each wave start, we could hear a very faint voice on a distant PA speaker announcing the start. They really should have had somebody standing at the start line handling things.