Du for the Parks - DuathlonStandard

Decided to stick with my 2 minute run/1 minute walk interval and tried not to push too hard on this first run. I haven't run more than 3 miles in training or ever done a du do I wanted plenty left for the second run

I was fine with my performance. Felt a little dry on the run so should have drank more before the race.

As I mentioned before, my rack spot was very close to the bike out & mount area which really helps when walking in speed play cleats. I actually remembered to have the Velcro loosened & open on my bike shoes which made things faster

I made really great time going out then at the turnaround realized there was a damn headwind that had been helping boost me on the way out. I am not used to hills & still figuring my shifting out so this was a challenging ride. I was pleased with my ability to pass a few people on the final 2 miles which was a tough bit of climbing. I know I can do better with practice but I am happy with my ride here given my inexperience. I also hit 28 mph on a downhill which was a first for me and P2!

I need to get more time in the saddle and ride more hills. My saddle didn't kill me as badly as it did at Memphis in May but I still believe there is a better saddle for me out there. I would rather focus on riding as opposed to trying constantly to find the spot where my perineum isn't killing me.

I think was a good transition for me. I managed to get my shoes changed out quickly and jogged the run out. I didn't bother getting out of my shoes on the bike because I only had 15 feet to go from the dismount line to my rack anyway.

I was having some major pain in the balls of my feet towards the end of the ride (right worse than the left) and it was really killing me on the start of the run. I was having bad flashbacks to the Little Rock Half marathon in 2010 where I had this pain and totally screwed up my feet for months. Walking helped a bit but the pain was still there. It was only 2 miles so I decided to just tough it out. By the end it was hurting bad enough that I switched to a 1:1 run/walk ratio. Still did pretty well on this run considering!

Found my husband and quickly got into my Sole sandals with the good arch support which helped the foot pain.


Training, training, training!


This is a nice smaller event with good volunteer support and good post race food ( tasty grilled chicken sandwiches!) My husband has done this event the last 3 years so I have been a spectator til now and always appreciated how well it is organized. The course is enough of a challenge to keep it interesting but definitely within reach for the beginner or first-timer. The technical shirts are a nice touch and the kids race following the event is the only kids du around. I will be back next year- no more spectating for me!