Dousman Duathlon - Duathlon

I really wanted to push myself in this race and starting with the elites was going to allow me to do that. This was the fastest I have ever run in a race or in training. My 1st mile split was actually about 6:50. When I got back into transition, there were still about 5-6 bikes in my rack. WOW. that is cool. (race results have this as a 7:18 pace)

not much. I was very happy with this split.

Being in the first rack I was very close to the bike exit, but far away from the run in. This is about as fast as I am going to get until I learn to get in my shoes on the bike.

not much. learn how to get into my shoes on the bike.

first half was primarily into a pretty good headwind. the last five miles were all basically downhill to some degree and with a nice tailwind. I was pretty familiar with this course because it was near where I grew up. In fact it actually went past my parent's home. My mom actually sat in a lwn chair and cheered me when I went past. My parents have never seen me race, so this was something (dad was golfing). Like the run, I decided to really push this and, considering the hills and headwinds for the first 8 miles, I was pleased. Because of where I started a barley passed anyone. This was strange, I just kept telling myself not to get frustrated and to keep on pushing. I wasn't passed that much and if it was it was someone with a nice tri bike, or areo bars or really muscular legs or... my speed was about 21 when I came into transition and I almost didn't stop in time and hit the curb.

train lots in the off season, get areo bars or one of the very nifty tri bikes.

when I got back into transition, Heather Haviland's bike was in my spot. (I know this because her custom paint job has her name painted on it). Luckily I was near the end of the rack and just put my bike there. Got my shoes on and went

not have the top female triathlete in the state put her bike in my spot.

I was really unhappy with this. In fact I was surprised that my time wasn't much slower. started ok, legs a little heavy, bu not too bad. About a 1/4 mile in, I got a stitch in my side that pretty much stayed with me the entire run. I slowed down and kind of felt sorry for myself for the next mile. Then some teenager was who was doing a relay came flying by yelling and shouting and said to me" come on and pick it up we are getting close to the finish!" That lit a fire under me for some reason and I pushed hard the last 3/4 of mile ( this probably salvaged my time a little)

not get a stitch. I think pushing it hard on the segments, did not leave as much for this leg, but I don't look at that as a bad thing.

walked around a little and ate some bagels. I had to get out of there quick as I had another engagement. Felt bad leaving while otheres were still racing


not enough speed work, genetics, not having a cool tri bike.


It may sound strange, but this was the first race I really 'raced.' Most other races I just stayed in my comfort zone. This one I went outside my comfort zone and pushed my limits and it felt great. This the best I have ranked among the field, but, more importantly, I am pleased as to how I ranked against myself I have much work to do in the off season, but I am pleased with were I have come this season.