Hickory Knob Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

I could really tell that I hadn't warmed up in the first 200. Began feeling a lot better, but I opted to take the long way around the buoys. My only goal for this race was to run the 10k. In my first and only other international distance tri, I ran from aid station to aid station. I didn't want to do that this time so I took myself out of the melee for a nice, calm swim on the outside of the buoys.

Get a wetsuit that fits. I should have realized that a suit meant for a man that weighs 50lbs more than I do would chafe the crud out of me (not to mention add quite a bit of drag).

Oh my. The ramp from the lake was a narrow, metal plank covered with astro turf witha 90 degree incline. I made it up that, starting un-zipping, then had to navigate two sets of steps and cross a road before I entered the transition area.

Not sure.

I'm usually a top ten girl on the bike, but I wanted to go conservative to save my legs for the run. To tell the truth, I'm not sure if my bike would have improved a whole lot had I attacked the hills in my normal fashion. This was a tough course. I cat and moused one of the college girls during the ride. She ended up getting me as we turned into the park. I chose not to try to catch her, (probably couldn't have any way) and spun for the rest of the ride to get my legs ready for the 10K.

Nothing for this particular race.

I was reaaly surprised I came out of T2 in less than 2 minutes. I couldn't get my bike racked, accidently kicked one of my shoes to the other side of the rack and almost forgot to get my helmet off. It was a bad deal.

Been a heck of a lot more graceful and efficient in transition.

This was it. The main focus of my race. The run is my weakness. I have battled ITB and shin splints all summer. This was my first race since May that I was not suffering with some sort of injury. I started running 3 weeks before this race only on treadmills or flat terrain. But my goal was to run ALL 6.2 miles. I started out and all felt good. I ran at a very comfortable speed. I wasn't going to beat myself up about time or who was passing me or any of the other crap I usually think about when I run. I smiled and ran. I cheered on the other ladies that I knew who racing to win this thing. I called out encouragement to those I passed after I made the turn around. I refused all aid from the aid stations. I kept running. I even had enough left for a finishing kick. It was awesome. This was the first time that I actually enjoyed the run more than the bike.

Nothing!!!!!!! Hopefully I've passed a milestone here. If I can stay healthy, I plan on increasing my mileage and adding some speed work later on this winter.

Lots of walking and stretching. My hammies and calves were tight.


Swimming in a borrowed wetsuit, slowing down on the bike to save my legs for the run. Being a slow runner.


I entered this race for fun. I didn't care about where I placed or what my overall time would be. I wanted to do one last tri and run the entire 10K. I accomplished my goal. And my effort was good enough for second place in my age group. That was icing on my big, fat, race cupcake!