Charlotte's Finest Duathlon - DuathlonStandard

Felt ok. Ran the whole course. Hooked up with some other clydesdales. It makes no sense why I can run better while talking, but I guess the mental distraction helps with the physical "pain". My ankles and shins had been hurting all week. I took some tylenol this morning and my legs felt great thru both runs

Nothing--felt pretty good. Wait--I lied--I should have gotten water at the first aid station. I figured that I would get some at #2. Big mistake. We got to #2 and there was water in the coolers but no cups. Paid for it on the end of the run

Decent TA. Took a few extra secs to knock back some gatorade due to the water issue on Run 1

nothing

Was still feeling effects of no water on run. Tried to take in some water on first lap. Started feeling a stitch in my side (which was a huge problem in my run at MAP 2 wks ago). I took a Gu on lap 2 and lap 3 on the flat section along Beam Rd. That really helped. My unofficial lap times show that I was smoking on Lap 2. I felt really strong on the bike, which worried me a little. I felt like I was doing too well and was concerned about how I'd handle the last run. Passed a ton of people on the bike. Only got passed by people with more expensive bikes and 1/2 my body fat %. I can live with that :)

Bike computer showed avg speed of 20.8mph. My goal was to try to stay at/above 20mph

Nothing--ride felt great

Uneventful...remembered to take the helmet off--always a plus :)

Nothing

Found another guy to run with...another 2 or 3 guys came and went as the run went on. The conversation definitely helped me get thru the run.

Nothing

Stretching while waiting on Tim & Katie


Me...just like always :) Very proud of how I held up through this race.


Not sure how many duathlons I will do, but I'm glad I did this one. I proved a lot to myself today. This course was a really important one for me. 18 months ago, I rode this course as part of our training for our Agency paramedic bike team. It was 4 mos after I had finished chemo and I was at my lowest fitness level ever. I struggled thru the ride and thought that I was going to die. That ride convinced me that I really needed to do something to get into shape. That led me to spin classes at the Y and eventually to Triathlons thru my friend Rich. It was really important to me to do well today.