Double Play Duathlon - DuathlonStandard

Our heat, the 2nd heat started after the 40 and up competitors. I started at the back, knowing that I would be run over by fast runners.

The pack takes off, and I am left in the dust. I am literally the LAST PERSON. I am no where NEAR the other people. I told myself to run my own race and to go out easy to keep my side cramp at bay. I joked with the spectators and told them I would certainly catch up.

Sure enough, some of those in front of me took off too fast and I over took 5 people. I was SO HAPPY to not be last anymore.

I made sure to chat with others and encourage them to keep going. I found one guy, Todd, who was doing a run/walk combo. We pretty much kept pace with each other. This was his first race ever. It was nice getting to chat on the course, made the time fly by.

I kept a steady pace and focused on breathing deep. Unfortunately, I got a side cramp around 2 miles. Oh well, I train with them... train like ya race, race like ya train. I'm use to running with a side cramp so I pressed on.

Overall it was a good run and I just did what I do everytime I go run. Kept my pace and kept running.

Well, it was EASY to find my bike! HA! With so many of the fast runners already gone, my bike was on an empty rack.

Otherwise, my T1 was good. Just changed shoes and put on my helmet, and away I went. I walked to the starting line, as I wasn't keen on running my cycling shoes.

Once past the red line I hopped on my bike. I quickly got up to speed and into aero position. Buttercup went to the race with me today- her debut race!

Overall my bike was good. It would have been a little better I think if I hadn't been so distracted by my runny nose.

You have all seen the movie Kujo (? spelling)...right? Well, instead of foaming from the mouth, I was foaming from the nose. I was simply amazed at how much snot my body produced. To fix the situation, I had to get gross. I hate being gross... but I basically had to blow snot out my nose, wipe it with my long sleeved shirt (being washed in hot water as we speak) and then wipe that on the kickers I was wearing. SO GROSS! I would try to go into aero but the snot would start running. I begged for tissues from the volunteers, but no such luck.

Otherwise, after the first loop and I understood where to sprint and where I would have to go slow into a headwind. The course was a bit nerve racking, because all the fast people kept passing me on the left. Not a big deal, but there were lots of tight right handed turns, and they would NEVER call out. Not to mention, I was dodging potholes and they would just pop up beside me. ANNOYING!

*RANT* Listen up everyone- when we are out on those courses... we have NO CLUE of the skill set of the person riding the bike, we are passing. It's OK to say, "On your left", it won't kill ya to yell out, but it might kill you to not to. *END RANT*

Otherwise, I think the timing was off on this portion of the race. My bike computer showed 18.7. I know my computer is slightly off, but 2 mph average off? I doubt that. Not sure how they got a 16.4 average for me. Even the person who won only came in with a 21 mph average. Ya. Right. I am sure they were faster.

Overall my bike was good and I passed a good amount of people. Other than the snot fest, I have no complaints.

Pack tissues!

T2 was good.

Well, I started out good. I didn't have jelly legs which was a plus. The negative was the side cramp.

This time it has really kicked in. I tried to breathe deep, rub on it, run bent over... nothing worked. The only thing that seemed to work was walking. So, I walked. Some. Not a lot, but enough to add 1:35 minute to each mile. BLAH!

DAMN SIDE CRAMP!

It's really frustrating. I'm not asking to run FAST... I'm just asking to run... a 10 minute mile without having a horrible pain in my side. And not matter what I do... I can't run without one. DANG IT!

Anyways, I ran and walked, and at the end we ran though this tunnel going into the Ballpark. I saw someone behind me, the 12 year old girl racing... and I SWORE she was NOT going to get close to me and get in my picture. I wasn't going to be shown up by a 12 year old girl.

So I started running and kept her at bay. The finish line was close and it was cool running on the field at the Ballpark. It looked so BIG! j

My boyfriend was waiting for me and Docshock gave a cheer from the stands. That was so nice of both of them!

It was over and the 12 year girl came in behind me. YES!

Not get a side cramp! But I can't seem to do that.

I sat in the stadium for a second and then we walked out front to chow on pizza. That was really cool! Typically we only get bagels so the pizza was a real treat.

Talked to Docshock and Hosayf (? spelling). Always nice to meet BTers!


SIDE CRAMPS and SNOT!


Ironhead always put on a solid race. Very organized with great volunteers. The volunteers at the water station on the run were so friendly and nice.

I went into this race with the idea to just go out there and have fun. I think taking the stress out of performing, made it a good race for me. Honestly, if I am stressed or not, I still perform exactly the same way.

Except one way, I finish with a smile and a good attitude. It was also nice to actually sleep the night before a race.

I think my new attitude will be to JUST LET IT GO! I train, and all that time I spend training will come into play when I go to the race. There is not need to stress. It doesn't help my performance at all, and it makes me miserable.

This was a great way to start season! Now on to tri's... and kicking some butt in the water, versus starting at the back of a pack! HA!