Opelousas Duathlon - DuathlonStandard

Dylan stood with me at the start. {I encouraged him to go in the middle. He said he was trying to pace himself. He did great!!!} I threw BEAR my long sleeved shirt and took off. I was with a few people and then there were two. Keith and I did most of the walk together. He said he was fast on the bike. I lost him during the second mile. The twins were handing out water and gatorade at the transition stop and telling me I was almost last and I'd better hurry up! BOYS!!!

Nothing.

Did not time my transition, but it was better than my last DU. It helps that my hands weren't frozen. Dylan was there to encourage and cheered me on.

Nothing

Left transition with a smile! Yelled encouragement to all the riders as they passed. There were 3 girls ahead of me. I passed the first one before mile 3. Keith passed me after mile 4 and I later passed him. The two girls ahead of me rode together and drafted throughout the race. (One was an official's girlfriend-I don't think they check on the BOP group.) Anyway, I followed them until mile 13 then I passed them up a hill and hurried to the end!

RIDE LOTS!!! :):):)

The twins were still egging me on. They couldn't understand why more bikers didn't take a drink. Time and coordination are a must at this time. :):):) The transition area was full. I asked some if they were through. DUH!!! I did remember to take off my helmet this time. My shoes were put on quickly. I didn't bring a water, but it was cool, so I decided to wait for the water stop.

Nothing.

I was still moving...Keith caught up with me then dropped back. The two 'biker' girls passed me up after mile one. They ran in 30 seconds before me. I offered to take the photographers pictures. There were two and they took plenty pictures. Turned the corner at the end of the race and ran in. The boys were there to cheer me in.

MOVE FASTER!!!

Walked to the bathroom. Went to meet Tri-a-betic (James) and Cassie. They are new to BT and live in the New Orleans area. A very nice couple. Ate a little bit of jambalaya and salad, went to take pics with the Cajun Tri Club, picked up my stuff, and watched the award ceremony. BEAR and Dylan got "FIRST PLACE" for their relay. I am so proud of them. Many of our friends including Tri-a-betic got awards. Congratulations to all! :):):)


I guess I should train more.......


Great race, great friends, and I am so proud of the BEAR GANG! Dakota and Dante' worked hard and Dylan and BEAR did GREAT! It was good to meet another BTer and his girlfriend, Cassie.

I also met ERN. He and his family were there. He, his father, and brother also got awards.

A Cajun Tri Club member was taking pictures. Dylan is in many of them with his short sleeved blue shirt. BEAR is in some and I am the "JUMBO SHIMP" #50 in some. These can be seen at www.tri-cajuns.org.

I was almost 3 minutes faster than last year. I did better on the walk, but the route was a little shorter this year. We turned a block earlier this year.

We missed you today, Matt, Chris, Brandi, and John.