Patriot International Distance - Duathlon

Hot and humid. Kept the pace slow since I knew it was going to be a long day out there. Had a small squish of gel just before the start and shoved the rest into the strap of my sports bra (they come in handy)

Push loop 3 a bit more and the run down to my bike.

Long run down the hill and my bike is on the first rack coming in from this end which means a long run out of the transition area with stuff sloshing out of the aero bottle on me and the bars.

I felt pretty darn good out there.I have worked reallyhard on the bike this summer. In fact, most folks know how much I hated the bike last year and thought of it as "the thing you do between swimming and running" I have come to love the bike. I don't think like a racer though, I still enjoy the ride for the sake of riding, that's the mistake I make in racing.
Shortly after crossing the bridge the first time I tried to get the rest of my gel. About that time a big-azz truck towing a big boat comes within about a foot of me. I thought I was toast! Don't know how I managed to maintain composure after that guy blew past me but I did.
Saw Kristen just before the turn around. We cheered each other on, then I saw Jen when I was heading back down the bunny hop hills.I was screaming cause I stayed in aero going up and back down those little hills. Never did that before (always chicken out and reach for the brakes but that aero thing is frikkin' awesome!) Jen warned me that she was going to catch and pass me. About 3 miles later she blew past me and I told her it was ON now. I passed about 6 men on the way back in shouting that "I need to catch a TREK!" I thought of Julie (girl passing on the left) when I did that...and Dorothy Strong whom I never knew but I recall Julie saying that was Dorothy's phrase.

Nothing. I worked really hard on my bike this summer. I just need to think more like a racer and less like a rider who enjoys the scenery.

Other than unknotting the sneaker that didn't untie right, no biggie. Grabbed the fuel belt and started out. Jen was leaving T2 as I racked the bike and she commented I'd be passing her on the run soon enough.

Felt okay heading out. I had grabbed a gel at the early stage of the bike and a little gel at the end of the bike so all I focused on was hydrating myself. I caught up to Jen at the first turn and passed her for good.(paybacks are a bayatch) Commented to Jen that "this is gonna hurt now" about the long run we were facing.
The water in my fuel belt was pretty warm by now but I sipped at it and poured it on me as needed. Grabbed fluids at all the aid stations. Mixture of water and Heed. Started getting pain in my flank around the turning point. It felt deep and muscular. Finally gave in and started a run walk ratio, Walking 30-45 seconds then running 4-5 min most of the way back. When I got to the turn heading around the Jamestown Settlement I kept the run going. Wasn't fast, but I kept running. Announcer shouted my number but said he was looking for my name on the way in so I shouted "Judi Zimmerman, Chester,VA" on the way through the finish line.

Not walk?? I thought I was closer to the run goal and had met my bike goal so I was okay with the day. Would have been happier if I could have put my swim practices to use but such is life.

Stretched, got some good food (Smokey Joe's BBQ pulled pork, hush puppies, coleslaw...) Chatted with Kristen for about 30 seconds then she took off. Talked to Mark while we were in the food line. Hung out with Susan a bit...


It's hot, humid...I lost my run mojo (better find it before the fall half mary)


For never having done dualathon --except in training once, I felt pretty good. TS Hanna wrecked my first oly into a du but at least I got to race.