Harvest Moon Long Course Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Swim went by fast -- this time includes run to transition. Surprised how fast it went considering how slow I swim; didn't check distance against gravel pond carefully so thought it would be 300 yds longer. Actual swim time was 43", in spite of going way off course -- I was sighting off a swimmer who apparently was sighting off me cuz we both went off to the right on the way out. Very choppy so could only breathe to one side. I stopped to fix my watch which felt like it was falling off, and stopped to cough up a huge wave I inhaled. Otherwise, water was pretty open and only 1 big guy swam over me. Tried to draft, but couldn't see a thing in the water. Finally started sighting well on the last 1/4 of the swim.

Not run all the way across TZ barefoot in my wetsuit to offer my extra pair of swim goggles they had requested for someone who forgot theirs; instead, spend a little more time in the water to get used to the direction of the waves and the water temp.

Was too cold to take wetsuit off right away, but waited too long and suddenly I was at T1 and still zipped up. But used Pam and the thing slid off. Used earplugs on the swim so I was less tippy at T1. Was surprised how easy transitions are after practicing at home and a few races behind me; was sure I had forgotten something it went so smooth. With new aero bottle bike computer is now where I used to hold my bike w. one hand to run, so had to use 2 hands to steer the bike.

Not park in the corner by the bystanders and start chatting with them. Also, I actually brought a thermometer with me and it said 50 degrees and I still didn't put on my rolled up leg warmers. That was stupid and may take at least a week for my knees to recover. Probably was the reason for knee muscle pissiness on the 1st and last miles of the run.

This is 28 mins faster than when I rode it 2 weeks ago. The wind was in our faces on the way north and behind us on the way back which made it a much easier ride. And no cross wind. Should have worn my leg warmers, altho I never felt very cold. Focused on spinning to keep my knees warm and not spend it all on the bike. Feet numb the whole time. Couldn't eat more than 1 gel because of stomach -- need to find a new electrolyte drink. Had fun passing people and only had to give one guy shit for coming within inches of hitting my front wheel when he cut in front of me. At the farthest point in the ride it was wide open and I was all alone so started talking to myself and any pedestrians I saw. Some chatting with other riders toward the end.

Better nutrition. Leg warmers under 60 degrees.

Had to change sox -- tell you why after a few beers. Glad I had an extra pair at TZ. Decided against fuelbelt -- bad idea. I hate using disposable cups so drank less water than I should have considering my pissy tummy. Glad I had practiced grabbing my racebelt and visor and putting visor on w/o losing an eye :)

Follow my pre-race plan and not change it on the fly.

Started out w. numb toes and almost fell on my nose on the 1st downhill. Felt slow but garmin said I was ahead of target. that should have been my clue to slow down, but I ignored it. Went out doing 8:30s and came back doing 9s, 10s+. After half the run I realized I could break 6 hrs which was 30 mins faster than my expectations, but I couldn't keep up the run -- because of lack of nutrition due to wanting to barf is my guess. The run was BORING -- can't imagine a full mary. I tried thinking of songs w/ "goodbye" in them because that was on my mind as I left my house at 5am. then I moved to "hello". then I tried upbeat songs but came up pretty blank there. I encouraged almost every runner I saw, thanked volunteers and cheering spectators, chatted for a mile with some guy til i realized I needed to kick it to break 6, but still it was boring. Knees hurt early and late in the run, but when I stopped and stretched it pissed off my hammy so I ran instead. the minute i stopped at the finish my leg seized. And not for lack of electrolytes or hydration so must have been lack of carbs. Mostly I thought about pushing off and cadence -- there was no stride.

Get better nutrition. Stretch and run more. Try to focus. Push harder on the pace -- who chats during a race?!

After my legs stopped cramping I walked to the car, packed my stuff, changed clothes, got food (hot food!), chatted, etc.


NUTRITION


I'm a HIM! I signed up for this race cuz it coincided w/ the end of my HIM training plan -- needed a goal to keep me going. Then the race became my reason for the season after the training was done. By race time it was not a matter of finishing, but of beating other racers, altho I was glad to not see any of my AG close behind me at the end of the run. May have enjoyed it more w/o the additional pressure, but psyched to get 2nd. Glad taper worked, glad I did it, glad to take a week off now. There were tons of volunteers, results were almost instantaeous, and the bbq was delicious. Will probably do it again next year! 35/118 women.