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Duxbury Beach Triathlon - TriathlonSprint


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Duxbury, Massachusetts
United States
Duxbury Beach Triathlon
69F / 21C
Sunny
Total Time = 1h 34m 54s
Overall Rank = 279/443
Age Group = Athena
Age Group Rank = 3/7
Pre-race routine:

Hectic night before, home from work around 6pm, out to dinner with Kevin and had salmon, sweet potatos, green beans..standard pre-race dinner. Woke up at 3am, got up at 3:45, ate breakfast of one egg/canadian bacon, 2 pcs sprout bread with nutbutter, packed up car and left at 4:30, arrived 5:28

Arrived in the dark and was the first one to do packet pick up in the morning. They had misplaced the big number list and with 450 people racing would be hard pressed to find me, but Patty told me my number the day before when she picked up her packet...so they found me, but forgot to give me my race bag with goodies. One reason I picked this race was they have Master Athena category (over 40) and in looking over last years results...1st place was about 10 minutes longer than I hoped to be..figured I had a good shot of placing. When I checked in they had me listed as Athena & I asked about it, no Master Athena not enough registered. Oh well, just need to do my best...see what happens

I used my running headlamp to use the port a potty as they have no lights. Quickly left T2 area and drove to swim start and T1 area, over the bridge and I was the first one there. Got my stuff out and had trouble with my back wheel not spinning easily..finally undid the quick release and reset it and that seemed to do the trick. Wondered how that happened. Setting up in the dark is a bit weird as was having 2 transition areas. The plan was the race organizers were going to bring out stuff back so we needed to put everything into a garbage bag marked with your number when done with T1 during the race so they would bring it back to T2. Saw Patty here...figured my bike was even with the 1st electric pole...walked to the swim exit to transtion to get a feel what T1 would be like.

Back to T2 and got a great parking spot...set up T2 and tried to find a landmark to find it as they rows were length wise and # signs were small. I used my striped towel and figured like always I'd spot it no problem...mistake.
Event warmup:

Ate half a Cliff bar and took two endurolytes just over an hour before race start. Took bus with Patty over to swim start around 7:15...waiting for starts with her is the best as I always feel calm. Used porta potty again, then put wetsuit on and we went for a warm up swim. The water was about 63 and a bit cold when you put your face in so warming up really helped. I swam out to the first bouy and back and a bit more...longest I've ever warmed up in a tri. We were in the last wave and had to stay out of the water until we started 15 minutes after first wave.
Swim
  • 15m 40s
  • 880 yards
  • 01m 47s / 100 yards
Comments:

With the current going out to the left and away from bridge, our decision to start towards the left was good as the tide was pushing us to the right. I kept swimming towards the left in order to try and stay straight. I actually started in the front of my wave...the women were very spread out..I felt good swimming the whole way with no stops or nerves and this was the ocean, had a few folks bump me and was comfortable with it. Tried to catch Patty and draft off her but she pulled away.

When I crossed the timing mat they had a elapsed time clock....cool I saw I was 15:?? on the swim...found that highly motivating that I did well.

(ranked 16/28 in my 45-49 AG, placed 118/181 of all women, was only 1:36 off middle of the pack) They did rankings different way then normal...both in my AG and then all Athenas/Clydes together...I just considered Athenas in my AG placing statson side. PB for pace if distance was correct...just a little faster than Cranberry.
What would you do differently?:

Work on swim technique in off season & have more of a race pace. This year I really gained confidence in tri swimming and enjoy the whole swim portion of the race....big positive change for me.
Transition 1
  • 02m 15s
Comments:

Transtion was up the beach and around the back of transition area..quite a long run...once I got to my transtion spot I was out very quickly and passed lots of folks in transtion. I saw Patty and yelled encouragement to her. We were supposed to put all our stuff in a bag and tie it, I didn't, but piled it all nice together. Come on this is a race...that would have wasted lots of time.
What would you do differently?:

Of all the parts of triathlons, T1 I'm best at...nothing
Bike
  • 42m 3s
  • 13.7 miles
  • 19.55 mile/hr
Comments:

We cross a wooden bridge to get back to mainland...started passing folks right away..by about .5 mile into the race, I'm already breathing hard...kept that pace whole way. Perhaps pushed to hard to soon, but I felt good.

This was a local race with lots of folks that don't do tris often and now more and more regular triathletes do it. Biking starting in the last wave is challenging, as I passed so many folks and they don't follow the rules of staying to the right or passing and then getting back to the right. I felt in a good place in both my body and mind riding and the course is beautiful and only rolling hills so aero the whole time other than a couple of hills and I was able to stay in the big chain ring all but 2 or 3 times. I don't think I've ever passed so many people...women, men, people from 3-4 waves before me and only one person passed me but we kept passing each other back and forth...not sure who finished first. It was fun, but at times hard to get around them due to folks not following the rules. My hard rule is never pass yellow line but I did pass some folks on the right as I'd yell need to move over and they'd wave me by on the right. I'm sure I passed more than 100 people in 13.7 miles...sweet!

I had fun out there...thanks volunteers, waved at the spectators...it was great and I felt super riding.

In my AG I was 4/28, I was 20/181 of all women...very happy with that...almost top 10% of women, and was 3:01 faster than MOP. They had a prize for fastest bike split in my AG...just under 3 minutes off fastest time very close to top 2 & 3rd fastest in my AG...goal for next year! PB for speed in a tri.
What would you do differently?:

Noting
Transition 2
  • 01m 45s
Comments:

Came into transition felt super, ran down the long row of racks, and couldn't find my transtion area..oh drat. Racked my bike, and looked around for my shoes/towel...can't find them. Finally ran back a couple of racks and found them...put on socks and shoes, grabed hat and gatorade and was off...did I lose 16 or more seconds here..probably.

As I went over timing mat at exit of T2 it read 1:01 less 15 minutes, so I was excited as my bike pace was 19.? ish...now to finish strong on the run.
What would you do differently?:

I need to find a landmark to know when to look for rack. Weird set up made it impossible to count racks. Figure it out better for next time...lesson learned...first time had this problem in like 15 tris....it was not good.
Run
  • 33m 12s
  • 3.3 miles
  • 10m 04s  min/mile
Comments:

Goal was to settle in and then run as fast I could trying to push myself and be in the place in my mind when I ran my 5K this week. I also wanted to pass one person on the run.

Right away like normal, fast runners pass me...I see 3 in my AG women pass me in first 1 mile..I recognize them and think I did great on the swim/bike as you were behind me leaving T2. This is a thought I held onto this year as my bike speed as increased, I tend to be in front of lots of folks onto the run, and then many catch me on the run....so the longer it takes for them to catch me, I try to be proud of what I did on the swim/bike. It may sound weird, but when everyone passes you running I need a positive outlook to it.

My breathing was labored and I pushed as much as I could. I knew a couple of the Athenas and had not seen them. One guy who was 37 I'd catch up to him, then he'd speed up, back and forth it went...fun to be paced with someone. Legs felt good before first mile. It was a scenic run along the shore, gorgeous houses and folks out in their yards cheering you on. As I went farther I was a bit sad that my season was over and thought Kathy go hard, you only have a short bit more to go. I pass one guy...whoo hooo!!! 9th person passed all season...so I met a run goal today.

Just before turn into the twisting neighborhood, another Athena catches me about .75 mile left...I pick up the pace and try to stay with her..never really did this before..know others in my AG. I was able to keep her close, she gained a bit on me, slowed for water at mile 3 and I was about 3 yards behind her. Mentally this was tough....I had a strong desire to stay with her and try to pass her at the end...but just couldn't do it. She pulled away a bit more around the school and I went all out to the finish....wow I was fast for me but she beat me by 16 seconds. I'm sure chasing here down and trying to stick with her helped my last mile be faster than it would have been.

I know I will think about that pass and trying to stick with or catch her will be great motivation for me during the off season as I rewind that portion of the race in my mind to continue to work on my run speed. Her run pace was about 60 seconds faster than mine, so sticking close to her for me was good.

A person I know that has been unfriendly to me over the years finished after me for the first time which I found very satisfying..not very kind of me I know.

I placed 20/28 in my AG, 148/181 of all women and was 6:07 slower than MOP

I finish and shortly check the stats as I know my time with the elapsed time clocks at every timing mat....I want to know how those 16 seconds and not keeping up with that women effected placement. Ended up 4th...just 16 seconds out of 3rd...grumbled a lot about that.
What would you do differently?:

I was a bit disappointed on my pace...I want to get better at having my tri running pace closer to my stand alone running pace for similar distance. I was just a few seconds over 10:00 m/m...some how 9:59 sounds lots better....really we are talking total of 25 seconds here.

I need to continue to work hard at my running and become mentally stronger in pushing myself and being okay with a challenging effort. On the run is where I have the potential to gain the most time next season. It is frustrating to me why the gains here are the hardest for me...I did improve about 2 minute/mile this year in my races, but still very much towards the back....there is always next year.
Post race
Warm down:

Tried to find something to eat and drink...out of cups and no bottled water left. Picked up some seltzer for Patty and I but missed her finish.

Visited with Joe (BODonuts)who turns out to be the brother of someone I play soccer with, met Chuckwagon, and hung out with Glen & Patty.

Overall in my AG placed 11/28 just 33 seconds from 8th...4/7 of Athenas, 85/181 for all women and just over 3 minutes slower than MOP.

We stay for the awards as Patty shared they had some good raffles...Glen stayed as well since he entered the fireman/police category and he placed 2nd WTG Glen!! They do Clydes, Athenas and then Master Clydes...oh I get annoyed how come they are doing Master Clydes but not Athenas...more grumbling.

Then they did gave out awards for Master Athena and I ended up 3rd. Obviously the women was wrong at check in, it was sweet to end up 3rd, but strange to be conflicted about it all. I think I'm just weird...not that I do this to win, but I have this competitive part of me. Now I look and see I can get 3 minutes faster on the run..x on the bike, y on the run...do some math and come up for a goal for next year...just the way I'm wired I guess.

I look back over the season and think of all the positive things that have occured for me.
1. I enjoy racing and have fun the whole race day.
2. I no longer get upset GI system that puts a fear into me prerace mornings.
3. I am not longer BOP in races and at times are at the cusp of being almost competitive.
4. I like the swim portion of tris...even when in the ocean.
5. I've moved up from average to placing high on the bike portion at most tris.
6. I've learned to race better and try to stay focused on the moment.
7. I've given up gadgets in racing and found it freeing and allows me to be like a kid out there.

This is fun and I look forward to next season when I tackle a longer race...HIM in 2007!

What limited your ability to perform faster:

Run speed

Event comments:

Well organized in parts...registration, bike drop off, but ran out of water bottle and cups at finish, lack of food after race. Beautiful course, for MA pretty flat bike & run. I'd do this race again. Fun to see fun BT folks which makes all races better!




Last updated: 2006-08-15 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:15:40 | 880 yards | 01m 47s / 100yards
Age Group: 5/7
Overall: 314/443
Performance: Average
No gadget racing
Suit:
Course: Straight across with slight bend, current was going out to right so
Start type: Wade Plus:
Water temp: 64F / 18C Current: Medium
200M Perf. Average Remainder: Average
Breathing: Drafting:
Waves: Navigation:
Rounding:
T1
Time: 02:15
Performance: Good
Cap removal: Good Helmet on/
Suit off:
Yes
Wetsuit stuck? No Run with bike: Yes
Jump on bike:
Getting up to speed: Good
Biking
00:42:03 | 13.7 miles | 19.55 mile/hr
Age Group: 1/7
Overall: 144/443
Performance: Good
No bike computer, HRM or watch
Wind: Some
Course:
Road: Smooth  Cadence: 97
Turns: Good Cornering: Good
Gear changes: Good Hills: Average
Race pace: Comfortable Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 01:45
Overall: Below average
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike
Running with bike Good
Racking bike Below average
Shoe and helmet removal Average
Running
00:33:12 | 03.3 miles | 10m 04s  min/mile
Age Group: 5/7
Overall: 374/443
Performance: Average
No gadgets
Course: Out from HS, along a loop near the water, back through a neighborhood to school...only one small hill....about 40% shade.
Keeping cool Average Drinking Not enough
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Good
Mental exertion [1-5] 5
Physical exertion [1-5] 5
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? No
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Average
Race evaluation [1-5] 4

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2006-09-17 9:43 PM

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Champion
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MA
Subject: Duxbury Beach Triathlon

Joe (BODonuts) sister was doing the tri as a relay with his wife..very strange small world.

Great to see many BTers at the race. As always hanging out with Patty before and after the race gives me great calm and we have lots of fun.

Sad to see race season come to a close but honestly I'm ready for rest:)

Plus I have next year to look forward to!



Edited by KathyG 2006-09-17 9:50 PM


2006-09-18 5:35 AM
in reply to: #543968

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Resident Matriarch
N 43° 32.927 W 071° 24.431
Subject: RE: Duxbury Beach Triathlon

Nice race Kathy.  I always enjoy reading your race reports

 

2006-09-18 5:41 AM
in reply to: #543968

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Champion
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Williamston, Michigan
Subject: RE: Duxbury Beach Triathlon
Great Job Girly girl   COngrats on 3rd place !!!
2006-09-18 6:56 AM
in reply to: #543968

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Pro
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MA
Subject: RE: Duxbury Beach Triathlon

OMG both youa nd Patty were swimming like sharks. 

Congrats on that 1st place in the bike leg.  You're a Max on the bike now. 

Great job, and congrats on the 3rd place!!!

2006-09-18 9:40 AM
in reply to: #543968

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Extreme Veteran
532
50025
Plymouth MA
Subject: RE: Duxbury Beach Triathlon

Kathy you totally rocked this race! What a great ending to the season!

I'm glad you were there to hang out with. Sorry I had to work after because I was STARVING.

I forgot about the mess in T2. Last year someone put their bike in my spot and my shoes were strewn about and I couldn't find them right away.   I must have blocked it from my memory

Anyhow...congratulations on your medal! Enjoy your 2 weeks rest.





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2006-09-18 11:15 AM
in reply to: #543968

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South Shore, Massachusetts
Subject: RE: Duxbury Beach Triathlon
Great Race Kathy! It is a small world. Glad you came to Duxbury and had a winning end of the season race. Hardware is alway good. Your no BOPer! (Not that the back of the pack is a bad place. I know!) Hopefully I'll see you there next year.

Joe


2006-09-18 1:23 PM
in reply to: #543968

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Master
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Subject: RE: Duxbury Beach Triathlon
Kathy...I so enjoyed reading this Race Report.....yes you are "wired" to pay attention to places & times & stats-that's for sure..it is what it is...but what a change in your level of enjoyment of the experience & the sport over time! I can't think of a sweeter way for you to have finished up this mosr successful of seasons..just before this race you do your time trials & find out how good you really are..then you run this race ..gadgetless...and "enjoyng"...and walk away with a Podium spot- For sure an extreme happy dance moment...CONGRATULATIONS!!! (BT MEGA HUG HERE)...
and you still go back & consider your performance-your strengths & weaknesses, goal for next time...and reflect on the whole experience. ..and on how far you have come both in terms of performance- and in attitude/pleasure of the sport.
Yes, the season ( a tremendous one for you!) is over..which gives you time for R & R..and for planning what promises to be a most incredible 2007..!
WAY to go, most amazing Kathy...proud & happy for you...ENJOY!!!
2006-09-18 2:48 PM
in reply to: #543968

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Master
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Gulf Shores, AL
Subject: RE: Duxbury Beach Triathlon
You just keep getting better and better. Super race and an excellent race report.
2006-09-18 5:03 PM
in reply to: #543968

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Pro
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Evanston,
Subject: RE: Duxbury Beach Triathlon

Way to go Kathy!

Great race, great RR... yeah you have a big competitive stripe for sure -- it seems a tad wider than a "streak!"    But that's cool because it pushes you to be your best.

 Your bike leg was particularly amazing... I wonder how fast it would have been if you hadn't been dealing with the slower traffic?  Wow.

-Celeste

 

2006-09-19 10:28 AM
in reply to: #543968

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Master
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CT
Subject: RE: Duxbury Beach Triathlon
Great race Kathy! Hold on to that competitive edge—its what keeps you out there pushing the limits! YOU ARE going to rock next year.
Pam
2006-09-19 10:42 AM
in reply to: #543968

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Master
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Cambridge, MA
Subject: RE: Duxbury Beach Triathlon

Hey, you had a great race Kathy!!!   Totally earned the 3rd place spot.  Rocked the swim and the bike, so next year's your 'run year' -- very good plan!  I loved your race report and wish you all the best in the off-season ahead. 

See you 'round the MA/NE area events and races.  Tufts10K?  Turkey trots?  etc.

Cheers, -Sunny 



2006-09-19 12:52 PM
in reply to: #543968

Expert
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Subject: RE: Duxbury Beach Triathlon
Another good one Kathy

Get used to the bike problems. Now that you are passing mucho people, it is just a fact of life. It gives you a chance to work on bike handling skills

Enjoy the R&R and then the build to a new season begins

Mark
2006-09-19 1:23 PM
in reply to: #545836

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Veteran
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Worcester, MA
Subject: RE: Duxbury Beach Triathlon

great job Kathy!!   glad to see you are still having fun out there.

and provided I'm in an earlier wave than you (so you don't pass me on the swim or the bike), you can always pass *me* on the run. 

2006-09-19 2:49 PM
in reply to: #543968

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Expert
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wrightsville beach, North Carolina
Subject: RE: Duxbury Beach Triathlon

Great race kathy!! What a fun day, and absolutely gorgeous sunshine! You have come sssooo far in the past year, great job!! will you look at that run pace?? 10 min/miles!! woohoo!! I do believe I did hear you last year wondering if you;d ever be able to run that fast!

 

   Thanks for all the support at the race!
 

2006-09-19 5:13 PM
in reply to: #545993

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Champion
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MA
Subject: RE: Duxbury Beach Triathlon
c2fd - 2006-09-19 3:49 PM

Great race kathy!! What a fun day, and absolutely gorgeous sunshine! You have come sssooo far in the past year, great job!! will you look at that run pace?? 10 min/miles!! woohoo!! I do believe I did hear you last year wondering if you;d ever be able to run that fast
 

Glen, I can't believe you remember that...a year ago running a 10:00 mile was a dream...just doing one was a huge goal for me....didn't see it happening for me so to do it in a tri after the swim/bike things is pretty dang awesome.

It was a fantastic day....great way to end the season...so cool for your to place in the police/fire category...just 15 seconds from first. I enjoyed spending time after the race with you as we couldn't find you before.

Thanks for all your support...you were the first BTer I met remember Webster last year~

2006-09-20 5:33 AM
in reply to: #543968

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Extreme Veteran
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northeast Ohio
Subject: RE: Duxbury Beach Triathlon

Sweet!!!!!!!!!!!  Great RR!!!!!!!!!!!     



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