Just as we're getting ready to start, the rain started. Just a light rain but it continued on through the whole race. I started to get a little concerned since I've done running races in the rain before but I've never ridden in the rain. Figured I'd do the run and worry about that when I got to transition. The run went pretty well - took a little longer than I had hoped but overall was good. As I was running down the hill to transition though, I kept thinking that we were going to have to run up this hill after the bike since the 2nd run was a reversal of the first.

Not much - went pretty well.

I got back down to the transition area, put on the bike gloves and helmet, took a quick drink of water and was on my way.

Maybe wear the bike gloves during the first run segment - would have saved some time trying to put them on wet hands.

Out of transition, 4 turns up a zigzag pattern to North Broadway for 2 loops. The roads were a bit rough in spots and there was some gravel but it was all well marked with plenty of volunteers to help steer you around those areas. Once I got up onto Broadway, I got into the big chain ring and just started pedalling away. The loop was flat and there were some people really flying out there. I took my time considering the weather conditions but still felt like I was keeping a decent pace. The weather was a bit of a distraction at first. During the out portion of the loop I was riding into the wind with the rain in right in my face. The back portion wasn't so bad since the wind was at my back. Did the loop a second time then headed back to the transition area.

I was almost back through the zigzag (one turn left before transition) and I come upon a large group of riders standing there waiting for a train to go by. To be fair, we had been warned in the race instructions that it was possible but it was a little frustrating. I was ready to be done and off the bike. I would imagine the other 40 or so people were feeling the same way. I had to wait about 5 minutes, not sure how long the first people to get there had to wait. Finally the train passed and everyone took off down the hill and around the last corner, except for me. I was moving a little slowly because of the wet pavement and the RR tracks and apparently it was a little too slow. The tracks got me and down I went. I landed pretty much on my knee although there wasn't much damage - probably due to the slow pace, but I didn't know if I'd be able to run. Figured I'd check it out in transition.

Not fall on the RR tracks. Other than that, not much. The ride felt good.

I finally made it back, racked the bike, took off the helmet, checked out my knee and headed out for the 2nd run.

Wasn't sure how the knee would do, it was already starting to swell up and since I knew I had a pretty good hill to go up to get back on the bridge, I started off with a run/walk. Overall the legs felt good, not that heavy feeling I sometimes get running off the bike. It was still raining and I was completely soaked through, but almost done, so just keep moving. Kept up the run/walk for most of the time. Took a little longer than I wanted but I was happy just to finish.

The 3/4 mile walk back to transition from the finish line. Gathered up my bike, back to the car, put on some dry clothes and headed for home.


Cold and wet conditions, bike crash.


Can't change the weather and really, that was the only negative thing about the race. It was a nice, short race - good for testing things out at the beginning of the season. And good for beginners.