General Discussion Race Reports! » Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply

Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy - TriathlonSprint


View Member's Race Log
Miami, Florida
United States
Multirace.com
91F / 33C
Sunny
Total Time = 2h 01m 29s
Overall Rank = 620/625
Age Group = First Timer
Age Group Rank = 0/
Pre-race routine:

Got up at 5:15am, got dressed, started to drink an accelerade. OMG... I am about to do a triathlon. Holy crap. You'd think I was nervous. Folks, I wasn't really nervous at all. I intended to have an english muffin w/ pb&j but just couldn't eat anything. I felt well rested and well prepared. My bag was ready. My bike was ready. I was ready. Could this be what confidence feels like? Hmmmm... Something to think about. I walked Gigi, and left the house at about 6am. Got to Key Biscayne in about 20 minutes, parked the car, and proceeded to the line. Yes, there was a line to get the timing chip and body-marked. While waiting in line my bike fell to the floor. The guy behind said, "that's it. You got your fall out of the way for the day!" My reply was, "from your mouth to God's ears." He laughed. I was going to be fine. Was definitely carrying too much stuff though, which is typical for me. Walked over to transition, racked Marcello, and placed my stuff. Doing a checklist the day before really helped. While putting on sunblock a fellow BTer, Bill aka "The Mac" happened by to talk to someone else. I said hello and he wished me well. It was great to see a fellow BTer. I didn't know of any others that would be here today, and it was good to see Bill. Minutes later I decided to bite into the granola bar in my bag. I didn't really feel hungry but figured I should eat at least one bar. I carbo-loaded and hydrated yesterday as best I could. It was about 7:15am when I decided to head to the swim start. I was in the last wave which would start at 7:54am.
Event warmup:

I could not have hoped for a better day to have my first sprint. The ocean was flat as a pancake! It was a beautiful thing to behold. I walked over to the water and swam for a few minutes to warm-up. I noticed a small stingray on the bottom... ooh, feelin' skeerd? Naw. It was cool. Just made a mental note to not touch the bottom with my feet! I got out and stretched on the beach. Then it was hurry up and wait. How many times have I read that in everyone's RR's. I noticed there weren't that many in my wave (pink swim caps), as opposed to the other waves. I met 3 other women while waiting, all of which were first timers as well. One of them was an Athena like me so I felt like I might have some company on the course. That would be a wrong assumption on my part I would soon find out.
Swim
  • 15m 33s
  • 500 yards
  • 03m 07s / 100 yards
Comments:

While our wave was about to start, one of the girls I'd just met was seriously having a panic attack just as we're about to start. She was threatening to walk away! As I'm looking at her (this could happen to any of us), I realized I wasn't scared. I felt grateful and privileged. I thought of John Blais, of all the BTers that have inspired me for the past 2 years... it was like a mini-movie played in mind in that split second... I was going to do this and enjoy it and love it and... I was going to be fine. The serenity came over me like a warm blanket. This poor girl, who reminded me of a previous incarnation of Cari... and I was like... puh-lease Cari. You can soooo do this. And then it was time. I waded out and started swimming but hung back. I wanted no part of no washing machine chaos... hell no. I stayed back with the girl that had the panic attack. She and I pretty much kept the same pace. She was seriously still freaking out and almost came out of the water. But she hung in there. I'm glad for her. About 5 minutes into the swim I decided to concentrate on ME. I kept my pace and just got it done. My mantra was "Cari, you're doing a triathlon! You're doing it! You're doing it!" Wow. With every stroke I was calm and strong. It was hard, but I was doing it. It felt like a long time but I know I was on my pace. My sighting was ok for being my first ow swim. I approached the swim exit and got out of the water. Last one out too. I loved it! I wore my BOP pride on my sleeve today.
What would you do differently?:

Nothing.
Transition 1
  • 03m 3s
Comments:

The long distance from the swim exit to transition is a killer because most of it is on the sand. I kept a light jog/walk, did the best I could. Got to my spread and rinsed my feet with a gallon of water I brought, put on my socks and sneakers (thought shit, my socks are going to be wet for the run and what would that do?), my singlet, my gloves, my sunglasses, and my helmet. I unracked my bike and took off. At the last minute I changed the bottle of accelerade with a bottle of water on the bike. As I'm exiting T1 I notice the water bottle is falling out of the rack, and I just hand it over to someone for me. I'm not sure why I did this. I should've just kept it and if it fell off... well it fell off.
What would you do differently?:

This was my first... I have a lot to learn, but with more experience and practice, it will get better.
Bike
  • 49m 40s
  • 10 miles
  • 12.08 mile/hr
Comments:

I took off on the bike. I was very aware of how LAST I was, and it bugged me just a little bit. Everyone was already heading back and they weren't really staying to the correct side of the cones. I felt like yelling "hey man... get the heck out of the way!" But... I got over it and got on with it. I didn't know if I was at pace b/c my Polar was in lap mode. I decided it was more important for me to be able to see my hr so I switched the setting. I guess I would just wait until my numbers were posted. I wasn't supposed to be thinking about time anyway, buy knowing what my pace was was important. I'm riding well, and then the bridge was there in front of me taunting me. I tried to climb it for about 3 minutes but decided to stick to my plan of walking the bridge. Oh well. It sucks, I know. I didn't let it get me down. I saw the Athena girl I'd met at the swim start already on the turn around and thought Damn girl! She's kicking my a$$! Good for her. I got back on the bike for the bridge's decent and made the turn-around. I walked the bridge on the way back. That's when I noticed there were people behind me. Naw... could it be that I wasn't friggin' last? That kind of gave me a jolt and I flew the rest of the way back. Let me tell you that I love my bike and how it performed today. Marcello made me proud. At about this time I realized I was thirsty and regretted having chucked my water bottle. But I wasn't in trouble or anything like that. I felt good. Again, the thought came to me... "Cari, you're doing a triathlon. You're doing it! You're doing it!"
What would you do differently?:

Practice the bridge. It's all about the bridge.
Transition 2
  • 01m 30s
Comments:

I don't yet ride w/ clipped shoes so I already had my running shoes on, which made this transition very easy. I racked the bike, took off my helmet, grabbed my cap and bottle of accelerade, and I was off.
What would you do differently?:

Have a cooler with ice so that the accelerade I grab is cold and not lukewarm. Yuck.
Run
  • 51m 43s
  • 3.1 miles
  • 16m 41s  min/mile
Comments:

So much for running. I started to run, but very quickly had to walk. I walked most of the first mile. Passed some girl that was just out for her morning jog and she tells me, "hey I think you're going the wrong way!" I thought no effing way. I turned around and walked for about 20 feet - unsure of what to do. I was sure I was going the right way, when I saw two other racers that were behind me and I double checked with them. They confirmed I was heading in the right direction. Thank you God!!! So I kept walking. I drank and walked. Started to run a little more. I was pretty tired. At the aid station I grabbed lots of water and drank and poured it on me. It was really hot, but I wasn't in trouble. I felt ok. I was just really slow. This felt like the longest run I'd ever done. I couldn't pick up the pace any faster than I was doing. I kept passing people that were just hanging at the beach with their families and their picnics... some of whom were out of shape and overweight. I was wondering what they were thinking as they saw me pass them. I figured they must think I'm absolutely nuts. Let me tell you that although this running was hard... I was so unbelievably proud of myself. My legs felt strong. My core felt strong. My mental effort was good. I was positive. At the last aid station just before the 2 mile marker I grabbed lots more water, which thankfully was cool. The volunteers cheered me on and I said to them "let's hear it for the bop!" The cool water again jolted me and at this point I was determined to finish strong, so I ran the rest of the way. I was slow, but I was running. It was the longest mile of my life! The pacer-setter approaced me on her bike in the last hundred yard stretch... that was it... just around the corner... a few hundred feet... and it hit me with tears and emotion... omg! I had done it! I had friggin' done it! I ran through the finish line with a huge smile on my face just as the announcer said, "how about a round of applause for our last finisher... Cheri...!" CHERI? Wha? CA-RI! My name is CARI!!!! LOL! Story of my life.
What would you do differently?:

Practice more bike/run bricks, and do more runs at a higher hr zone. Also do longer runs. I maybe should've hydrated more prior to the race. Study the course map a little more so there's no chance of going the wrong way. Maybe a race belt with some water...
Post race
Warm down:

Walked around. Drank water and ate a choc chip cookie. Had to gather my stuff as the bike racks were already almost all down.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

Inexperience and extra weight.

Event comments:

I just updated the RR to include my times. Hey, I wasn't dead last after all! I beat one guy's time, and there was 1 DQ and 3 DNF. Woo-hoo!

I plan to do this race twice more this summer. I've got a bridge to conquer.

Thanks to my BT friends who inspire me daily and who take the time to encourage and support my fitness goals with their inspires. I heart you guys and I heart BT!

It I wasn't hooked before, I am now. It took me a long time to get this first sprint done. Now that its done, there's no fireworks or parade, not even friends or family around to see me at the race (they all think I'm nuts anyway). Its just me, and a really, REALLY, good feeling of accomplishment. Ain't nobody, nowhere, going to take that away from me. Thank God for BT... I've never been so excited about posting a damn RR before. You guys rock!


Profile Album


Last updated: 2007-06-23 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:15:33 | 500 yards | 03m 07s / 100yards
Age Group: 0/
Overall: 0/625
Performance: Good
Suit: Speedo bathing suit and tri shorts
Course: The water was flat and wasn't too cold. Perfect.
Start type: Wade Plus:
Water temp: 0F / 0C Current: Low
200M Perf. Average Remainder: Good
Breathing: Good Drafting:
Waves: Navigation: Average
Rounding:
T1
Time: 03:03
Performance: Average
Cap removal: Good Helmet on/
Suit off:
Wetsuit stuck? Run with bike: No
Jump on bike: No
Getting up to speed:
Biking
00:49:40 | 10 miles | 12.08 mile/hr
Age Group: 0/
Overall: 0/625
Performance: Good
Wind: Some
Course: Rickenbacker Causeway and the dreaded bridge.
Road: Smooth Dry Cadence:
Turns: Good Cornering:
Gear changes: Good Hills: Bad
Race pace: Hard Drinks: Not enough
T2
Time: 01:30
Overall: Good
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike
Running with bike Good
Racking bike Good
Shoe and helmet removal Good
Running
00:51:43 | 03.1 miles | 16m 41s  min/mile
Age Group: 0/
Overall: 0/625
Performance: Average
Course: Flat and hot.
Keeping cool Good Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Good
Mental exertion [1-5] 4
Physical exertion [1-5] 4
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? No
Lots of volunteers? No
Plenty of drinks? No
Post race activities: Average
Race evaluation [1-5] 4

{postbutton}
2007-06-24 12:58 PM

User image

Extreme Veteran
591
500252525
Miami, FL
Subject: Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy


2007-06-24 1:11 PM
in reply to: #857480

User image

Champion
7704
50002000500100100
Williamston, Michigan
Subject: RE: Mack Cycle Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy
WHOOPWHOOP AMAZING JOB CARI!!! COngratulations!! I'm so happy for you!!! This has been aong time coming and WELL DESERVED!!!  I can't believe I get to be the first one to congratualte you   Awesome inspiring race report!!  IM ? 200?
2007-06-24 7:42 PM
in reply to: #857480

User image

Master
1831
100050010010010025
Keller Tx
Subject: RE: Mack Cycle Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy

Yeah Cari!  Great job.  we are all so proud of you for becoming a Triathlete!

 

WOOHOO!

2007-06-24 8:05 PM
in reply to: #857480

User image

New user
11

Subject: RE: Mack Cycle Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy
Way to go!!!!!!!  I did Key Biscayne this morning, too, so I had to read your report.  I loved it and got emotional right along with you!  You're officially a triathlete!! How's it feel?  Looking forward to meeting you and Trilogy #2 and #3. 
2007-06-24 9:32 PM
in reply to: #857480

User image

Expert
950
5001001001001002525
McKinney, TX
Subject: RE: Mack Cycle Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy
yaaaay Triathlete!!!!  Way to go Cari!!!  YOU ROCK!!!!
2007-06-25 7:06 AM
in reply to: #857480

User image

Extreme Veteran
458
1001001001002525
Denver, CO
Subject: RE: Mack Cycle Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy
Congratulations, Cari. YOU ARE A TRIATHLETE!!! What a journey it has been for you to get to this race. I feel honored to have followed your progress and witness your strength, determination, and courage. You are an inspiration and an embodiment of what BT means.


2007-06-25 10:47 AM
in reply to: #857480

User image

Member
48
25
Boulder, CO
Subject: RE: Mack Cycle Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy
Your awesome girlfriend! Way to push on through it and with a GREAT attitude. I am really excited for you! You got what it takes! Can't wait to see the pictures!!!
2007-06-25 3:15 PM
in reply to: #857480

User image

Expert
663
5001002525
Williamsburg, VA
Subject: RE: Mack Cycle Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy
Congrats TRIATHLETE!!!!! You rock! Nice race report!
2007-06-25 6:27 PM
in reply to: #857480

User image

Master
2005
2000
South Florida
Subject: RE: Mack Cycle Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy

YOU SO DID IT!!!! What a great race report, and a great race!  You have come sooooo very far.    You are an inspiration-you set a goal and then go get it   Congrats!!!

BTW-you are looking quite svelt.  Great pics.

2007-06-25 7:15 PM
in reply to: #857480

User image

Crystal Lake, IL
Subject: RE: Mack Cycle Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy

 "I was so unbelievably proud of myself. "

You should be.  Congrats!  YOu did awesome.  I'm very proud to see you conquer this race and finally do it.  Way to go, triathlete!

2007-06-26 7:06 AM
in reply to: #857480

User image

Pro
4612
20002000500100
MA
Subject: RE: Mack Cycle Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy

CONGRATS CARI on becoming a real triathlete!!!!

Way to go!!



2007-06-26 10:03 AM
in reply to: #857480

User image

Extreme Veteran
591
500252525
Miami, FL
Subject: RE: Mack Cycle Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy

Thanks to everyone for their well wishes.  I couldn't have done it without BT.

To all those newbies out there... especially the athenas and clydesdales... if I can do it, you can do it.  Don't ever stop believing!  This journey has been one of the most rewarding in my entire life. 



Edited by carisima 2007-06-26 10:05 AM
2007-06-26 7:25 PM
in reply to: #857480

User image

Champion
10471
500050001001001001002525
Dallas, TX
Subject: RE: Mack Cycle Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy
Great job Cari! You are only going to get faster and faster from this point forward! The first one is always the scariest... it gets easier after the first one.

Thanks for sharing... and congratulations on becoming a triathlete!

And, I am sure you inspired a lot of those people lazying around that day. They probably saw you out there racing and maybe thought, "I bet I can do that too". You keep on inspiring people... keep racing!
2007-06-26 8:02 PM
in reply to: #857480

User image

Extreme Veteran
1491
1000100100100100252525
northeast Ohio
Subject: RE: Mack Cycle Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy

Awesome!  I was so looking forward to your RR and I had so much fun reading it.  Congratulations on all you have accomplished.  Just fantastic!

Diane

2007-06-26 10:06 PM
in reply to: #857480

User image

Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: Mack Cycle Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy

Congrats Triathlete~

You have worked hard to achieve this...enjoy every moment of it.

Loved your strong attitude that shows again and again in your race report.

Thanks for sharing...and I bet you will make it up that bridge....much like for me the Devil Hill...it took me a year but I did it.

You rock girl! 

2007-06-26 10:09 PM
in reply to: #857480

User image

Extreme Veteran
532
50025
Plymouth MA
Subject: RE: Mack Cycle Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy
Great race report! Congratulations triathlete!!


2007-06-27 3:46 PM
in reply to: #857480

User image

Master
2233
200010010025
Mechanicsburg, PA
Subject: RE: Mack Cycle Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy
Awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome and AWESOME!!!!! Congratulations you hoss chica you! Darn tootin' that you'll ride that bridge the next time I'm so proud of you. Muy Orgulloso! Look at how far you've come kiddo

-Frank
2007-06-28 7:41 AM
in reply to: #857480

User image

Extreme Veteran
396
100100100252525
Peachtree City, GA
Subject: RE: Mack Cycle Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy

Hey Cari, Terrific Race report!  I am so happy for you!  You did a great job! 

 

Kelly

General Discussion-> Race Reports!
{postbutton}
General Discussion Race Reports! » Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy Rss Feed