Today I rolled out of bed at 4:20 am with goggles and running gear on my mind. I was competing in my first super sprint triathlon.
I started training 7 weeks ago because Odessa was at a trainers, my achilles was acting up while running, and I needed something to keep me occupied so I chose to give a triathlon a try. I have found the different disciplines to be a great match for my ADD brain.
Trifest is 3 races over a weekend - a super sprint, a sprint and an olympic distance race. I had originally planned on doing the sprint (750m swim, 16mile bike and a 5k run) but after a test run swim I decided the super sprint swim distance might be smarter for my first attempt. This proved to be a good decision.
At race time the water was 82 degrees so no wet suits...shoot. I was counting on that to keep me floating if I panicked again. TJ also spotted a curious water moccasin toting his dinner and watching all of us crazy folk in his lake. I needed to be in denial that there were other creatures in the water with me and this little guy wasn't helping things. Despite getting a rock thrown at him (not by me) and dropping his catch, he chose not to bite anyone which shows the tolerance of such creatures.
So off we swam and I did the semi hyperventilating thing again for the first 150m or so. I was pretty much in last place and breast stroking trying to calm my breathing down. I finally got into my swimming rhythm and started passing people. I was thrilled to get over that hump, at least for this race.
TJ said I was really slow on T1. I was trying to stay calm but I guess I took it a bit far and should have hurried along more. I started out on the bike a bit reserved because of the big hill, but it really wasn't a big deal and I was able to pick up some speed on the rest of the course and pass several people.
T2 seemed to go better and my legs weren't too bad but my breathing was pretty labored so I power walked up the big hill. Once over the big hill hurdle, the run went very well and I again was able to pass some people.
I was 41st out of 65 overall and in the top 10 out of 25 or so women. Second in my age group. I was pleasantly surprised with the rocky start.
It was a fun day. I can't wait for the next one at the end of June.
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