Huge thanks to my great homestay - their kids made this for me.
The Swim: Zoot Ultra SpeedZoot & Sable Goggles
I really like non-wetsuit swims. Might seem odd coming from someone whose strength does not lie in the swim, but I like the freedom of movement. I actually had a lot of fun in this swim. It used to be that I survived the swim and could not wait for it to end. Now that I have gotten stronger, it is actually fun to chase the pack and get on feet. Several times my feet fell off the main pack and I was able to swim around them, push hard for ten minutes and get back onto the main pack. By the time I reached the canal at the end of the swim I was second position in the second pack. I came out of the water 7th female in 59:11.
The swim start looking out on the course.
Thanks Cook-Train-Eat-Race for the photo.
T1:
Run to bike. Put on helmet. Not much happens in here. 2:09.
It took about ten miles before I stopped feeling like my legs were made of lead. Then I started having fun - the scenery was beautiful, the roads nice, and it was toasty. I drank. And ate. And drank more. I caught and passed Caitlin Snow around mile 52 and at this point knew that if I wanted to finish ahead of her, I needed to put time in since she runs fast. I picked up the pace. I decided I would rather take a risk that could end me in a higher position overall at the end of the day, than be safe and not try. Somewhere in the low 80s mileage-wise I completely imploded. Looking back I think it was more of an early-season lack of miles in my legs rather than a calorie issue, but whatever the case - my implosion combined with the headwind all the way home made me feel like I was crawling at a snail's pace. Cait re-passed me around mile 95. Doh! So much for that great plan. I came off the bike in 5th place after 5:07.
T2:
Throw bike at wonderful volunteers. Ouch ouch ouch, run into tent where more wonderful volunteers stuff green apple PowerBar gels into my pockets while I throw on my Zoot Ultra Kiawe shoes. 2:22.
In hot races I always feel the run is the coolest since there is ice and water every mile. It was hot. But not unbearable. I had a bicycle escort, which I really love. My legs felt ok. Not amazing and not terrible. In the first of three loops I had two sections where I felt absolutely horrible and was sure I might crap my shorts. Thankfully I did not and located an outhouse. My bicycle escort patiently waited. I was getting splits that I was gaining on 4th. Toward the end of the second loop I moved into fourth and got a new bicycle escort. Sweet! Except about 30 seconds later the girl behind me came blowing past and I moved back into 5th. Darn. I willed my legs to go faster. Chase her!! This is what you do best - running! Except on this particular day the legs were having none of this "faster" type of running. As competitive as I am, I had nothing to go after her. I gave all I had on the day and really that is all I can ask of myself. I ended up running 3:16 to finish 5th in 9:27.
My Thoughts:
I am happy. I wanted to ride under 5 hours, but I also took a risk on the bike and it didn't quite pan out how I hoped. I have no regrets about this. I wanted to run faster. (I am fairly certain I will always want to run faster!!) But again - it was what I had on the day and at this point in the season, I gave it everything possible.
THANK YOU!!
- Coach Elliot - we make a good team, thank you for pushing me, pulling me back and making me laugh.
- Zoot - the Kiawe shoes are awesome. Hands down best race flat yet!
- Profile - fast wheels, great aero bars and hydration!
- Cannondale - my Slice is NICE!!
- Extreme Endurance - since I am crazy enough to race 7 days after my Ironman, I am putting your products to the test this week!
- Tribe Multisport - It is great to have a supportive bike shop on my team!
- Powerbar - scientifically tested fueling that tastes great - green apple gels are my favorite!
- Rudy Project - Love my helmet & sunglasses. Especially the green ones!
- SableWater Optics - It's awesome being able to see when I swim.
- MicroscopeWorld.com - I love both my jobs.
I am actually racing an Olympic distance race next weekend in Tobago - yes, that little island off Trinidad. Not sure if I am crazy or smart - since I will in fact be on an island surrounded by blue water when I am done!!
