King Pine Olympic w/ 30 mile bike - Tri #6

This was the first race that my coach, Steve and my manager, Regina have not been at. It was very different to not have them there. I know what to do before my race, check in, set up TA, warm up etc... It’s the during and after I count on them. They keep track of how many athletes are in front of me and tell me how far back I am from the closest ones. After, they are there for hugs, support and help me briefly analyze the race, make sure I eat, drink and get a cool down in. 

The race was only 40 mins from home and I was one of the first to arrive. I checked in and got my number; 142. I went to TA to set up and looked for my number on the bike rack. 136, 137, 138, 150. Hmmm my number wasn’t there. I looked at my watch and knew I had to start my warm up pretty soon. I told Vince, the race director. He helped search and then went to get the registration list. I racked my bike and started putting my race numbers on my helmet and bike. I looked and I was really 241 oops. Vince came back and said there is no 142. I looked at him, held my number up, smiled and apologized for giving him a small heart attack.  I set up and went for my bike warm up: 10 mins then 2x3min hard efforts. When I returned Ed and Ro were on their bikes, I waved and went on to start my run. I felt bad I didn’t stop to say hi but I knew they understood. As I went out for my run Christine and Kim were walking to TA. I hugged them, thanked them for coming and explained I had to get my run in. Race start was getting closer and I still had to get into my wetsuit, head down to the water and warm up, so I cut my run a little short. I still got in my 2 x 2 min sprints.

Ro and Christine wanted to help with my bag and wetsuit and other things but they knew I had to do it on my own. It was very nice and they asked if it was cheating if they helped. I loved it. They eventually had to help me zip my wetsuit.  It zips down instead of up, so the neoprene has to be pulled together from my shoulders. I can usually do it myself but just couldn't get it. It took the both of them and me turning into the sun to see it. I was giggling inside. Thanks girls!!

I checked my spot one last time, visually ran through the flow of TA and walked down to the water with Ro.  I put my cap and goggles on and turned around to see Jess and Mark! Wow this is great I couldn’t believe how many people took time out of their Sunday morning to watch me race!  I warmed up and listened to pre race announcements. All the Olympic racers started together.

I put myself in the middle of the pack to get better drafting opportunities. About 5 mins of standing there waiting when Vince let us know he was waiting for all volunteers and police to be in place. He counted us down. I swam hard but cautious. So many feet and arms all doing the same. The pack broke up and I tried to find someone to draft off while keeping my pace and sighting. It's so hard to do. During the 1 mile swim I found about three different people I could draft off. I know it helped me a lot. I made the first turn, it seemed so far from the start and far from the finish. I got stuck on the right side of a swimmer going my pace which pushed me out of line quite a bit. I eventually crossed behind him and got a better path. He caught up to me again and towards the end I ended up directly behind him, perfect!! I swam as far in as possible and got out. I passed him on the run up to TA and looked at my watch 27:35 – 2 mins faster than my previous race. I was so happy!! 

 

As I ran into TA we had to go all the way around the back and then across the front to our bike. I was right next to racer 264 and his bike was in the front corner. He ducked under the fence and went right to his bike. I couldn’t believe it!! He cheated. I know it was confusing but to stop running and duck under a fence, that’s not right. I still ended up beating him out of TA.

I got on my bike and started the 30 mile ride. 

As I began to climb the second hill, 5 mins into the race, my chain fell off as I shifted. I tried to shift it back on but I lost speed on the hill and had to stop. I really didn’t want to get grease all over  my hands so I tried to shift it back on. No luck, as bikers passed me they asked if I was ok. That felt good. I was getting so anxious about the competition getting away from me. I had to stop, take a deep breath and relax. I knew the more frustrated I was getting the less productive I was being. I thought of a section in a book by Chrissy Wellington; 4 times Kona Ironman winner, she flatted in Kona and was down for 15 minutes and when she got it fixed she hammered and passed the lead women. I refocused and fixed it. I got back on and went to pedal and it jammed. I kept my cool knowing no one else could help me, I had to figure it out. The chain had jammed in between the rear derailleur pulley and the metal casing. It was so stuck. The only way to fix it was to pull right on the chain. I grabbed the dark black greasy chain and pulled and pulled. Nothing. I had to re grip it in a different spot and finally it popped. My hands were so black I didn’t want to touch my bike. I tried wiping them in the sandy grassy hill but it was useless. I quickly used my number taped on my bike and it worked a little. I looked at my watch and it had been 5 minutes since I had stopped. I thought OK now pull a Chrissy and pass as many racers as possible. I didn’t pay attention to who had passed me so I don’t know for sure how many I got back.

I did my best to get through the 30 miles and be smart about it.  A few more hiccups along the way and I made it back in 1:34:18. I almost got spit on by the guy who didn’t know I was off his left shoulder, as I turned on to Rt 41 I hit a huge rough spot and my right hand bounced off the handlebar- I still don’t know how I didn’t crash, and as I was taking in my gel it was so warm, some of it oozed out all over my hand. Now my hand was greasy and sticky I didn’t want to touch anything, but I had to shit (oops I mean shift) and take in water. I mistakenly left out the f in shit and re read it and busted out laughing so I decided to leave shit in there. Hope no one is offended.

As I entered T2 I saw my friend and co-worker Steve! Again I was so happy. I was in and out in :51 seconds. He told me after he tried to take a picture of me but he was using a new camera and I was too fast for him to get the picture. 

I headed out for the run not knowing what place I was in but knew I was back a bit. I saw runners coming back with black numbers they were the Sprint athletes. They had the same run but turned at 1.5 miles we turned at 3.1 miles. So I didn’t have to start counting my place until after the turn.

The first women I saw was cranking! I saw her at mile 2, I was shocked there was no way I was getting her. Then 2^nd place and 3^rd. I stared getting discouraged but just kept my pace and focused on the guy ahead of me. 4^th and then 5^th went by at about 500 yards after the turn. That meant I was still 500 yards from the turn. I wanted so badly to catch her. That was my goal for the rest of the run. I passed 2 more guys and encouraged them. The road twisted and turned so I couldn’t see her. Finally with about 1.5 to go I saw her. I watched her pace and knew I could get her. I tried not to get too excited. As I passed her I said good job and she replied with the same. I got one more woman and then just an uphill and down to the TA and to the finish shoot. That last uphill was so hard I wanted to stop. I came down and got speed into the shoot I ran as hard as I could through the finish.

I didn’t even look at my time. I was asked to remove my timing chip and was handed a finishers medal. I quickly looked for water and didn’t see any. My eyes started tearing up like they do after most races but I was more frustrated with my chain falling off. I walked around a bit and saw Steve again and then Julie!! Wow another friend came to watch me! She asked if I needed anything I said water and she ran to the cooler and got me a water. That’s all I saw of her. I felt bad that I wasn’t more talkative. When I went over to the rest of my cheerleaders I asked where Julie went. Ro said she had to make it to the dump by 12. So thanks Julie for the water and for coming to my race!!

Everyone asked how I did and I showed them my hands and arms. "My chain fell off and I was down for 5 mins!!" I sat down and made my recovery drink, put my legs up and started eating my homemade sticky rice bar. It had coconut, walnuts, blueberries and dark chocolate all mixed in. It’s great for getting the carbs back in pre and post race. Then my mood changed. I couldn’t change what happened and it was the first time ANYTHING has happened during my 6 seasons of racing Tri. I thought of how lucky I was. I started to feel ok with it. Everyone but Christine and Steve had to leave. I thanked them so much for coming and then did my cool down run. I stretched a bit and we made our way over to the tent for some shade and to check results.

The results were posted and it showed me in 22^nd place. Wow I didn’t think I was that far back but I guess. I looked for the splits and there weren’t any. Just finish times. I thought to myself, then why did we wear timing chips if they weren’t posting splits. I studied them more and saw they mixed the Duathletes and Aquabikers in and put them in order of finish times. Duathletes run then bike then run and the Aquabikers swim and bike. We all can’t be put in the same results. I was so surprised they didn’t post separate results for each discipline. So I didn’t even try to figure what place I came in. My mind was spent.

Christine and I went in to get food. They cut my wrist band off and I walked the buffet. It was egg sandwiches, scrambled eggs, bacon, corned beef hash and home fries. I didn’t want any of it. Usually it's chicken, salad, or pasta, not breakfast. I noticed in the back they had bananas, muffins and bagels so I grabbed one of each. We went back under the tent. There wasn’t a single chair or table. I noticed 20 picnic tables grouped very close together about 300 yards away all in the sun. Nice. So we all sat on the ground as they began the results. They announced the over all winners for the sprint and Olympic but didn’t mention any finish times. First place female for the Olympic was Allison Dimatteo she races for OA the same team my friend Jenny races for. In second place….Meghan Skidmore. What??! I was shocked, how?? I went up for my award- a mug, a pine tree and a bike tune from Stan and Dans.

We stood on the podium for a few seconds for pictures and I went back to my towel. I thought some more and realized the other women I saw on the run were Duathletes. That makes sense now. My friends Anna Johnson and Suzanne Reid raced the Sprint and placed 2^nd and 3^rd in their age group!! We got a group picture and stayed for the cash prizes.

They pull your bib for $100, $200, $300 and $500 dollars. The three of us were hoping to win, but we didn’t. Steve headed home and Christine offered to help me get my things out of transition.  I welcomed it, but knew I could get it all in my transition pack. I guess I figured she knew that, but she's only been to one other race so she didn’t know. She was surprised I didn’t need any help. She said I’d be fine at nationals and carried my mug and tree for me.

Thank you so much to Rosemary and Ed Good, Christine Fleming, Kim Henry, Jess and Mark Spaulding, Steven Iannuzzi, and Julie Conway Ferland for supporting me and cheering me on. It felt so good to know you cared enough to take time and spend it watching me race.

Results: 15/44
Female: 2/10
Age Group: 1/2

Online results here

Monday Morning: Took my training to another level today. In order to get ready for racing back to back Olympic (Sat) and Sprint (Sun) distances at Nationals. I raced a practice Sprint tri this morning in 1:17! My Sprints are usually around 1:12 - 1:14 depending on the course. I swam a 16:37 1/2 mile, rode a 39:43 12 mile and ran a 22:45 5k. I've never been so proud of myself nor have I ever said it out loud. Steve told me to make a good breakfast and stay off my feet as much as possible today.

White Mountains Olympic - Tri #5

Well that went way better than expected and I had no expectations nor did I set any goals. I finished my first Olympic in 9^th place over all out of 94 men and women and I was the 2^nd fastest female!! Wow even I’m shocked. I know I’m fit but you never know who’s fitter or what will happen on race day. Today went perfectly except for bathroom issues just before the start. I couldn’t go but knew I had too otherwise I’d get stomach cramps. And using the bathroom was much more important than a swim warm up in the long run. The TA was in a way different location then I had planned on.  It was 1/3 of a mile up hill from the beach.

Rewind to the morning, Gina and I drove over from Randolph. The morning was perfect not a single cloud in the sky and I was in a super good mood. 

We arrived to discover TA wasn’t in the parking lot by the beach instead it was at the Peabody lodge of Cannon Mountain Ski Area 1/3 of a mile away, uphill. And the run course didn’t finish there either. Instead it was also at the base lodge but we had to run past the TA and lodge down part of 3 mile hill and back up the access road through the base area up the stairs to the back of the lodge.

I checked in and again was asked about Team Skidmore, most think it is in relation to Skidmore College. I explained and got my goodie bag. Numbers were tattoos but there weren’t any volunteers helping to apply them. Gina and I stepped into the bathroom to put them on. Seems pretty simple but I forgot to take the clear plastic off before I stuck it one on and I messed it up. So I had to get written on, one side and had the tattoo on the other.

I found my spot and began to set up. Due to the longer race I taped 2 gels to my bar. I planned on taking one on the bike and had the extra if I needed it.  I went out for my warm up and wasn’t nervous at all. I just wanted to do everything the best I could and had no expectations on my finish time or placement. I came back and went for my run.

Steve caught me and had checked out the last ½ mile of the course and advised that I use that for my run warm up. It was down hill then back up for a long steady climb up a set of stairs and around a corner to the finish line. Wow more hills. So glad I did that. Having the advantage of knowing the whole course helped me mentally so I could perform physically.

I walked through TA a few times so I knew exactly where my bike was and I saw Jenny who I met at the Tri for a Y. We chatted and were exited to race together.

Next it was down, down, down to the beach and T1A, I’ll call it. We were given a big plastic bag and were ok’d to wear sneakers from the beach up the long hill to T1. They set up some fake grass carpet for us to strip off wetsuits and leave there so we could run the hill with no extra gear. I only had flip flops with me but Steve let me borrow his sneakers. Glad he had an extra pair of shoes in his car. Come to find out they were crocs. He moves around a lot during my races and sometimes runs next to me so I felt really bad he would be doing that in crocs.

I lubed up my neck to prevent chafing, and writs and calves so my suit would slip off easier. 

Stuffed myself into my wetsuit and set my bag, shoes and arm warmers up.  I walked away and turned to pretend I was racing and made sure I knew where my spot was. I strongly suggest that for any race, take the time to get your bearings because when you are in race mode everything looks different.

We walked down towards the beach, race start was at 7:30. I had to use the bathroom, I started to feel cramps and didn’t want to deal with them later. So I tried and couldn’t go. I pictured a line outside waiting for me and nothing. I looked at my watch and it said 7:09 so I had plenty of time, still I couldn’t go. I opened the door and there was no line at all. Phewww. I talked with Steve and told him about it. He said well race starts in 4 mins. My jaw dropped WHAT!!?? Its only 10 after he looked at his watch. It read 7:26. My watch still said 7:09 it was switched to my stopwatch and had my last spilt time displayed. Ooops. But I still had to go so he said hurry up. I went back and knew there would be pre race talk and different wave starts. I relaxed and went!!

Now to get in the water to warm up before the start. I made my way over to the beach and they were doing pre race announcements and said they were going to start the half iron man racers 10 mins late so that put our start at 8:15 ish. Wasn’t planning for that. Meaning I didn’t have my water mixed with Scratch – all natural hydration mix- with me. I could have easily taken in more food and calories. There wasn’t a day of schedule on the website or posted anywhere so no one knew what times things would start. 

Both courses had 2 loops both requiring us to exit the water run 50 yds on the beach and back in for the second loop. The half course was a longer loop and they started first. We had to wait until all waves finished the first loop before we began our race.

I got in and warmed up quite a bit. It was cold but it got better the longer I was in. One women was messing with her goggles so I asked her if they were good and offered her my extra pair if she needed them. I once forgot my helmet and was give the 2^nd chance to race because someone had an extra and offered it to me. I will always pay that forward whenever I can. I was worried about getting too cold so I got out and stood in the sun for a while. My stomach was settling and I felt good. I was surprised by the distance. I know what mile is but actually seeing it and then knowing I had to swim two loops was a little overwhelming but I shut that out.

Steve and I had a last minute chat, thinking back I honestly can't recall what he was telling me here. But it was something along the lines of have fun and be smart. Or why didn't you bring your own shoes now I have suffer in these green things with socks. I'm probably looking at the bear on the slopes of Cannon behind the mirrored lens of my goggles.

We were called to the start line, all women started together. I like that format then with the help of  Steve and Gina they know where I am during the race and can relay that info to me. We got in and had the count down I was still calm and ready to get through the swim and onto the bike. 

 The horn blew and I was off. I sight on my right so I got to look at Cannon Mtn Ski area for the first 1/3 of the swim. 

I was enjoying that until I got t-boned. Yes t-boned in a swim race. The girl on my left apparently wasn’t the best at swimming straight. I didn’t see her but I sure felt her. That’s a first, I’ve been swam over and kicked but never taken out from the side. After the race Gina and Steve said they watched the whole thing happen. It must have been so funny and frustrating not being able to do anything about it.

After the mix up I got into a really nice rhythm. I held it the whole swim and tried to draft when possible it only happened twice for about 10 strokes. I was swimming a tight line to the imaginary rectangle and everyone seemed to be just outside it. Steve and I talked after and staying in the pack to draft would have been better. I’ll keep that in my pocket, well somewhere in my wetsuit for next time.

I got out after my second lap in 29:10 not bad. Ran up to T1A 

I started pulling my wetsuit down and a girl came over and asked if I wanted a strip. There were volunteers there pulling suits off. It saves some time. I didn’t know they would be there otherwise I would have just sat down vs. trying to get it off myself. I put Steve’s size 10 shoes on and started to jog to the real TA. I was running with another girl she had a good pace. Lots were walking or running really slow so I made up some time here.

I came up into T1,  the plan was to drink a lot and take a half gel but I didn’t want to. I took a few swigs and pulled my shoes on. I ripped the special loop on the back of my shoe right off. Crap I yelled. I had the shoe on but now its going to flap the whole 20 mile bike ride. I finished up and began the 3 mile descent into Franconia. It was all about surviving. The road was horrible pot holes, cracks, big huge bumps. Steve and I had ridden it last week and I knew what to expect. I did take a different line and it didn’t feel as scary. I got to the bottom and opened up a gel. Took 1/3 of it and stuck it in my shorts upside down. Bad idea, it started sliming down my leg as I began to climb. The guy next to me was shocked at the wall in front of us. I smiled inside – he didn’t preview the course- I won’t see him again. I passed a few going up and never saw him. I topped out after forever and pulled away.

The next few miles were a series of step climbs. I executed perfectly according to the plan Steve and I set. The next descent was steep but not as long. I didn’t need to pedal but I had to keep my legs moving. Always moving, there is no coasting.

We turned right onto Rt 302 and headed out of Bethlehem to begin a steady climb past the golf course. I passed a girl who had the same bike as me and I yelled nice bike and passed her. The next guy I passed had a full disk wheel and aero helmet. I have neither. It felt good to go by him. He never caught me. Next; long down hill to a flat turn on Trodeau Rd. It was patched and shimmed and had lots of potholes for 3 miles. I stayed in my aero bars and pedaled I almost caught the guy in front of me. Got thought that horrible section and passed two more guys. The last 6 or so miles were on Rt 3 a steady grade of 4-5% but on super smooth pavement. During our preview we were riding at 11-12 mph and Steve said during the race Id be at 15-17 mph. I laughed when he said that. It seemed so hard. But half way through that last section I looked down and I was at 16 and got up to 20 at one point. I was so happy I was doing exactly what we discussed. I didn’t care where I was in the field I just was in my own world and kept it up for the rest of the bike. I drank just about all of my water bottle and tore the 2^nd gel off for the run. I climbed the last section and hit T2. 

I switched over and ran out in :36 seconds. As I ran out I heard the MC, John DeVivo call out my name, he said that I knew him which I did. I never do this but I totally soaked it up and gave him huge wave. It felt awesome.

The course dropped down a steep hill and onto gravel towards the Tram. A spectator yelled to me I was 3^rd female. My hart rate spiked and I smiled so big. No way I’m in 3^rd place at my first Olympic tri. Ok Meg keep it together and DON’T let it go to your head. Keep your pace. I usually look at my watch and get my splits for each mile but this time I didn’t I wanted  to go by how I felt. It was hot a sunny day but the course wound through the Franconia bike path, most of which was in the shade. Steve and I had ridded this course too so I knew what I had ahead of me.

The course was an out and back and longer and longer I didn’t see the lead female, the happier I got. Then I saw her she was keeping at great pace much faster than I was and I knew I couldn’t catch her. After a few mins I saw 2^nd place. I noted where I was and looked at my watch. Down a little hill, through a tunnel, around the corner for the 180 turn. There is always a volunteer at the turn around, always. The only thing there was a closed container of pretzels and something else in a container and 2 big water jugs with no pre filled cups. It was self serve. Are you kidding??!! I wasn’t stopping and I bet most didn’t and I bet some turned early when no one was looking.

I made the turn and back through the tunnel. I looked at my watch, she only had about 30 seconds on me. Ok I thought. That it ,just ok. I didn’t make a decision to consciously catch her or worry about how much course was left. Just ok. I was curious to see her again so I just kept that thought; curiosity. Then I saw 4^th place and didn’t think shed catch me but you never know. I ran some more and 4^th place never appeared in my thoughts again. I started focusing on keeping my pace in check while hoping to see 2^nd. Up down twist turn down up. Before I hit the half way mark I did get a glimpse of her and knew I’d catch her. I didn’t surge I kept my pace and reeled her in. The course crossed the ramp for the Tram where 2 volunteers were directing traffic. I thanked them for helping today.

Not once during the whole race did I ever get to the sprint distance marks and think oh no I’m going beyond my comfort race distance, not once.  I hit 3 miles on the run and thought ok half way done. I’m good.

As I got closer to her I got excited and my heart rate started climbing. I had no idea what she would do when I passed her. Would she surge and not let it happen? Would she keep my pace for a while? Or would it just happen. I debated on saying something to her but what do I say. I’m taking 2^nd place from her. So I simply said good pace, she responded Go get em’. Not at all what I expected. So that meant to me she wasn’t going to try. Ok but maybe she would later. I saw the 2^nd aid station and it had 3 people at it handing water. I took a cup spilled ½ of it on me and got a swig in. I focused on the guy ahead of me and heard her ask for water. She wasn’t a far back as I though. I caught the next guy after we turned the corner to a wall. I knew it was there, he didn’t and expressed that very clearly. I had him. I smiled again. He stayed with me for a few seconds. I helped him by saying small quick steps. I don’t know if he tried it or not but I just kept thinking that. My heart rate spiked again and I got scared but didn’t stop. I slowed a bit and kept calm as possible. I topped out and the course still climbed at 5% until Rt 18 and over 93. It flattened out and went down past a volunteer. Who I thanked. I looked back which I never do. I could still see her, she didn’t give up.

Then the 2^nd to last climb went past the spectators and Steve with his bright green crocs.
Oh yeah, he still had them on. Only athletes are allowed in TA. I should have thrown his shoes out for him. He jogged with me up the hill and said I was doing awesome. Gina was on the other side of the road practically in tears. She was shocked at what place I was in. Steve told me I had about 7 mins left to race. I crested that hill and down about a football field to the last turn. Then up the last killer hill. It wasn’t very steep just steady and went on forever. I could see Steve’s green crocs again. He was cheering me on. I really slowed down. It was so hard my legs just didn’t want to go any more. I looked back one more time and knew she couldn’t catch me. I put myself in her shoes and knew how hard that must have been to watch. I tried to go a little faster.

 

I ran through the shoot and under the building. I climbed the stairs and booked it to the finish.

Wow that was hard but I did it!! I pulled off my timing chip and got water. My legs almost gave out but I made it to the deck and into the shade. I hugged Gina and cried then hugged Steve they were both so proud of me. I went back to congratulate Erin she slapped me on the back and said the same thing.

Wow I did it and I placed. It was so fun in a weird way. I had no time goals I just went with how I felt and I felt good. I like this distance and I’m so ready for the next one. King Pine Olympic, June 22

I saw the first place female and told her great race and asked he if she knew when the awards were. She heard 1pm. I had time to cool down and change. I met another racer Katie Dywer who also raced the Tri for a Y where I met Jenny. We chatted for 20 mins and I gave her my card.  I met 2 more triathletes it was great! I’m not a super social person and shy when meeting new people but I’m getting more comfortable with it.

I showed up at 12:45 and they are already ½ way through the ceremony. I missed the podium, and so did Stacey. She was as shocked as I was. I ate and then gave Stacey my card. We also chatted for 20 mins she was so nice and humble. It was an awesome day!!

Results: 9/94

Female: 2/37

Age Group:1/8

Women: 14^th in the swim, 2^nd on the bike avg speed 18.2 and I was the fastest on the run with a pace of 7:14!! I guess Stacey was running downhill when I saw her. 

Overall: 41st in the swim, 10th on the bike, 7th on the run

View online results here

Camp Huckins Tri-ath-Loon - Tri #4

It was very nice to be 30 mins from a race however it was a little tricky finding it and I was late, by my standards. I need about an hour to get in my bike, run and swim warm up. On the way to check in I saw the team, the team to look out for. Larry, Curly and Moe; Leah Kelsh, Kerry MacDougall and Stacy Burke. They were walking the path like they owned it; sunglasses on, straight faced, walking in unison. I was scared. Just kidding they were all smiles and commented on how serious Regina Steve and I looked.  What can I say we had our game faces on! 

I checked in and all the volunteers knew I was coming, I know the race director Vince so he must have mentioned it to them. "You're going to win" they said after I got my race bag. I didn’t know what to say. It felt good but I also felt like maybe I shouldn’t have registered for such a low key race, no offence to the race at all. I didn’t want people to think I came to show off or expected to win. So I said "you never know what might happen". Thinking a flat or a crash or cramp or anything. Then I was like great, you might have just jinxed yourself.

The transition area was tiny compared to my other races. There were 48 triathletes racing. We had lots of room so that was nice. A few women commented on how this probably wasn’t my first race. I smiled.  I got marked and set up my transition area. I made sure to say hi to Vince. I headed out on my bike warm up. It was 7:45am and race start was 9 with a 8:40 pre race meeting. I knew I had to cut things a little short. Before I went out Steve suggested I wear my jacket as it was chilly but making sure I said hi to Vince, caused to me forget my jacket. I could have used it. 

My PI’s (power intervals) felt good and I made it back by 8:15 then switched to my run. Jogged for about 7 mins and did my run PI's. Legs weren’t feeling great they were heavy and sluggish. I wasn’t too concerned because the same thing happened this week at the Salomon Spring Trail Series at Great Glen Trails. I had a crummy warm up but felt light and quick during the race.

Back to TA at 8:30 and walked down to the water it was pretty far and on gravel. We were allowed to put shoes on to run from the water so I took that opportunity. I got down to the water and saw Christine Fleming a member of Team Skidmore!! I had sent an email out to let people know that my next 3 races are local and she came. Sorry if I missed anyone!

I put my suit on with Steve’s help of course. My new suit zips from the top so I can’t even get it started. Leah and another swimmer were already in the water and only three of us actually warmed up. It was a little chilly but nice. 

Michelle, Me, Stacey, Leah and Kerry!

I really enjoyed knowing others that were racing. I’ve never experienced that. It keep me calmer and more relaxed. After the National Anthem we moved to the start. My goal was to draft off Leah. She said "Yea right, you're pretty fast I'll draft off you." I laughed pretty hard at that one!  Most of you know how much I struggle in my swim speed.

After a quick group shot of all women, we lined up. This was my first all female race! The horn sounded and we were off.

I stayed out front right next to Leah until the 1^st buoy,  that never happens. Once we made the turn her and another women took off. I drafted for 20 strokes but couldn’t hold on. I swam the straightest swim ever until the last turn to the beach. I though we were exiting to the right of the last buoy so I sighted for that direction. Totally my fault I didn’t look at the exit. As I got closer I could see Vince on the dock waving us left. I swam in as far as possible so I had less water to run in. And got out as 3^rd swimmer, that never happens.

As I ran up the stairs, I took the top half of wetsuit off. Really didn’t need to do it then because TA was so far away, so lost a few seconds. I put my shoes on which filled with dirt. I ran to T1 and Leah was cheering me on, she was part of a team and had already tagged her cyclist. I had the worst T1. I was not used to having sneakers on so I started taking off my suit before my sneakers. I got all out of my routine and took way more time than needed. Next time I’ll skip the sneakers and maybe go for crocs or barefoot. I had two women in front of me to catch. I made my way out of the camp road and was in my 3^rd highest gear as I approached the intersection for the main road. There were five volunteers and one was stopping me because of a truck while the other volunteer was stopping the truck. I was so frustrated, the athletes never get stopped. I should have switched to an easier gear when I was slowing down but spaced it and had to go from nearly a stop in the gear I was in. That used some energy I wasn’t planning for.

Once out on the road there was a longer hill and my legs were heavy but figured once I got over it they’d settle in. Not the case, they felt that way the whole time. I usually run between 200 and 220 for power depending on the course. My average was 186. I just couldn’t shake it. The course was an out and back and so many of the women going out were cheering me on and I was doing the same. I’ve never ever experienced that!

Retuned and switched to run very fast. I was very different being the only one in TA with all eyes on me.

I went to grab my race belt and it got hung up on the bike rack. I always try to get it on before leaving TA as some races require that. Next time I’m grabbing and going then putting it on once I am running.

The course wound through the camp on gravel it was fun vs. being on the road. My legs still didn’t feel light and fast but I just tried to push through it. I popped out on the road and up a gradual hill to mile 1 hit the split at 6:44 and wasn’t super happy with that. Kept going and passed the 1^st water station. The volunteer was so excited she cheered me on took a few photo, that’s another first. The run course merged back with the bike course and back to camp. I saw where mile two was on the drive in. Looked at watched and knew I wasn’t going to negative split it –faster then my first mile-. I hit mile 2 in 6:45 that’s pretty consistent! I felt good about that but my goal is to be closer to 6 mins. As I turned in camp I had about ¾ of  mile left. I tried to pick it up and saw Steve running towards me. He told me what was left of the course and that I had about 2 mins until the finish line. He’s great!! I rounded one of the last corners and the arrow pointed to the right. There was a hard right and then another right corner, I was confused I kept going and finally saw the next arrow around the bushes. After the next corner I saw Vince and mile 3 6:39 He was clapping and said "Give them good show!" I popped out of the woods and into the grass, the crowd was going wild!! It felt so cool. I won the whole race. To know it before crossing the finish line is unusual. 

In triathlon the start is separated by waves so you don’t know where you are until you finish and look at results. Well this race was smaller so we all started together and I knew where I was the whole time. I finished in 1:01:59 again. Looking back I could have finished in under an hour-  due to the sneaker mix up in T1 and legs not feeling great, maybe next year!

As I looked for Gina and Steve so many spectators said great job to me. It was amazing how good it felt. You never get that because no one knows how you finish until the results are posted. I hugged Gina, Steve and Christine and Vince met up and shook my hand. I said it was a great course and told him about the last turn. He hoped others wouldn’t get confused.

I went out for my cool down run in the opposite direction to cheer on the rest of the women. The next runner was Kerry and she was confused too. So I moved the 2^nd arrow into sight and continued my run. I turned around and headed back to the finish to cheer on everyone else. 

Steve met me and suggested I do a 15 min spin because my legs weren't great. Next weekend is my 1^st Olympic and tomorrow Steve and I are previewing the bike and run course. I told him I wanted to cheer on the other women. He said it's better to spin first. Vince overheard us and he said you’ll have enough time. Still didn't want to ride but I knew what was best for me.

I felt funny going back out on course I didn’t want it to seem like I was showing off. I cheered for anyone I saw and then took a side road. I came back and startled the volunteers who were picking up the cones because all the cyclists were on the run. He thought I was still racing.

I made it back to the finish line to cheer on more racers. They made an announcement for everyone to go to the finish. The next triathlete to finish was 76 and raced the whole thing. It was so inspiring and she was running too! I stuck my hand out for her to slap and started the line of hands for her. 

Once all athletes were in it was time to eat! Chicken, steak tips, roasted veggies, rice, salad, multiple types of bread and tea lemonade and water. It was delicious!!

After that, the camp director said a few words and told us that $25,000 was raised! Enough for 18 girls to go to camp, wow!!

Then they acknowledged the camp alumni and started awards with oldest age group first. That was nice. Then they asked if Meghan Skidmore was still around. I thought they were going to say something about my accomplishments but I was the fastest runner so I received a gift certificate for a free pair of Sketchers! That's another first; receiving an award for the fastest split.

They did some more recognition and then finished with overall winner. This was totally backwards then all other award ceremonies. I liked it. It gave a change for age groupers to shine first. I was surprised they didn’t bring up 2^nd and 3^rd place for pictures. I won a Huckins Tri knit hat!

It was fun day and a great race!