Well, kettlebell class last Thursday kicked my A**. We did 340 squats, plus 60 lunges. My knee was majorly upset. It hurt to get out of my car. I was uncertain as to how Sunday's race would unfold. Turns out the knee was okay for the race. Sunday started with a nice bright yellow ball of fire in the sky! This is my 3rd time doing this race. Last year it rained on me. The 1st year ('08) was cool and overcast. I was pretty excited -- for about 5 seconds. I realized that the wind was going to be an issue. BUT - can't control the weather, can we?!
Pre-race meal -- 1 slice of pb toast, 1 banana, and a Large Soy Latte Miel (mmmmm). I rode with the Rewey's to the race. Set up -- what a bunch of hogs some of those people are! I actually moved 2 people's stuff to make room for my stuff! Geez! Decided to swim with tri shorts and long sports bra/top. Warmed up for a 150 - ready to go!
I was in Wave 1 - swimmer 1 in my wave. My friend Pete was swimmer 2 -- 10 seconds after me. My friend Wade was swimmer 3 in my wave - 2 lanes over. Started out with bilateral breathing, but I also give up on that. I saw Wade get about even with me - maybe slightly ahead. Made sure he didn't get too far away from me. On the flip turn at 450 yards, Pete touched my feet. At this point I decided that I would make him work to pass me. Timer guy put a kickboard in the water to let us know that we were indeed done. Grabbed my towel and exited the building with Wade and Pete right behind me. The chip time says 7:46 - mat just outside of the door. Rob and kids were right there "Mom! It's a race!" Apparently they didn't like that I was walking.
LONNNNNNNNG transition. I pulled on tights - I was chilled! Short sleeve, long sleeve, and lightweight wind jacket. Shoes, helmet, garmin, sunglasses. Pete and Wade left before me. I passed Wade not long after we started. He said that he was already cramping bad. Wind was brutal! Really tried to work hard on the bike since I knew the run might not go as well as I would like. The 1st part of the ride, I was able to get aero. Had to watch some of the corners because of gravel. When is it going to wash out of the road? I passed 1 other person besides Wade on the bike. I saw several others ahead of me and thought I could catch them. Then I turned into the wind. If I could have moved to look at my watch, I am certain I would have seen negative numbers for speed! UGH! I had to be in my small ring. I almost NEVER go to my small ring. I usually stay in the middle ring. The way back was so bad with crosswinds, I am literally surprised I didn't blow over. It was funny to be leaning right just to keep the bike upright. I don't think I have ever ridden in such wind! And - it was less windy Sunday compared to Saturday! Bike time said 53:xx. SLOW!
Transition 2 was better. I pulled off my jacket, pulled on my number and grabbed my hat. Grabbed a drink at the aid station. I felt bad throwing the cup since the wind blew it so far. I started out at a good pace. I was afraid of hurting my ankle, so I dialed back a little. I got passed by 2 people on the run. I came close to passing someone, but just didn't push hard enough to pass him at the home stretch. The run is on the cross-country trail. It was nice that it was dry this year. Especially the long wooden boardwalk! That always has a few causualties. I felt I finished strong. Pete finished about 2 minutes ahead of me. I became quickly chilled waiting for Wade to come in. Turns out his cramps never subsided. He reported that he SAT DOWN on the run to try to stretch! I was about to go in an shower when I saw him coming, so I waited. Boy that shower felt good. All in all, this is a fun race. I enjoy doing it and it is so low pressure. Especially being in the 1st wave of a pool swim. We all went to Rocky's for lunch. Wade and I went back to check our times. 1:31:31 Slowest of my 3 races here. No hardware this time :(
I have since had a massage, and now my legs are feeling better. I think it is my IT band, but not sure. I'm going to go easy with the run this week and hopefully it is just a minimal setback. The good news is - I'm done with kettlebell class!
Seems the weather is warming up - should make for some good upcoming training opportunities!
