Thank you Leah, Sandi, and Rachel for the cheers!
Thank you Claudia, Patty, and Blossom for replying to my panic texts the night before the tri. I was pretty nervous about the water temp during the swim, my weakest event. I bought neoprene booties and a cap to make sure I didn't freak out in the water. I've lost my breath before and wanted to avoid that.
We got to the event and I was assured by a fellow age-grouper that the water wasn't so cold. 10 degrees warmer than expected! After dipping my foot in the water I decided on booties and 2 swim caps. No neoprene cap.
Suited up, I got in the water before the race to get used to the idea of swimming in it. Then it was our wave's turn.
I shut out the rest of the swimmers and was all alone on the beach. I also had ear plugs which made that easier to do. I looked over to where Leah, Sandi, and Rachel were. I envied them a little but not enough to stop loving the moment before a race!
We were off! I started my swim off at a steady pace and before I knew I had passed my 5 minute panic window! Then, out of nowhere the first buoy was there! WOW! I was doing this and hanging in there with the others. YAY! 2nd, 3rd, and 4th buoys done and I was on my way to the beach. That is the best feeling ever!
After fighting with my wetsuit and booties for an extra eternity I was on my bike. It was a great course. Mostly flat with a few rolling hills. Great! I did see a cyclist down about halfway through. He was already getting medical attention. Hope he's ok.
Now for the run! I still felt great! The run course was an adventure. It started with a beautiful stretch near the water followed by a run across a field then I was in the woods after running around a boulder! More than 2 miles of the 3.2 mile run was trail running complete with good climbs and lots of mud. I don't usually do trails but had no choice. Turned out to be a lot of fun! We were back on the road for the last stretch. The finish was a beautiful run through the Webb Institute gate. Done!
I loved this race for many reasons. I felt great the whole way. Didn't panic during the swim. Maybe those days are on their way to gone! It was well organized and the volunteers were so friendly and encouraging!
swim .5 miles, bike 13.5 miles, run 3.2 miles
swim 25:03 bike 43:42.1 run 30:43