Race Report - TriGirl - August 13, 2011

Back at the race that started it all in 2008! The swim was cancelled due to low water levels and replaced with a 1 mile run. I approached this race skeptical. I took 2 months off after the Ironman in May, then contracted the flu and bronchitis that kept me out of the game for an additional 3+ weeks. My fitness was lost to the point of feeling tired after a 2 mile run and tortured with a 3 mile run.

I was bummed that the swim would be changed to a run because I usually make up a couple minutes on the swim to earn a better place against my competitors. Running has never been a very strong sport for me in terms of speed so this change was going to be a detriment to my race.

I approached the first run as a sprint. I needed to go "all out" in order to keep a chance at doing well in the final score. I was able to push my pace and average 8:38 min/mi. The 11 mile bike felt hard. My heart rate was high for the entire race, not sure if it was a result of the heat or the 1 mile sprint! I averaged 18.6mph down from 19.2 the year before. My final 3 mile run was excruciating. It hurt, my legs were heavy, it was hot. Overall not a pretty sight. I averaged an 11:28 pace, up from a 10:40 last year. My final time was 1:20 putting me in 33rd for my age group out of 70. Last year I was 11th:(

It was a good day shared with friends and family, for that I can be thankful. I achieved my goal of finishing faster than a good friend. I am now more focused than ever to lose some weight and work on my running speed. To be more competitive as an age group athlete rather than an athena, the run is going to have to improve...a lot.