So I'm sitting in the library right now because the internet at our house has decided it is my arch enemy today. I have no idea why it isn't working, but I gave up just before I was ready to chuck the router through the wall. That would have ensured it would never work so I didn't do that :)
Last night, I raced in the Triceratops Sprint Triathlon at Island Lake State Park (which is an amazing place - for those of you in the Detroit area, go there if you've haven't yet). Yes, there are triathlons on Wednesday nights at 6pm! It's actually a series of 3, all named for dinosaurs (Pterodactyl is in July, T-Rex is in August). I love these races, as there are only 500 people total and they do a great job organizing it.
So my dad, The Bionic Man as my friend Scott likes to call him, raced this one too, 7 months to the day after having his right hip replaced!! He told me last weekend he was planning on racing which I was thrilled about. This is the only photo I took during the race since I didn't have my camera but here's me and Big Daddy O (as my best friend Randi calls him) before the race:
Love the dinosaur props, too! Looks like he's going to eat my dad's arm!
My friend Jon was there too and it was great to see him before the race - he kicked butt and was only 20 seconds shy of his PR in the run...and that was AFTER the swim and bike! Awesome job, Jon!
After encouragement from my dad and his friend Shawn (who is a crazy fast triathlete - he was 4th overall last night), I decided to go in the Elite wave. It is based roughly on your times from last year and I guess you get penalized if you are in this wave and don't finish faster than the target time of around 1:24. I figured, eh, why not? My best time last year qualified me so I tried it. And never mind you go in heat 1, about 15 minutes sooner than my age group start - meaning I would get done sooner!
The swim started and it sucked. It was so crowded at the beginning and I was kicked and swum over so many times. It took me about 150 meters to get to an open spot. Once I did, it was smooth sailing and I felt fine. Finished the 1/2 mile swim in 12:57 (over a minute faster than last year), and proceeded to fall on my butt while taking my wetsuit off at my bike! Ha - oh well! I got on my bike and took off. Saw my mom who was cheering me on which is always great encouragement for me.
The bike was good - really windy and a hilly course but it's pretty. I got passed by the eventual overall winner of the race, a couple of other women and a bunch of men. I just kept a good pace and finished the 12.4 mile bike in 36:49, more than 1:30 faster than last year! It was raining through most of the bike but luckily the pavement wasn't too wet. A quick transition, grabbed my visor (that I had to buy because I FORGOT my Spartan visor - ack!) and I was off on the run.
The rain continued to fall but it felt good as it was nice and cool. My mom was there again to wish me well and as I got on the course, Rob had Julia in the stroller and were there to run with me. They pushed me through the first mile, which is straight up hill, and then left to go meet me at the finish. The run went well, I felt great the entire time and only 1 guy passed me. I actually came up to a man about 1/2 mile to the finish who asked me to push him through to the end, which I tried my best to do. We both finished with a good kick, my 5k run time was 22:19 (1:40 faster than last year!) and my overall time was 1:14:45. I was thrilled! Rob and Julia were there at the finish, braving the cold rain. (My mom opted to head home as she wasn't feeling well - wise move on her part!)
They got the results quickly and I was 10th female overall, out of 140 and 2nd in my age group, out of 24! I was thrilled and got a cool pair of no-tie shoe laces from Running Fit. Love those kinds of awards vs. a trophy that will sit and collect dust!
I waited to see my dad finish - he came in at 1:37 which was fantastic for him - I was so proud of him and he looked great!
By now I was frozen solid thanks to the rain. We were finally able to get our gear and head home for a much deserved ice cream sundae!
Had a great time at the race and can't wait for the next one in July!
My next few posts I swear will be more about "me" and less about racing, as I have about 9 days now before my next running race.
I leave you with this quote from Mary Lou Retton:
A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever.So true, especially because I raced this one with my dad!!
A few questions:
- What are some great races you've had for things other than the actual race (i.e. being with a friend or family, the scenery, the party afterwards, etc)
- Do any of your family members race?
- What is your favorite distance to race?
You didn't tell me you got shoes too! I want to see a pic of them in your next post, please :) I always have more fun at races when several other people are doing it. I think you know I try to force my entire fam to race. I can't say fav distance yet, ill let ya know after a few more distances :) and ps Congrats again, you superstar!
ReplyDelete@Megan - I didn't get shoes - I got shoe LACES! But I will post a picture of them if you'd like! ;)
ReplyDeletelol whoops, I clearly cannot read.
ReplyDeleteGreat job at T-rex! You did amazing. I started the elite wave too, but didn't finish nearly as well as you -I am pretty much the bottom of the barrel in terms of the "elites", but know enough people starting it that I wanted to tag along too. I did qualify by the skin of my teeth, and requalified too with a PR! See you in July! BTW, they won't really DQ you- I asked since I am "borderline", it's just in there to keep my type out of there!
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