So I did a little race today...
No big deal, just a sprint down in Tempe. It turned out to be quite a crowded course. Usually they cap at 1000, but 1286 entered the water, and that was about 286 more than the bike course could handle.
But overall it was good fun.
My parents are here from Oregon, so they watched me race for the very first time. It was hysterical at the finish because my mom was right at the line snapping pictures and was screaming like I had just finished Ironman or something. It was actually kind of embarrasing, but it was nice to have her there. It's always been a sore spot for me that my mom has never come to any of my races. I know she's proud of me, but she has a funny way of showing it.
My swim wave had three hundred women in it. I had clear water until I hit the first bouy and then I got caught in a traffic jam that never cleared. It wasn't so fun because I never really got into a rhythm and I think my time kinda stunk, but I don't have the results yet.
The bike course was way too crowded. I felt like the white filling inside of an oreo cookie most of the ride. I average between 18-20 mph, so I was fighting to get past the slower riders while staying out of the way of the fasty pants.
At the end of the second loop I was bombing down a hill going 31 mph when a guy comes barreling up screaming ON YOUR LEFT!! Now mind you there are bikes EVERYWHERE and nowhere to go. So I yelled back "CHILL OUT! The course is congested. There is NO WHERE TO GO!".
Not long after that he went around a corner and I see his bike go flipping up in the air in a specatacular crash. I think I heard carbon crack, and I never did see him again, so my guess is either him or the bike didn't make it. I couldn't help but mutter "KARMA" as I rode by. I mean there were times when I had to slow down. There were just too many bikes on a small rectangular course. I only averaged 18.4 mph. I was hoping for at least 19, but stuff happens. I know it must be frustrating for the fasty pants people to have to make their way through us slowbies, but jeez your not racing for a big prize purse! Nothing is worth risking ones safety!
After that the run was uneventful. I ran the entire thing, no walking AT ALL. I started slow but picked it up towards the end. I'll be anxious to see what my times are. I don't think it's a PR by any means, but should be solid.
I haven't raced since I started losing weight, so I was looking forward to a solid race.
I looked at the pics Spencer took of me racing and laughed. I need new tri shorts in a BAD way! The ones I wore - my usual shorts- are WAY too baggy! And lycra is just not suppose to be baggy! :D
I made my milestone this week. I have lost 20 lbs. 19 to go! YAHOO!!!
So I'm just over halfway.
So I'm off to Interbike tomorrow, and between the race and the weightloss it set the tone for me to stay on track.
Ya'll have a good week!
Happy training, race hard, race SAFE!
denise
