Did 2 duathlons in 2006, injured in 2007, and just completed first du since Sept 2006.

Prior to this race was a high school reunion that I had also committed myself to. So from Thursday to Saturday, I accumulated serious car kms. Like about 1100. Not the best planning! And although I tried to maintian some semblence of nutrition..it's just not like being at home.

Anyway, woke up this morning. Cloudy, freaking windy and raining. I don't think the wind has stopped in about 3 weeks here. Had breakfast, packed up the car and headed out to venue (an hour away..ya, more kms!) This was a sprint du. 4/24/4.(kms) Run course relatively flat ( 1 small hill) and a few minor rollers. Bike route alternated hilly and rolling, constantly. What made this so challenging was the wind, 30 km/hr from the NW (along with some rain, some hail) and wind gusts up to 46km/hr. Of course the first 15 kms were either into the wind or the wind accompanied us as a crosswind.There were many times I though I was going to get blown off the bike and road.

Managed to finish, 5/7 in my age group (50-54, 1:44), though I am not thrilled with my time. Also, my transition times were brutal.

What I did learn is that I need to work on transitions. Can't do anything about the weather - coping with that is developing mental toughness. Traipsing around the province and nutrition probably had a hand in that result as well. Next one is June 1st.