Hello Spindizzy, and welcome to the boards! Sounds like you've had an exciting first year in the sport. Congrats on all your accomplishments. Running after the bike will definitely get easier the more bricks you do! Du's are hard (and I don't really like running, so once in a race is enough for me ). My only du was in the cold and rain, so I don't really have much experience with them.
Have fun out there, and we look forward to getting to know you better!