So I did a little race today...

[Running Mommy]

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!
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

[light_sabe_r]

Karma! What a goof!



Sounds like you had fun running mommy! Even if the course was totally congested!

[Tri Girl]

Great job! Sounds like you DID have a solid race. I can't believe you've lost 20lbs so far. Seems like just yesterday you were starting. I'm so proud of you!!!! Amazing!
You gonna post your pictures????

[mtbdarby]

Way to go RM! I'm glad your mom finally saw you race - sounds like it was long overdue and good for you both.

Congrats on the weight loss! So are you using any special diet?

[Wahine]

Good job RM. I know what you're saying about your Mom, mines never seen one of my races before.

Congrats on the weight loss, that's fantastic!!

[btchance]

Hey girl - congrats on the race AND the weight loss - you've worked hard for both

[KSH]

Hee-hee... you know you are Ironman when you start out saying:

No big deal, just a sprint down in Tempe.

I know we can all think back... and some people there right now... when the thought of doing a sprint was scary! But yea, as you move up in distance and training sessions, doing a sprint is a training session and not even enough of one.

Sounds like it was a fun race... even if it was crowded. Too bad that guy had to speed past you only to have a wreck .

So, go get some new tri shorts... skinny!

[RoadRaven]

No big deal, she says... no big deal...

She halves her weight loss goal, she races well in crowded conditions, she doesn't lose her cool in front of her over-excited ma!
Pretty impressive, I say...

Well done RM!!!

[Running Mommy]

Thanks all. Sorry, I was at Interbike. I left on Monday morning, so not much TE time.
I'll add my photo's on my photobucket site at some point. Funny thing is I really don't LOOK like I have lost 20 lbs. But really I have! And the baggy lycra was proof!