Survived another Oly...

[alpinerabbit]

So this was me&my OH's first race this year. Last year we did the short version which was 500 swim, then the same flattish 40K round a lake loop, then 5K; this year we went for the Oly.

Since my shoulder had been acting up ever since new year's I have not been swimming more than 1.5 k or more than 1x/wk. Had 2 wetsuit swims in me. One of which was obviously with arms not pulled up enough because it felt tough.
Biking, I knew I was fine, I have more km than last year at this time.
Running, I've done 11-12k (mapped) regularly since Feb, but maybe less than once a week with about one more run weekly, since coming back from injury.
So we were a little nervous but not terribly, because the bike was flatter than my first where I suffered through the 10k, and knowing I was in a better place there as well. A bit apprehensive about the swim but resolved to just let that half hour happen.

So the men went first and DBF/OH stands in the back to the right, not aware that the pack would actually take off towards the right, which means he was not really standing in the back. The washing machine takes off and he later told me his goggles were knocked off, but he was fine.

10mins later it was our turn and after the initial finding of my place among freestylers I started thinking "I'm enjoying myself!".
Swim was over in due time, awkward transition because I still needed to put on a jersey.
Bike was uneventful and very enjoyable, although HR high, it took me the first 15K until I had it back to 160, then it stayed at around 165. got passed by about 10 people. Oh well. This course is fast so the competitive people come in numbers!

Run - I took it slow after T2 so luckily, I never got this horrible slump after 0.5-1k where I ask myself why I am doing it - it was ok and at a steady pace until about 7k when I started to be a bit strained. HR between 175 and 178...
Anyway I made it without losing my composure compared to last year...

Average HR: 171. Again ?!?
-------------------------------------------------------------
AG35-44 31/38; overall 87/97 (a competitive field, wow! Oly is another animal....)

2:46.45
swim 29.10 21.
bike 1:18.56 30. (includes T1; I was 6 minutes over last year but I had to hold back a bit for the longer run...; overall I was passed by 20 women... (also lost some time in transition)!)
run 58.38 34. (includes T2)

quite happy with the swim&run and the overall composure.

DBF had 25 something on the swim - a huge improvement. Wondering if the distance was off but we doubt it.


The next one has three loops with a killer hill and it is in 4 weeks. Have to go and do hill reps now 1-2x/week...!!

(mind you, the final 300m...)

[Urlea]

Well done ALPINE!!! Woohoo!!!

I know what you mean about Oly's being "another animal". I felt that way during my HIM Saturday. Everyone was very competitive & focused on speed.

Glad you were able to enjoy your race during it, that is an awesome experience!

Have a happy recovery!

[colby]

I like your pictures. You look focused - and that last one you look focused on FINISHING.

Congrats!

[Iris616]

Congrats! I'm impressed you stuck with it, even with an injury!
It sounds like a really competetive crowd.

[alpinerabbit]

Yeah I know why the field was so fast: the short race is also a 40K bike leg but with a normal 500 swim and 5K run. So someone who is not really fast might prefer the short.
So all the other slowish cyclists were in the other race :-) (i don't care, I had 10 ppl behind me when my usual goal is to not be last)


Other events, if you wanna do a 40K bike because the 20 is not "tough enough for you", you have to do the Oly.

[spindizzy]

Nice work Alpine! Olys are competitive and your age group is likely more competitive. You kept it under control and finished strong. I think you did fantastic!!!

[fidlfreek]

Wow Alpine! I'm so so impressed by those numbers. Especially the swim time! You're a fast fishie!

[Tri Girl]

wow- not only did you survive- you THRIVED! Your time smokes my best oly time. Congrats on a great race!!!

[tribogota]

wow 2:46 and 87/97 that is an extremely competitve field, wow!