I raced my first duathlon yesterday. I placed 3rd in my age division, I was extremely shocked and very happy! I finished in 1:14:32, my transitions were slow, but I have a lot to learn still about them. To say transition area is controlled chaos is an understatement. I’m not usually one to have anxiety or panic attacks, but the minute I arrived on scene, I wanted to turn around and drive home. I was so far out of my comfort zone and I was alone. I just couldn’t make Taylor wake Sophie up at 6am to come watch me, so I told them to stay in bed.
Thankfully, I wasn’t the only beginner there and this helped me feel a little better. I had originally signed up for the triathlon, but found it extremely hard to open water swim because of my husband’s unpredictable schedule and not really having someone to watch Sophie. So a few weeks ago I switched to the duathlon part. I was so grateful after arriving that I had made that decision. My transition times were slow, I can’t imagine throwing in swim gear to the mix.
My wave started at 6:45 with a one mile run. I ran it in 7:55, my goal was under 8:00 minutes, so I made it. Next was a 10 mile bike, I did it in 34, the wind was rough and my poor legs felt that 10 mile run the day before. I have to say the hardest part of the whole race was dismounting my bike and having to run in to transition area in bike cleats, with jello legs. I’m sure I looked like a complete idiot. I managed to get my bike racked and change back in to running shoes, grab my iPod and head out in about 2:00 minutes, see slow? The run was supposed to be a 5K…but it was really 3.45, I did it in 27 minutes. I was shooting for under 9 minute pace, so I also made that. It was a repeat loop, which I wasn’t thrilled about, but it wasn’t as boring as I had thought it would be. The music definitely helped. I was a little surprised it took 27 minutes because it did feel faster, which I was happy for at the end! Overall, I told myself I wanted to finish in 1:15 and I made it, so I’m very happy with the race.
I found out last night about placing in my age division, which topped off the whole experience.
After experiencing transitions, I’m even more terrified of racing in a triathlon. I’m looking at an all-female Tri in August that looks like a lot of fun. I know I just have to make myself face my fear and do it.
So after my marathon in a few short weeks. I hope to keep training for this Tri in August and end my year doing the SuperFrog, which is a half-Ironman distance Tri that was started for Navy Seals. I know it’s a lot to work towards, but it keeps me motivated and I reallllly want it.
Can’t wait to race again!!
