She Rocks Sprint Triathlon
The race: ½ mile swim, 10.7 mile ride, 3 mile run
The field: 206 entrants, all women and first-time friendly—probably 1/3 were first timers. More of the first timers did the mini-sprint.
The weather: Very pleasant, not too hot and the water was fairly warm.
Pre-race: Stomach has been in a knot for days and this morning was no exception. Not surprising, and expected that it would calm down once race was underway--except it never did! DH drove us down and we got there in plenty of time to setup and hang around til race start. I was in wave 3. To wetsuit, or not to wetsuit, that is the question. Even though the temp was warm, I did and was probably glad for it, but can’t tell you why!
Swim: We were off and I have to say, the swim was every bit as bad—worse—than I thought it would be. No problems with getting kicked, and started off feeling not too bad—that’s positive. Now for the negative: felt like I was being tossed around like a rag doll. Probably swam off course-ish, it was SO choppy! And this was supposed to be calm, so I hate to see what other races are like. Did my best with sighting and just trying to keep moving forward, although at times I felt like I wasn’t actually going anywhere. Turned to come back and realized that the buoys seemed all wrong—apparently they had drifted. Saw a couple of people heading in what I thought was the wrong direction and decided to “just head for the shore”. I figure if I was going somewhere I shouldn’t. someone would tell me. Got closer to the shore and had a “Twilight Zone” moment. I was swimming, but the shore wasn’t getting closer! Finally dragged myself out and headed to transition, which was probably 1-1:30 minutes away and where the mat was.
Swim time: 24:16 (including long run in to transition)
T1: No problems—in and out reasonably quickly 1:42
Bike: Headed out and tried to keep up a good strong cadence. Choked down a gel because I figured I would need some energy. Stomach was still tense. Ride was fairly uneventful—passed a few, got passed by a few. Somewhat rolling terrain, why are the hills always at the end!
Bike time: 38:03 (16.9 mph) Not too bad for me.
T2: Mostly uneventful, except my race number elastic broke and I was running out trying to tie it (Only had to wear the number on the run) Was somewhat distracted as I left and went where they told me. 1:45
Run: I figured I would do the best in the run, so when I started out I was a little freaked. No leg problems—I seem to do the BRIC thing okay. I just felt pooped! The run was 2/3 trail and 1/3 road. The trail had several hills-seemed steep to me, and I walked ‘em, I am not ashamed to say. Just tried not to panic and keep moving, and eventually felt okay, but figured my pace wasn’t stellar. Hit the road at the 2 mile mark and was glad to feel pavement under my feet. And, of course, had to have one last uphill! Felt fairly strong finishing and was glad to be done!
Run: 24:45 (8:15)
Overall time: 1:30:29 Good for second in my age group, although while I was there they posted the results and I showed first, and got announced as such. Came home and now that the results are posted I am second—no problem—the 1st place person was about 9 minutes ahead of me!
Post-race: Since my stomach was still tense, I kept to liquids, but they had good food—pizza, bagels, really nice cookies, oranges, bananas, various drinks.
Conclusion: Well, I did what I set out to do—finish a tri. It was a lot harder than—what—I thought it would be? Time to go on vacation, relax and contemplate the future……..
Maura
GO! WISH Team GO! 
Yep, 500+ people using train station bathroom (1 mens, 1 ladies) or running over to the fire station (1 ladies, 3-4 mens). Got tech shirt instead of t-shirt this year. Food and volunteers all great.
