Just back from a WDW vacation after the race, but I do apologize for the delay.
Pre-race - We had to check in our bikes the day before, and I got to see a preview of the TOT medal during the expo. It is REALLY cool.
Race Day - I woke up very calm, which is unusual for me. Drug DH out of bed, so he could drive me over to Fort Wilderness for the race. I really took my time setting up my stuff, and I felt really good as I made my way over to the start.
Swim 31:05 (10/68 in AG) I promised DH that I would wear nose clips since there was an amoeba warning for Orlando lakes. I was pleased at the wide beach for the start, so there was minimal kicking and beating. I struggled with nose clips for about the first 1/3, and I then had to ditch them. I knew that drowning would be a certain death and I decided to chance death by amoeba. I didnt get my rhythm until 2/3 the way through, and I was a little disappointed in my swim time. In practice, I was consistently making it in 27 min.
T1 I had no problems with T1, found my bike easily, and downed some Gatorade, and headed out
Bike 2:11:25 (30/68 in AG) I really struggle with the bike, so this was an awesome time for me. It was demoralizing to be passed so much at the beginning, but I settled down and found a great pace, it was fast and comfortable. I felt like I had just started when I passed the 10 mile sign. The hills were small, and I flew over them. My goal time for the bike was under 2:25 and it was just amazing to finish as quickly as I did. Really, Really, Really happy with the bike.
T2 I hurt a little getting off the bike, but T2 went fairly well too.
Run 79:52 (41/68 in AG) On the surface, this is a disappointing run time for me. My goal was under 66 minutes, and 80 minutes seems so slow. But I gave 100% on the run, so no disappointments. The first mile was great; I had a 9:30 pace, and felt good. Then I hit the long section with no shade, oppressive heat, and 98% humidity. I started getting early symptoms of heat exhaustion; I was getting chill bumps, and started getting cold, so I walked until the next water stop, downed the water, dumped the water on my head, and started running until I got the chill bumps again. So it was run, heat exhaustion, walk, water, repeat. But I managed to finish the race, and I didnt end up in the med tent so it was a success. It was so great to bump into Matt, having someone to chat with helped get through a bad run! My babies, DH and mom were all at the finish line and it was great to know they were there. I got my medal!
Total time 4:10:32 28/68 in AG
The only regret that I have about the whole thing, was my prideful refusal to sign up in the Athena group (Instead of AG, it is a group for athletes over 150 lbs.) If I had signed up Athena which I do fit in I would have finished 3 rd in the swim, and I would have got hardware. How cool would it have been to have an actual trophy?!!!
Up coming TOT 13K, an indoor Tri in November, and then Im not sure. I need to sit down and plan out my off season and next season.
