Fully loaded bike, with new hot pink wheel rims!
We made it to Millheim's Elk Creek Cafe, where we had a formidable dinner. I had the burger and fries, and hubby had two salads...We then went to our B&B and had a great night's sleep.
Meal Extraordinaire
The next morning (Saturday) I got up early and went to the pool where the tri was held. I was seeded #10 with a 4:35 estimated 300 yards. It turned out we were not allowed to flip turn, and since I had not been in the pool in quite a few weeks, I was worried that the 20 seconds head start I had on #11 would not be enough. Fortunately, I held #11 at bay, and we both passed #9. My swim time including run to transition was 4:55:90, good for 9th swim overall...
I spent way too long in transition (times are included in the bike portion) trying to figure out what to wear, whether to put the Garmin on or not, start the Garmin and stuff my phone in my wet jersey pocket. I thought I HAD to wear my race number and had forgotten my race belt, so I put the number on a t-shirt and ended up putting the cotton t-shirt over my wet tri-top. Very silly... Also, we were asked to carry cellphones, and trying to stuff the phone in a wet tri top took forever...
The bike... Bike went really really fast. I was on a roll, and kept on passing people. I also had new wheels (with pink rims) so I felt I SHOULD go fast, to honor the wheel made especially for me by Justin at Freeze Thaw. And I did. The bike was done in no-time. My total time (for 16 miles including transitions) was 54:24:80, 29th bike split overall.
Yeah! The finish line is in sight!
The run... That was BAD. After not running for a while, totally overdoing it on the bike, over-dressing (2 t-shirts in 25C+) and starting too fast on an uphill, I TOTALLY BLEW UP. So I decided there was no shaming in walking and waved at all the good people that passed me while I was taking a leisurely stroll.Run time: 36:01:40! 46th run split overall...
Now customary finish picture...
Total time: 1:35:22:10, good for 35th overall, 7th woman, and 1st in Women 30-34 (out of 3...). So I got a cute medal and a beer mug... I was also quoted in the local newspaper... Not my best line...
Afterwards, we packed up and rode the 25 miles or so back to State College, with a massive lunch stop in the middle.
Getting ready to head back...
I would like to thank wonderful wubby for organizing such a cool trip and taking loads of pictures!!!
Isn't he cute?
What did I learn:
I need to prepare better so I can transition faster and not end up overdressing. Forget the Garmin!
I also need to pace myself on the bike so I do not blow up on the run, adrenaline only gets you this far.
Feedback on the race:
The organization was absolutely excellent. There were many volunteers to help on the road, and they cheered like crazy. The bike route was absolutely gorgeous and the run route was fun.
Next up:
Happy Valley Sprint Tri on Saturday (I am number #165).
I aways screw up the garmin piece. I either forget to start it stop it etc...I am going to probably just ignore it as well. Congrats on the place!!!!!
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