First, I have to start out saying how much I like this race and the organizers of this race. They organize a few other very friendly low-key triathlons and running events in the San Antonio area and are expanding to Phoenix. The events are in great locations with spas or downtown with great scenery. They also have great swag ... and what other reason is there to race than for the swag? They actually seem to get it.
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| I kind of felt like this |
The week leading to this race was rough. I wasn't sure I was going to race. Plans changed from one day to the next. I registered for this race on my own months ago and convinced a friend to register, too. By the time we were both committed, the Hyatt Lost Pines was sold out so we found a reservation at a nearby hotel. Just for one night. The race organizers are pretty accommodating and helpful when women have issues. So ... I asked around to see if someone might want my race entry IF I was unable to go. Figured if I couldn't go, I would ask the organizers if I could transfer the entry. My friend, Red (yes, really, there are two of us), decided she just couldn't go. She had a rough week also and had too much going on. We never found someone to use our race entries (so we didn't ask to transfer) and reservations. I decided to race. I wasn't really excited about it. I had steroid injections in my hip and back on Thursday. Doc said "normal activities." Me: "Can I run a triathlon?" Doc: "Haha. Sure." He may not have though I was serious, but he didn't say "no." Triathlon is a "normal" activity ... for me. The Musician decided to go up with me so I wouldn't be on my own. As luck would have it, another racer couldn't go and she had to forfeit her reservations. The race organizers posted on Facebook and connected us. Reservations were transferred to me, the other reservations were cancelled, and the Musician and I decided to make a weekend of it. He loves the resort. They allow us to bring our dogs and they like the getaway also.
So, Friday after work ... rushed home to pack and drive to Lost Pines. Had enough time to get checked in and to packet pick-up. I picked up Red's swag, too, because we didn't want it to go to waste. Besides, I wanted that extra mimosa ticket for after the race. But did I tell you they have great swag? I love a shirt that doesn't have a ton of logos on it. And, the women's cut wasn't teeny tiny. I requested a medium because women's cuts often run small. I could have used the small, but I'm loving the loose slouchy feel of a very pretty wicking T. Oh ... Purple is my favorite color, how did they know?
Quick dinner at the resort. The girls got a nice long walk. Set up my gear for morning and set my alarm for super early. Slept well.
The alarm went off at 4 AM and I hopped out of bed. OK, that's a lie. I groaned and thought "I don't have to do this, I already have my swag." I lumbered out of bed and made the Musician walk the dogs. I think he was still asleep and might not remember taking them out. I couldn't find my pony tail holders, so no signature pigtails for me. I only had enough for one pony. Well, at least it wasn't hot. I wear the pigtails to keep the heavy pony off my sweaty neck.The transition follows the sidewalk and is long. I wanted to get to transition early to get a good spot at the Bike Out/In ... and I did. Yea!!! After racking and setting up transition, got my chip and body marked, and back to bed for a nap. Yes, I really did take a nap.
Back to transition for a final check and then to the swim. This year, we gathered in waves and they took us to the swim area in our large waves. I love the division ... Fast, Moderate Fast, something else, and Leisurely. After a prayer (yes, I appreciate a morning prayer), the women racers sang the National Anthem (also a really nice touch) and the swim started. I chatted with really nice women. Lots of first time triathletes, and this is the perfect race. Lots of friend groups and mother-daughter pairs.
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| Look ... I actually do run sometimes. Both feet off the ground |
Swim: Time trial start with one swimmer every few seconds. My turn to swim and it felt good. It's an easy 300-meters around the lazy river, so how did I get lost? I was swimming along following feet, appreciating the draft and then Boom!! No one in front and no one behind ... I took a wrong turn. Got back in the group and then Boom!!! I followed the outside again and took a wrong turn. This time not alone because the girl drafting off of me followed. Sadly, my favorite part of a triathlon ended all too quickly and off to T1. 5:57 by Trusty Garmin. 7:28 by timing chip which included run
T1: I marked T1 as the time I left the water. Race officially marked T1 about 100 meters, or so, further at the entrance to transition. Time difference hardly matters. I still had my usual picnic. For some reason, I was confused about what to do and struggled with my socks. I stopped using a sitting bucket a year or so ago. I could have used it today. 5:25 by Trusty Gamin (included run). 3:28 by timing chip. |
| I love this picture. The blur makes me look fast. But, you can see how beautiful the location is. |
Bike: The Musician and the girls were waiting right by the bike mount line. I kissed them and took off on the bike. I do love my steed. She is a very good steed. It was a fun bike. Sure, there are some rolling hills and sometimes I had to work hard, but not really terrible. A little past the half-way mark it is almost all downhill. It's really pretty and serene. Cows meandering. Roosters crowing in the morning. Legs never burned. Girly bits never got upset. All in all---a good ride. At one point, I could have been pulled over for speeding. Speed limit was 20 mph, bike computer said 28 mph. Short-lived of course, but I'll take it. 42:07, 14.2 mph
T2: Back to transition and another picnic. I looked but never saw the Musician and the girls. Apparently, I was soooo fast that they didn't see me either. Found out later, they were sitting right and I was looking left. 2:08
Run: Anyway, my legs, as always, felt like lead logs at the bottom of my body. Took some time to get into my groove, but about half-way into the two-mile run, I found it. I was going to run-walk my usual, but decided to just run. Even though I felt like I was super slow, it wasn't a whole lot slower than my usual running pace. 24:46, 12:23 min/m
Yea, finish line!!! Got my pretty medal and a bottle of water and headed to transition for my phone. Yep, I did't take it with me on the run. Figured I would be OK on a 2-miler on a golf course. Probably wouldn't melt down and want a ride. Texted the Musician that I was finished. He was worried and thought I had crashed and quit on the bike since he hadn't seen me since bike start. Found him and headed for food. Enjoyed my mimosa ... and Red's mimosa...and a nice spread of fruit and chocolate.  |
| 1:20:10 ... 23/83 in my age group. 307/729 overall. First time EVER I think that I've been in the top half |
One of my former residents, and friends, did the race and posted on Facebook. I had a chance to visit and say "hi." It is interesting how through social media you can learn how much you have in common with people that you might not have suspected.
Spent the rest of the weekend floating in the lazy river, walking the dogs, talking to the Longhorns and Alpacas (who ignored us by the way) and just being relaxed with my family.
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