Two Sundays ago was the Dash 5K and Doggie Run. I did the doggy run with Riley then did the
Dash 5K. Carol also did the doggy run with Tessie followed by the 5K. We both
wore our rabbit tops and our ears. The announcer called us ‘Babs Bunny and her
sister’ - that’s a new one! The doggy mile was a half mile downhill, turn
around, then a half mile uphill. I was too slow for Riley and seriously held
her back! And I ended up going faster than planned as this was to be my warm-up
for the 5K. Carol and Tessie were right behind me. After a short break (less
than 30 minutes) we lined up for the 5K. This was an out-and-back using that
same hill from the doggy dash! My goal was to run it all and run the uphill as
best I could!
This had a very laid back start and was not even chip timed.
It took a little while to get in a groove but I did manage to find it going
down the hill and managed to pass some folks. After the hill we turned onto a
street (Beach Drive) and here it seemed like it was going slightly downhill to
the turnaround. Which would mean it would be like a false flat headed back. It
felt like it took a long time to get back to the turn for the uphill section,
which I was really looking forward to! Anyway, finally made it there and really
slowed a lot but managed to ‘run’ the entire hill. When it finally leveled out
I was able to sprint to the finish. Well sort of! Carol was again right behind
me! Rabbits Rock!! My friend Lisa was doing her very first 5k and we were able
to cheer her in. Carol and given her a pep talk which had really helped keep
her motivated towards the end. It was AUsome! Lisa has now signed up for two
more 5ks! Yeah!!
Final: 26:56 7th female, 17th overall
(I was really happy with my finish time! My 5K from 10/13 was a lot more flat
and I finished in a time of 26:37)
Yesterday I participated in my first duathlon – the Tri It
Now Du It Duathlon an (approximate) 1.5 mile run/8 mile bike/1.5 mile run! (I’m pretty sure the
distances were short.)
I went to packet pick up on Saturday afternoon, mainly so
I’d know where to go on race (what race?) morning. Things went super smoothly
and they would be distributing the chips on race morning. I’ve done numerous
triathlons in the past 12 years but this was my first duathlon. I was really
nervous! But nervous energy is good!
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Race morning I arrived timely and transition was open! There
were these cool little 4-bike racks, first come-first served. I got one near
the side that the bike and run exits/entrances were on. I set up transition –
which looked a little – empty! I had my bike helmet and bike shoes and that’s
it! Other than my warm-ups, which I took off just before transition closed.
Run 1: 11:56
Since it was such a small race we all started in one wave,
and we all walked to the start line together. I was still wearing my run jacket
as it was a bit chilly. I knew I’d warm up though. The start was super laid
back, the race director just said, “On your mark, get set, go!” And we were
off! The run was somewhat an out and back course that was mainly on a flat-ish
trail, once we got off the street. There
was also a ‘boardwalk’ through the trail. Different! Anyway, I wasn't sure
where I was in the pack but it was fun to see people coming and going! Got into
transition and first put on my helmet, then stripped my jacket off, then put on
my shoes. Probably one of my fastest transitions ever! I walked my bike to the mount
line and was off!
Bike: 25:38
The bike was basically a two loop course with the exception
of a small part at the start and a smaller part at the finish. It kind of
reminded me of the DC Triathlon from 2010 as there were several U-turns on each loop! It
was a ‘flat’ course but I felt some definite ‘false flat’ out there! And before
I knew it, it was over! On to what I’m sure was my fastest transition. Ever.
Run 2: 12:19
OK, the second run leg was mostly the same as the first, in
reverse, with the exception of the last part (which was the first part of the
first leg). Are you confused? I was when trying to read the directions! Anyway,
all I can say is…wow. This was so hard! When I first started running my calves
were cramping. My legs felt like beyond lead. It was harder than any run in a
swim-bike-run that I have done. I felt like I was slogging along. Holy crap. Not
long after I got onto the trail I started seeing the first people on the
return. As I was getting close to the turn-around I saw two women on the
return. Was it possible I was that far in front? After the turn around I had a
little bit of downhill on the run – that felt so good. I plugged along till I
got off the trail and felt even better once I hit the pavement and sidewalk. I
could see the finish and tried to push it. I did not see my time when I finished
and I had messed up my watch. I guess because everything was happening too
fast. Haha
I chatted with a few finishers after and enjoyed some snacks. After everyone finished they had the awards ceremony. After a little mix up, it turns out - amazingly enough - I was the third female overall! The award in the picture says second, but the actual second place female accidentally went home with the third place award (due to the mix-up mentioned above). Anyway, all in all a really nice surprise! And what a welcome to duathlon!!
Final: 49:52 3rd overall female; 18th overall
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I’m not sure what my transition times were, but definitely
quicker than any triathlon I have ever done. Now if I could only get this quick
on the tri… And as hard as the second run was, there is something to be said to
a lot less ‘stuff’. I would definitely du this again!
So, in summary…I’ve done three small races in the past
month. In each of these races I broke the top 20. That is just crazy! I was 14th
overall in Charlotte and 17th and 18th in the last two.
Small races ARE the bomb!
Next Up: Virginia Run Turkey Trot
Happy and Healthy Training!
