It Only Gets Better

2011 Splash & Dash Weekend Series - 1 Mile Swim/3 Mile Run Race

This was a well organized training race with 1 mile swim, 1 mile swim + 3 mile run, 2 mile swim, and 2 mile swim + 6 mile run options. I chose the 1 mile swim + 3 mile run option for more OW swim practice to improve my sighting and more practice at bricks. I hadn't tappered for this race and I ran Shelby at the agility show the day before. My legs were already tired.

There was no age or gender separation for either group -- all the 2 milers lumped together and all the 1 milers lumped together. The 2 milers went first and we went 10 minutes later. I thought maybe I could hang on to the feet of one of 1 miler guys but, as the horn sounded, the bodies crushed together and the negative voice in my head was screaming. By the time it cleared up there was no one near me -- they were far to the left or far to the right. I was going to have to do this on my own.

As I got to the first turn buoy, I finally found my rythmn and the negative voice in my head shut up. From then on, it was stroke, glide, stroke, glide, sight, rinse and repeat. I got to the boat dock and click my Garmin marking the entry into transition. However, it seemed like I hadn't clicked it hard enough so I clicked again. My transition was 2:15 which is the fastest I've done yet.

As I left for the run, I clicked my Garmin again and that was it for the timing on the Garmin. I had planned to try to go hard on this and was doing fine early on. And then, the heat got me. I hate heat. 75 is hot for a run - no, don't argue with me - it's hot. I managed to get to the turn around point and some where out at mile 2, I heard a very friendly voice - "Good job runner", "Good job team <>", etc. She kept going and when she finally passed me, I decided to keep her in sight. As the finish line came into view, we exchanged encouragement and went on the attack -- ok, SHE went on the attack. I just got it done.

I ended up 5th in my AG! Solidly in the middle of my age group which is where I'm shooting for this year. It's all good.