What a great familyfirsttri weekend. We got to spend the weekend with our family and friends at a cabin on the beach! Oh and we also did a triathlon!
Despite one being sick we had a good time on Saturday! I went off to explore the bike course for the race while the family got beach time with friends!
Race morning was all wind and rain. I actually enjoyed the weather conditions because it provided a unique challenge and an opportunity to experience these challenges in fun low pressure race.
Swim- Beach run-in start! I love this style of starting, so much fun! Even though the swim was short(800m) the rain, wind, waves and long beach run up to Transition made the swim pretty challenging for a sprint triathlon. I exited the swim a few seconds behind 2 younger athletes that started in a wave 1min ahead of me. So I was virtually leading the race but not physically. I enjoyed being in this position, it gave me a tangible and visible goal out in front while still having the positive mindset of knowing I was leading the race.
The Bike - The rain and wind bared down on us through out the short 20km bike. The bike was a 2 loop out and back course with the "out" straight into the headwind and the "back" with a flying tailwind. I was able take over the lead on the first out section of the bike course.
This is what a windy bike course does to your average speed.
It was a real love/hate bike. Going out against the wind was a tough mental and physical grind, and coming back with the wind was fun making you feel superhuman! By the end of the bike I had built up a sizeable advantage on the rest of the field.
The Run- Fresh off an injury, I decided to test the ankle for about 2km then shut it down. The ankle responded well with 2km at 3:50 pace. I comfortably ran the last 3km and crossed the line feeling good :).
One major thing I will take away from this triathlon is; the more friends you race with the more fun you have!