So I ran the Tinman Sprint and based on my experience with triathlons, this one did not have a heart.
Most of the Sprints I was looking at were 500m swim, 20K bike and 5K run, only after I registered and started doing some research on this race did I learn that it would be almost 1K, 30K and 10K. I couldn't click my pink running shoes and end up at home so buttercup had to suck it up.
So we headed down the road, across the border to Tupper Lake. I had the jitters earlier in the week, so it was a long drive for me even though it really is only 2+ hours away. Found our way to pick up my kit, get numbered and handed out my dinner ticket to someone else so that they could enjoy the pasta dinner as my hubby and I were heading out to Lake Placid for the night, and someone can always save 12 bones!
We got up early (5am) and headed down the road for the 45 minute drive. We chose to stay this far away so I could get my head into doing the distance on the bike. We talked about timing and my fear of open road biking and how to get through it all. I haven’t trained much since going from working in an office to working in retail on my feet all day – tough for an old broad of my age, but not an excuse to not run the race.
So we get to the Municipal Park, it’s damp wet and swampy like conditions and I say a little prayer for no thunder or lightning. I get the bike out of the SUV, then check out Placid Planet to make sure my bike is good to go. I was a little panicky about the tires – 2 flats in 3 rides! I get to transition zone a little late, and the people around me have left me limited space. So by now I start making mental notes. Get there early enough to put your stuff out. I left it all organized in my bag, and covered for protection from the wet weather.
I was worried about the water being cold, so when it came time to warm up, I opted to stretch it out instead of swim. Off went the horn and in we went. It was warm and awesome water. I figured I would do the almost 1K in 30 minutes. I started at the back of the pack, remembered what Geordie told us last year about how to enter the water, and then I went into old swim habit, and quickly remembered Coach Sean’s teachings. Follow through with the stroke, don’t rush and breathe every three strokes. I had some trouble remembering not to sight every stroke, but I managed to pull off a 28+ finish. Another mental note I make, thank Geordie for the contact and buoy training (THANKS GEORDIE!)
The transition was long. It took me some time to get out of my wet suit, into my OTC onesie, and get my bike ready to go. You may or may not know, but I fear the bike and the open road, so I really have to self talk myself to getting out there and to enjoy the ride and scenery. A hilly ride is even more petrifying. After 6+ minutes I get out (I realize at this point I really do need to get proper pedals and shoes) and head on the open road and try not to think of the daunting terrain up ahead. I figured I was going to walk at least 4 uphills and I did. I tried mantras, and singing and talking to myself, sadly every time a car went past me I would freeze and slow down, so I just pedalled or walked on. Got a few OTC shout outs on the route and words of encouragement from Les Chickens! It was wet for about 50% of the ride and I managed to survive without a flat. Another mental note - when it rains, there is a stronger likelihood that a flat will occur - I learned this this morning just before jumping in the water. I was never so happy to have someone tell me I had to slow down and get off the bike in 10 feet. I didn't even wait 10 feet, I slowed down and jumped off. Another THANK YOU GEORDIE - the bicycle clinic lessons worked for me, positioning when braking, going around corners, and what your bike can take as a ride over, like a branch!
I hit transition, decided not to put my socks on, got my belt and water, buff and sunglasses and headed out. It took me 5+ minutes to get out and I had to head back for my bib. I was not impressed with the having to run across soaking wet grass twice. I walked and ran off and on. I was alone for quite some time on the road and spent a lot of time loving the scenery and trying hard not to focus on the oncoming traffic. On the way back, I see a few OTC members who cheer me on. I am reminded of why I love this sport, no matter where you are in the pack; people are always there to support you. I finished, happy to be finished and disappointed that I had such a hard time. The positive I came back home with is that while I did this on limited (to no) training, if I actually train I can do better.
We are already planning our HIM (Half Iron Man 70.3) for the Spring of 2014, I may consider the Tin Man HIM to go out with the OTC next year, heck I did 1/4 of the IM!
