Getting my Stuff Together

So after a month of whoa is me stuff, I have managed to get two triathlons under my belt. After the 70.3, I was and still am pretty disappointed in my results. The only way to get over it is to really get back on the bike and move forward.

I decided at 5:00 pm on the Friday before the Early Bird Try a Tri. Just to get back into the swing of things and to see if I actually wanted to continue with triathlon training or stick to running. It was a short swim, short bike and a short run but a start. Geordie made a very valid point, I am now Ironman educated. I have a better understanding of what I really need to do to get the results I want.

I left my bib in the car, so had to go back and get that, then got to the pool and realized I left the timing chip in the bike bag, so had to run back, get the chip and run back to the pool. Pushed hard in the pool, walked my way back to the transition, saw Jill and Dean. More or less lollygagged as I was dreading the bike ride.  Turns out it wasn’t so bad, put on my new Netwons, went for a run on grass that was soft, mushy and uneven. I didn’t leave everything on the course, I just wanted to get out and do it!

Crossing the finish line with the OTC tent there and some chocolate milk, was great. The OTC team is supportive and I came away feeling better about getting back on track.

Earlier this week, Jill texts me Perth Tri this weekend? I figure she is in, so I go ahead and register. 500 m swim, 18k bike ride and a 3k run, not too shabby. I text back to see if Jill wants to car pool and turns out she’s not registered. She does do it finally which is awesome. We head out on the road today, talk about the April race. We have no idea what the Perth Pool Triathlon has to offer except a potluck afterwards.

 

We get checked in – no bibs and for the first time they have timing chips. The pool swim is interesting for me, I like the two people per lane, however I said 20 minutes for the swim, and that was the wave I was in, after 10 minutes there was only two people left in the pool, me and one other lady. I lost count in between 7 and 9 so when I thought I was done 10, out I went. Didn’t lollygag too much in the transition, just wanted to feel comfortable before getting on the bike. Believe it or not, I actually enjoyed the bike ride, except for a few bumpy spots, run was okay. I walked/jogged the 3k in my newtons, but wore the wrong socks.

I haven’t done much training (read between the lines – almost none to even less)

Post-race thoughts – get a massage right after, must say have done it twice and feel awesome afterwards. I am definitely looking forward to getting back on track, training to be faster, stronger and get through the mental stuff (and stuff is all it is). I may or may not do this race again. The post-race atmosphere is great, prizes are awarded in food and anything not handed out is free to those who wish to take stuff back with them.

 

I had another fun race and it was great to see other OTC folks on the course. 

Again Jill, thanks for getting me out there!