Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Mt Rainier Short Course Duathlon


Old Post that never got posted ;)

Yep, that event I did ages ago, I have found some time to write up on it (wilst flying to Hawaii- in June). I signed up for this event race morning, more for a workout and to teach myself a few lessons.

After 6 months off, I started training but could only do near 4 hours a week, as I would be completely exhausted from what-was-so-simple z1 and z2 efforts.  Every workout I would have to weigh in: "Do I have time to take a nap post workout?" If I didn't then I could not train. Every day that consisted of a workout consisted also of a minimum 2 hour nap. 

The good thing is, that my energy is up more these days and I do not feel the same effects from training, so I am gradually able to keep building up!
 

I started out what felt conservative for the first 1.6 mile run.  Holding a pace in the low 7's (progress!). I maybe started the bike in 5th or so, but really didn't care, just knew I had to give it my best.  The bike started out strong and I found myself smiling in my own la-la land just happy to be plugging away at pushing some watts.  I hit Mud Mountain and was able to pass a girl, but this climb was not even close to  as "easy" as I remember it being years ago when I took my bike fitness for granted. 4 miles went on forever but I made it to the top!!  The rest of the ride was sort of lonesome until a screaming descend that had me geared out and the rain plummeting my face adding freckles and dents to my skin as I prayed to make it to the bottom.  Here is when a guy and a speedy chick took lead over me and I was unable to close the gap to come into T2 in 3rd.

The second run HURT and holding high 7's was all I had in me.  2nd place kept a the same distance on me, and I was just happy to keep her in my sights.  In the final mile I knew a girl was closing and it took pure grit to hammer out the last .5 miles to ensure I could take home 3rd place.

This race was fun, hard, and reminded me of everything I miss and love about racing.  It also confirmed that I am not even close to where I need to be to bust out a half ironman. I needed this to ensure I was making the right decision in "not" towing the line at my favorite 70.3 in St Croix.  But someday I will be back there!

3 comments:

LaVonne said...

You WILL be back there someday! I admire you for racing even when you're not in the shape you want to be. But you know you will get stronger from here! Congrats!

Beth said...

YEAH! Great to see you back in action TN!! Won't be long before you are conquering St. Croix and more! :)

Rebecca Kelley said...

You and I will be at the St. Croix swim start island in 2015!