First Tri is in the books!
Well, I have to admit I was not looking forward to the experience . . . a little apprehensive to say the least, but what a fabulous time!
It was a chilly 52 degrees at race start, but the lake temp was 72, so getting in the water was actually welcome. The swim is what I dreaded the most. I truly cannot recall the last time really swam. I took approximately 14 minutes to finish the swim. I was not racing through it at all. I was surprised by the number of people who actually ended up needing help during that stage of the race. The lifeguards out there were absolutely fantastic.
I took my time at the transition between the swim and the bike. Peeled of my wet suit, changes my shirt and put on my shoes, all taking my time. I can see how it really can effect people’s time during this particular transition.
Hopped on the bike – was told it was a rolling course – whatever! We were up and down some serious hills. There was a little rough rode and the wind was very strong. That head wind would slow us down on the downhills. I only saw a max speed of 25 mph. No problem with the transition from bike to run. Racked my bike, grabbed a drink and found my way to the run gate.
The run – the hubby kept telling me I will make up so much time here. My legs have never felt so much like jelly in my life as they did getting off the bike and into the run. It took me a good mile before they felt normal. I felt very slow and it felt like a very long 5k. Overall, this portion of the race took me a little over 26 minutes. Not a PR for a run by any means, but I was surprised. I was surprised by the number of people I actually passed on the run since I felt so slow. All this on a trail run.
It was a fabulous time. I would absolutely do it again and recommend it to anyone
Home Town 5k
Last Saturday, June 16th, we had a hometown 5k road race. 95 participants in all. Although I did not run my fastest 5k, I ran faster than any other woman who participated. I posted a 7:07 average minute mile to come in at 22:09. Not only was I the first place “townie” woman finisher, I was the top woman overall. I won my first race, including two prizes.
We are running another local race next Saturday in the neighboring town. It will be fun to see how we fair in that one . . . a 5.25 miler.
Continuing to increase average speeds in races. Ran a 10k on June 9th . . . averaged a 7:25. That was the first post Redhook race where I posted my PR in the 5k at 6:58 minute miles.
Soon – training will begin for the marathon!!
First Triathlon
The Eastman Splash Mash and Dash is tomorrow. My first triathlon. I am a little nervous . . . I have not trained at all for swimming . . . got back on a bike for the first time last week and rode only 4 miles . . . running . . . not a problem, but will it be after swimming 1/3 of a mile, followed by a 12 mile trek on the bike? I think the 5k tomorrow will be a very LONG 5k to me!
It will be a fun time for the hubby and me . . . and most certainly a challenge. I am not looking forward to how I am sure I will feel on Sunday. I bet I will be re-introduced to muscles I forgot I have.
I will post results.
Training Continues
Sorry for the lack of updates. It has been a bit busy since the Great Bay Half. Since the race I have officially passed my one year anniversary of running. Huge accomplishment that I have stuck with this. Never thought it would happen. YAHOO!
Mid-May, I ran the Big Lake Half Marathon. That was my 4th Half in 6 months. Challenging course and gorgeous weather. Ran a great 8 minute mile, putting me in 10th place for females in my age group. Talk about exciting . . . at least to me. 
The Seacoast Road Race Series has begun and I will be participating for the second year in a row. Now I will have the opportunity to compare race results for races I ran last year. The series began with the Red Hook/Runner’s Alley 5k on Memorial Day weekend. I saw the most fantastic results in my running to date – posting a 6:58 minute mile. The attached pic is from the race.
Today, I ran the Market Square Day 10k – the second race in the series. I posted a 7:25 minute mile in this race and placed 19th in my division. I was the 45th female finisher overall. Total field of runners finishing the race was 1393. I came in just over 46 minutes. Considering last year’s 10k’s were above the 50 minute mark, I was pleased.
Marathon Training will begin in July for the Manchester Marathon on November 4th. I have also asked the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation to apply as a Race Charity for the Boston Marathon. Keep your fingers crossed that they are accepted. All applications receive a response by September 5th, so I will keep the site updated in the results there. Here’s hoping that I will have another opportunity to raise money for the foundation!
In upcoming posts, I will share some details around plans for training through the summer to get me to marathon condition. Anyone out there who has trained and participated in a marathon? Share your learnings with me!
Anyone can become a runner – I am proof of that!
Gotta run!