A quick recap before yesterday’s “glories” slip away…
Yesterday was my last triathlon of my 30s. Next year, I will compete in the Masters category. As we all know, it is better to burn out than fade away, so I knew I had to make this one count. But to be honest, it wasn’t easy. It had rained all day Saturday, so the wet pavement and its dangers were a given going into the dark, cold race morning. I was cranky about the early start time (who starts a race at 7 am on the last day of summer?) and feeling a bit more “full turtle” than “full bunny” as I made my way to the registration tent.
(Note to reader that Karin signed up for the elite wave but an error was made in registration) I racked my bike in the low 900s and tried to convince myself of the benefits of “stealth”…I don’t enjoy flying blind and was a little rattled. That said, there is something weirdly motivating about coming from behind and surprising the competition. I knew at least two women in my age group were in that first wave. I started in the fifth wave. Mercifully, the waves were staged at 5 minute intervals, so I did not catch anyone from the previous group until just after the first turn buoy. After making the turn, I looked over my shoulder and realized I had put some solid distance into the rest of my wave. The water was really smooth, despite the traffic.
I entered T1 feeling really strong. My “three sprints in a row” training strategy seemed to be working out. I was off onto the bike fairly quickly, though it was awkward riding on the left side of the road per the course markings. I also had a heck of a time getting my right pedal to click in. I kept worrying that there was grass or some other junk stuck in my shoe, but just in time for the first hill I heard the telltale click and all was well.
I love the Kirkland bike course….sometimes I think I’m more mountain goat than mermaid…those hard hills with steep descents are fun! I had one near wipe out on a wet corner in mile 7 or so, but other than that I hadn’t a single worry. I headed happily into T2 and out onto the run. The run course had changed since I last raced at Kirkland (2004) so I was a little perplexed when we headed left instead of right at 520, and did this weird little maze through an office parking lot. I felt strong on the run and was happy clocking 22 minutes and change (I think the course was shy of a 5 K).
In the end, stealth was my friend – I finished at the top of my age group and 7th overall.
After passing through the finishing zone, I spotted Brad looking strong as he headed out onto the run. And I thought I had it bad racing from the middle of the pack!!
It was great to see Brad finish first in his age group as well. The RTB representation was small but powerful, with Luis cycling in a relay and at least one other team mate on the field. Let’s make a bigger splash there next year. Hills make you strong!!
