Bridge City Duathlon Race Report

My first duathlon is in the books! I had no expectations for this race as I have never done a duathlon before. Coach Justin, of course, said he would like to see my first 3km run done in 5minute kms, the bike will be what it is, and the second 3km run again, in 5 minute kms.

I thought if I could do the bike ride in 45 minutes (20km) I would be super happy with that. I had no idea. I was sure my biking has improved from being on the trainer all winter, but I seriously had no idea what to expect.

Day started out kind of cool and foggy. Was at the race site super early as I was in charge of the food table and wanted to get that set up and wrestle someone into helping out while I was actually racing...cause I think we all know, I was NOT going to be the first one in!! Found the race director and asked for sure, how many entries...had a small panic attack as I was worried we did not have enough for everyone. So made a quick trip to T-Ho's for some donuts...too bad I missed Jen's phone call as there was an order in for coffee as well. Got back, got my bike set up and stood around and chatted and giggled and told goofy tri-stories for a long while. Was great to see how organized everyone was as this race was thrown together in 3 weeks and the entries were really down from previous years. The fog was clearing and the sun was coming out and it was going to be a beautiful day!

The first 3km run went really well. Did my 5 min/km pace dead on. Wasn't easy, but wasn't impossible either. Had a fun time out there listening to these two dudes behind me chit chat about girls...awwww to be young again!

Transition was slow. My bike got caught on the bike beside and had to untangle them. Lost my jacket and gloves as it was getting warm, warm, warm. Started the bike ride and felt really good! I was shocked at how easy it was!! Shocked. I had no issues at all. Kept my HR in the range, pedalled and pedalled, took in some drink, cheered for some of the Just Tri It ladies as they came by...it was steady, I was getting kind of bored...I know!! That sounds awful but it felt like I was not trying all that hard...After it was done, I was a wee bit dissappointed in myself as I could have put ALOT of more effort into that bike ride. My 20km split was 40 minutes and change...so blew my expectation out of the water!!!

The run was tough going out as it was super windy. As in SUPER windy. And gusty. The first half of the run was okay but not great, felt super slow. After the turn around I found my legs and felt like I could have ran all day...I was actually disappointed the 3km was done!! I was starting to catch someone and just ran out of path...the second 3km was done in round 16 min so a bit off my pace but I could feel myself getting stronger so maybe if I had another 5km to go??

Thanks so much for Jen for coming out and sharing a few good laughs before the race!! We always seem to get going and get the group going and my gut hurts from laughing. And thanks to Chuck for holding my keys and lip gloss for my race and watching the food table while I was on the course!