New Orleans 70.3
It has taken up until today for me to finally decide to post my race report.
Although I did not know Frank Guinn or his brother in law... The horrible tragedy that occurred the Friday before the event truly
Set the stage for a different thought process for me on race day.
I am always the first express how blessed I am to be at each event.. To be healthy, surrounded by family, friends, and amazing athletes.
That being said..
I was in the 15th heat of 15.. So there was a lot of time to really speak to all surrounding me and my friends. So many were there for their first.. I was so excited for them. As I walked down the pier, I saw Frank's widow.. Smiling and unbelievably excited for us. I knew at that moment that there was NOTHING that would get in my way of having a wonderful day and most important... FUN!
My swim was smooth and consistent. I thoroughly enjoyed being last as I knew I wouldn't get swam over. That was a first! The second turn was a bit hard to see for me.. I was fogging!
The water was a great temp. Not too cold.
As I exited, a nice volunteer helped me out... With a huge smile.
The distance to transition was quite long.. I would say we actually did 70.5.. Ha ha. The swim was done.. And I was excited to get on my bike.
Remember.. I was in the last heat.. So don't laugh as you read this.. At mile 5 the first Pro was coming back in! I had a long ass way to go! I actually laughed out loud and cheered him on... I knew the head winds were coming.. This is the 3rd time I had done this race so I was ready for the NO wind fury.
My speed was around 20mph. I was doing my "should" and not "could" as I promised I would do after my balls to the wall bike at Florida 70.3 the previous year that left me spent!
At mile 20... BAM!! Flat! I laughed! Ok.. I can do this.. I was so thrilled it was my front! The tire was actuall cut, but I didn't have anything to patch it.. So, tube in, inflate.. And just hope it holds up.. Besides.. I was still so happy to be there. I kept the tragedies from Friday forefront in my mind and kept perspective.
It took me about 20 min to get back on my bike.. I had to carry the bike away from the gravel area and mud puddle I was on top
Of. I fumbled the tools.. And the first CO2 didn't work, but All my friends rode past and checked on me!
The test of the bike was tough but very fun.. Oh yea.. Computer didn't work after the flat. So I thought about what the coaches wrote.. If you are prepared and know what you are going to do.. All the electronics and such don't really matter. So, I stuck to RPE and enjoyed the next 36 miles. Lord it was windy!! And bumpy.
Transition was fast... I ran smooth and steady until mile 3 where my tummy cramps decided to visit.
I slowed way down.. Thinking of the "box".. So
It was one aid station at a time. I walked from mile 4 to 5.. It hurt.. But as I said before.. I kept it in perspective.. I was so happy to be there and just kept smiling!! After mile 5, I ran and walked til 7.
A volunteer had an unopened coke and I asked for some.. 2 big swigs later... And 5 minutes... And no more cramps. I was able to pick my slow 10 min mile was back on track.. And even slower at some points.. But I felt so much better.
The
Although I did not know Frank Guinn or his brother in law... The horrible tragedy that occurred the Friday before the event truly
Set the stage for a different thought process for me on race day.
I am always the first express how blessed I am to be at each event.. To be healthy, surrounded by family, friends, and amazing athletes.
That being said..
I was in the 15th heat of 15.. So there was a lot of time to really speak to all surrounding me and my friends. So many were there for their first.. I was so excited for them. As I walked down the pier, I saw Frank's widow.. Smiling and unbelievably excited for us. I knew at that moment that there was NOTHING that would get in my way of having a wonderful day and most important... FUN!
My swim was smooth and consistent. I thoroughly enjoyed being last as I knew I wouldn't get swam over. That was a first! The second turn was a bit hard to see for me.. I was fogging!
The water was a great temp. Not too cold.
As I exited, a nice volunteer helped me out... With a huge smile.
The distance to transition was quite long.. I would say we actually did 70.5.. Ha ha. The swim was done.. And I was excited to get on my bike.
Remember.. I was in the last heat.. So don't laugh as you read this.. At mile 5 the first Pro was coming back in! I had a long ass way to go! I actually laughed out loud and cheered him on... I knew the head winds were coming.. This is the 3rd time I had done this race so I was ready for the NO wind fury.
My speed was around 20mph. I was doing my "should" and not "could" as I promised I would do after my balls to the wall bike at Florida 70.3 the previous year that left me spent!
At mile 20... BAM!! Flat! I laughed! Ok.. I can do this.. I was so thrilled it was my front! The tire was actuall cut, but I didn't have anything to patch it.. So, tube in, inflate.. And just hope it holds up.. Besides.. I was still so happy to be there. I kept the tragedies from Friday forefront in my mind and kept perspective.
It took me about 20 min to get back on my bike.. I had to carry the bike away from the gravel area and mud puddle I was on top
Of. I fumbled the tools.. And the first CO2 didn't work, but All my friends rode past and checked on me!
The test of the bike was tough but very fun.. Oh yea.. Computer didn't work after the flat. So I thought about what the coaches wrote.. If you are prepared and know what you are going to do.. All the electronics and such don't really matter. So, I stuck to RPE and enjoyed the next 36 miles. Lord it was windy!! And bumpy.
Transition was fast... I ran smooth and steady until mile 3 where my tummy cramps decided to visit.
I slowed way down.. Thinking of the "box".. So
It was one aid station at a time. I walked from mile 4 to 5.. It hurt.. But as I said before.. I kept it in perspective.. I was so happy to be there and just kept smiling!! After mile 5, I ran and walked til 7.
A volunteer had an unopened coke and I asked for some.. 2 big swigs later... And 5 minutes... And no more cramps. I was able to pick my slow 10 min mile was back on track.. And even slower at some points.. But I felt so much better.
The
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It helped. As I finished.. I felt so good. I felt blessed, accomplished, and so happy.
It was number 8 half for me..
This one was very special. As I stated in The beginning.. It was about so many other things that day..
I know this isn't the typical report.. But it wasn't a typical day for me.
My BFF and training partner was there and finished his first half!!
I met several EN'ers before and enjoyed it all!!