Somtimes You're the Windshield, Sometimes You're the Bug

My sprint tri at the Louisville Landsharks Triathlon this morning was a very humbling experience. I wasn't really nervous until the few seconds prior to the swim start when it dawned on me that I haven't done this in over three years, and haven't even been in the water in the same time period. Donning a wetsuit (the water temp was 75 this morning) and ready for what lie ahead, I was near the beginning of the pack with other triathletes, which included both the sprint and Olympic folks that all went out at the same time. Off we went with Todd Heady's countdown and, surprisingly, the water felt great. I started out with a freestyle stroke that quickly got a lot more tiring than it needed to be this early in the race. I thought I was holding my own, although I was getting passed by many folks, when I looked back about half-way to the turn-around point to see that there were only 3-4 other swimmers behind me. Still, I wasn't too concerned at this point because I know how slow I am, and I wasn't exactly going for a great finishing time anyway - just looking for a finish. At a few points prior to that turn-around though, I can say that I thought about telling the kayakers that I was done for - just take me in and call it a day. Luckily, my pride got the best of me and I muddled through the remainder of the swim. Sometimes I did a backstroke, sometimes a breast stroke, and often times a doggy paddle just to move forward little by little while catching my breath and relieving my already-tired body. I can't tell you how good it felt to finally be within eye-sight of dry land, and the feel of slimy, slick algae on my little pigs never felt so good walking up that boat ramp. I had an official finishing time of 28:31 for the 750 meters. On the way up the ramp to T1 I felt a little dizzy and light-headed, and that stayed with me for a while. I was pretty tired from that first leg, and sitting down to get my wet suit stripped, as well as to slide into my cycling shoes was a welcome little break. I climbed on the bike and off I went, ready for the somewhat-hilly 12-miler when, in anticipation for the upcoming hill, I attempted to get into an easier gear when my shifters malfunctioned. I hadn't made it to the bottom of the hill yet when I turned around and headed back to transition. I saw my boyfriend and started to cry, telling him that, once again, my shifters weren't working and I couldn't do the race while being stuck in a hard gear. We stood there for a minute or two when I decided, "screw it," I was going to at least give it another shot and see what happens. Off I went again, and I at least got a little bit up the hill when my quads and mindset got the best of me again and I climbed off the bike for a second time walking it, once again, back towards transition. I met up with the bf earlier this time though, and broke down sobbing - I had never NOT finished a race before. Dead last? Sure. Twice. But never DNF. I sat on the ground and wailed like a baby feeling totally defeated and frustrated that my bike was not cooperating. Once again, we messed with the gears/shifters a bit more and were finally (hopefully) able to get them in working order. I blew my nose and, still feeling a bit beat, hopped on my noble steed for the third and final time to conquer this darn leg. Up that hill I went and, despite feeling that my heart was going to pound out of my chest, my legs held strong and my motto became "higher cadence, lower energy" as I peddled my way towards the entrance to the park. Turning right onto the main highway I looked down to see that I had about 4.5 miles or so before the turn-around. I felt fairly well throughout this portion of the race, even though I was being passed in the other direction by several triathletes who were well on their way back into the park to complete the run. A few small but not-too-steep hills gave me a bit of a run for my money, but for the most part I felt strong and ready for the run. Turning back into the park I could see several people nearly finished with the run, but several more were just starting and I felt that, despite my setback, I could possibly finish out the race without a dead last place on my record (once again). Final time on the bike: 1:08:19 - I predict that meltdown cost me about 10 minutes or so. T2 took a bit longer than T1 since I had to pull on dry socks over still-wet feet, down a Gu for some energy, and give the bf a quick update on my mental status - better, by the way. I walked out of T2 and decided to walk up that first hill while working out my Jell-O bike legs. Once I began running a bit though, they loosened up and off I went. My cardio was feeling good, legs a bit tired, but overall a decent run. Once again, lots of folks passing me in the other direction, but with the support I was getting along the way with numerous Landsharks cheering me on, I had no doubt that I could finish strong. The turn-around came and as I headed back towards the finish line I remember smiling - something I can't remember doing much during any other race. I even caught up with a fella that ended up doing an Aqua-run due to his own bike malfunction, and we talked a bit to pass the time during our last mile. Cresting that last small hill and curve, the long downhill came into view and I looked forward in anticipation finishing out this experience. Down the parking lot I came, body feeling great and cheers all around as I finally crossed that mat to collect my medal and much-needed bottle of water - a slow and steady 37:53. Overall, despite the bike issues and struggle-laden swim, I had a great race. It gives me a good idea of where I am with each of the three disciplines and how much work I'm going to need over the next year to complete Ironman. If anything, I need some good coaching on my swim, to get stronger on the bike, and to know that I have plenty of people that will be out there to support me on race day. I'm definitely one of those people that require much kudos and validation to get those mental blocks out of the way. Official finishing time overall: 2:19:24. Not great, but definitely better than the millions of people who decided to sleep in this morning! :)