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Discussion: 2nd Tri yesterday, in the RAIN!
Subject: 2nd Tri yesterday, in the RAIN! By: Carie M. Written on: 2006-06-19 13:31:30 Message: Hi gang. Did my 2nd tri yesterday (another sprint) -- this was the "big one" for me, the one I was really looking forward to, the one that when I watched from the sidelines last year I thought to myself, "this is so awesome, I just have to do this" It's in my neighborhood, right under my nose. So the day finally arrived, and I rode my bike down to the transition area, like I did a year ago, but this time I carried a towel and a a bag full of gear. It was sprinkling, but it hasn't rained here in weeks except for that tropical storm that blew by, so I figured the sprinkles would pass soon. It was actually kind of cool out, which is strange for central Fl. at this time of year - I love cooler weather, so I just knew this was going to be a great day! I don't know why, but the day didn't go as great as I had hoped. The water was choppy and wavy - by start time the wind had picked up. But I surprised myself - my swim actually went pretty well. I started slow & just focused on pace, and I even passed quite a few people that went in the wave ahead of me. I was the last one into the water (last wave, last person!), but as I looked back when getting out, there were at least 30 people behind me. The bike was terrible... the weather by this point had degraded into a blowing rain, which either amounted to a side wind or a head wind (funny, I don't recall a tail wind!) as we circled the lake a whopping FIVE times. Yuck. Add to that the fact that my shoes were now full of water, I was soaked to the bone, I had never ridden slick tires in the rain before so my confidence was gone, and since we were doing these laps, the fast cylclists were passing me like speed demons - and a lot of them weren't very nice or didn't realize how much it scared a newbie to be "sidled" up to. I guess that's what drafting is - but it seemed rude at the time. So for a flat course, it was long, boring, wet, and yucky. :-( The run was hard too, because now my shoes have water weights inside of them. I thought about stopping to wring out my socks at T2 but I didn't figure it would do any good since the roads were still really wet. I was much slower than my race two weeks ago, but then again this was a longer course and the weather was yucky, and honestly, my heart just wasn't in it this time. Normally I love to run in the rain, but I didn't feel the spirit or energy, and it just seemed to get sad. I did manage to lift my spirits by cheering for the bikers who were still out there (we were running the same lap we had to bike 5 times) and encouraging people when I passed them on the run. One guy I passed was walking, and I told him "we're almost done!" and he said that was all he needed to pick it back up, so we ran together and kept each other motivated until the finish line. We talked about margaritas and kids, and I think we picked up our pace a little. My body was crying, but at least I had a partner in crime. When we got closer to the finish, I told him to go ahead if he wanted, but he wouldn't do it - so I said, "ok, then we'll sprint to the end!", and we did a strong finish. That was definitely the best part of the whole race! .75 k Swim + T1 transition= 0:19:52 13.5 mile (approx) bike = 0:46:54 2.7 mile run (approx) + T2 = 0:27:46 Total time = 1:34:33 These times don't really mean anything since the course was "approximate" and the Transitions are included, so I looked at the fastest female overall time, which was 1:16 - so I don't think I did too bad. Conclusion - nothing earth shattering, but the race really is inside your head. When I realized that by cheering others on was helping them, it made me more energized, and gave it a happy ending after all!
Subject: RE: 2nd Tri yesterday, in the RAIN! By: Tim O. Written on: 2006-06-19 13:47:48 Message: Carie, congrats on persevering through the weather and posting a good time. Part of these TRIs is really just sticking to your plan and adjusting to the changes in the weather, course which you did well. Riding wet corners takes awhile getting used to. I watched a pro Crit once where it was pouring down and these guys were slaming the corners at 28-30mph. I couldn't believe their tires were gripping that well. And there were cobblestones through the corner as well. It was an incredible site to see. It then showed me that I could definitely corner much faster when it was raining or wet. I went out a couple of times when it was raining and road wet corners and was amazed at how my bike didn't slip even though I was taking the corner fast. That then finished my lesson on "you can corner faster, even when it is wet". Was this the Baldwin Park TRI? I noticed from you picture you appear to be finishing one of the Clermont TRIs. Keep it going!!!!
Subject: RE: 2nd Tri yesterday, in the RAIN! By: Jose G. Written on: 2006-06-19 13:48:48 Message: Great story! I'm all about stories and this Sun I will one of my very own. Your training prepares you for the physical grind but your mental toughness is what gets you through those unforeseen circumstances. When on your bike just block out the rest of those hotshots and keep your cool. You still have to finish the ride and complete the run, enough things to worry about. The run story is what it's all about for us every day people. Hook on to someone where you can push each other. When's your next Tri? I bet it's going to be a cake walk compared to this. Awesome efforting! Put this one in your journal with a few extra smiley faces. Any race day pics?
Subject: RE: 2nd Tri yesterday, in the RAIN! By: Paul B. Written on: 2006-06-19 13:50:21 Message: great race report Carie...you paint a vivid picture. And just think, if you can do as well as you did in tough conditions, just picture next year. Great race. Paul.
Subject: RE: 2nd Tri yesterday, in the RAIN! By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-06-19 14:02:17 Message: Carie, Just can't count on the weather. Your race sounds like a typical fairy tale filled with gloom and doom and then a happy ending. None the less I hope next year will give you the race day conditions that you were hopeing for. Way to hang in there. Ron
Subject: RE: 2nd Tri yesterday, in the RAIN! By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-06-19 14:58:16 Message: Carie, what a beautiful story! You're the woman of Sprints now! My goodness...to do as well as you did, cycling through rain, running with wet shoes and keeping such a great attitude! You are phenomenal! Congratulations! Jael
Subject: RE: 2nd Tri yesterday, in the RAIN! By: Andrew S. Written on: 2006-06-19 15:09:24 Message: Great job Carrie! I had one in the rain this year too....in February, which you wouldn't think would be to bad in AZ...but it hailed. and lighting...so they "cancelled" the race. By the time I had all my wet gear packed up they restarted.. I went to IHOP and ate pancakes! Anyway...running to the end with someone is always motivating. Great story....Great race! A.
Subject: RE: 2nd Tri yesterday, in the RAIN! By: Marty D. Written on: 2006-06-19 16:18:51 Message: Way to go, Carrie! I'm glad you got to do this Sprint this year, but I'm sorry about the rain and wind. But, it sounds like you really had a great time in the end and congratulations on some good split times, there! Keep up the good work. Marty
Subject: RE: 2nd Tri yesterday, in the RAIN! By: Dan W. Written on: 2006-06-19 18:22:04 Message: Great job, Carie! What a tough day. It's easy to get discouraged and frustrated and down, and even like "I'm the only one struggling", and then you realize everyone's in the same boat and triing to do the best they can. Way to keep it together and finish strong - thanks for sharing your story!
Subject: RE: 2nd Tri yesterday, in the RAIN! By: Carie M. Written on: 2006-06-19 22:28:38 Message: Thanks guys - again - for the awesome words of encouragement... Even if I can't get my "lift" on the course, I know I can always count on you guys! I posted some photos tonight if you want to check them out. After looking at the one of me on my bike I can see I need to have some adjustments made - I don't have the long lines the other riders do - I think my seat needs to go up or something. Anyway - here's to the next Tri!
Subject: RE: 2nd Tri yesterday, in the RAIN! By: Teresa S. Written on: 2006-06-20 11:16:58 Message: Great story! You are my hero for not stopping. I am definately a fair weather racer... I can imagine giving myself so many excuses for quitting, rain, wind, wet shoes, danger, fear, rude people... I can make up excuses so fast. But its people like you and stories like yours that help me be a better person and a better athlete. If i am in a race like that, I will think of you and try to find something positive in it and keep going. It really is a triumph just to finish..but you finished in great time as well. Keep it up. I have my first tri of the season this Sunday. Teresa
Subject: RE: 2nd Tri yesterday, in the RAIN! By: Michelle R. Written on: 2006-06-20 12:31:31 Message: Great story, it sounds like you did beautifully, even with all the odds stacked against you! Kudos to you for sticking it out and having the fortitude to keep trying to make others feel good too! You should be SO proud of yourself!
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