I have my first tri coming up this Sunday. Stopped yesterday at the race site to first drive the bike and run course and then to ride the bike course and do the run course (a pre-race brick).
Should have known it would be one of those days when the rain and winds started....
Got the bike off my Jeep, put the front tire on, put helmet and shoes on and I was off! After about 30 yards, I had to turn onto a path, a car was coming so I slowed down, I couldn't get my feet out of the clips....and gravity took over. I fell right over. I guess I've been fortunate up until yesterday. I've never had problems getting unclipped. Oh well, now I'm a member of that club.
Started the ride, bumped the bike computer and busted the mounting bracket. THe computer was then dangling from my aerobars for hte rest of the ride. THe first half of the course was great. Very flat. I was in the biggest gear, tucked, and hauling at about 28 mph. Cool. I had visions of flying through the bike leg. Turned onto a long straight portion of the course and was confronted by hills. And more hills. Not the little "I'll stand on the pedals and crank over this " sort of hill but the "I'd better find the right gear, I'm going to be doing this for awhile" sort of hill. THe wind was in my face, the blood was on my legs, the rain was smacking me, the computer was dangling, and I was starting to get worried. Turns out the total bike course was few miles longer than advertised. About 14 miles. Not too bad. However, it seemed like it was almost all up hill. How is this possible? Perhaps the course was constructed by M.C. Escher. That had to be it. Ended up averaging about 17.5 miles per hour (I know becuase I looked on the dangling computer when all was said and done). Race day won't be so windy but those hills will be the same. If I can average about 20-21 mph, I think I'll be happy.
Not thrilled but happy.
Ok. Cruise back to the Jeep. Jump off and get the bike on the roof rack quickly. Grab the running shoes, hat, and start on the 5k run course with
printed map in hand. (I tried to memorize the turns and streets when checking it with the Jeep but I didn't want to mess this up). About a mile into the course, this dog appears out of nowhere and starts sort of following and leading me. Very friendly dog. Just wanted to come along for the ride. As I'd pass and approach other pedestrians, the dog would run up to greet them and a few were frightened. THey gave me dirty looks... "It's not my dog" I'd shout and I ran by. The dog ran into the road on several occasions and nearly got creamed about 3 times. Drivers would honk and shout at me and I received a few select fingers from several drivers. FInally, the turn and the last mile to where the finish line will be. Downhill!!! Nice. Kick 'er into gear and get anaerobic. Whew.
Done. Good run time for me. About 7:40 per mile. I would be happy with that on race day.
Now scarf a powerbar, have some gatorade and walk down to the beach to sample the water. HOLY COLD! Is this some special lake constructed for trout or penguins? Will swim in it today to get set. The race start time is 7:30 am. It will be chilly. The swim will be a bit on the longer side for a sprint (750m) but will be just fine.
I can't wait.
Paul
OH, left the dog at the parking lot looking pretty lonely. Computer is still dangling. Will look for duct tape.
I have my first tri coming up this Sunday. Stopped yesterday at the race site to first drive the bike and run course and then to ride the bike course and do the run course (a pre-race brick).
Should have known it would be one of those days when the rain and winds started....
Got the bike off my Jeep, put the front tire on, put helmet and shoes on and I was off! After about 30 yards, I had to turn onto a path, a car was coming so I slowed down, I couldn't get my feet out of the clips....and gravity took over. I fell right over. I guess I've been fortunate up until yesterday. I've never had problems getting unclipped. Oh well, now I'm a member of that club.
Started the ride, bumped the bike computer and busted the mounting bracket. THe computer was then dangling from my aerobars for hte rest of the ride. THe first half of the course was great. Very flat. I was in the biggest gear, tucked, and hauling at about 28 mph. Cool. I had visions of flying through the bike leg. Turned onto a long straight portion of the course and was confronted by hills. And more hills. Not the little "I'll stand on the pedals and crank over this " sort of hill but the "I'd better find the right gear, I'm going to be doing this for awhile" sort of hill. THe wind was in my face, the blood was on my legs, the rain was smacking me, the computer was dangling, and I was starting to get worried. Turns out the total bike course was few miles longer than advertised. About 14 miles. Not too bad. However, it seemed like it was almost all up hill. How is this possible? Perhaps the course was constructed by M.C. Escher. That had to be it. Ended up averaging about 17.5 miles per hour (I know becuase I looked on the dangling computer when all was said and done). Race day won't be so windy but those hills will be the same. If I can average about 20-21 mph, I think I'll be happy.
Not thrilled but happy.
Ok. Cruise back to the Jeep. Jump off and get the bike on the roof rack quickly. Grab the running shoes, hat, and start on the 5k run course with
printed map in hand. (I tried to memorize the turns and streets when checking it with the Jeep but I didn't want to mess this up). About a mile into the course, this dog appears out of nowhere and starts sort of following and leading me. Very friendly dog. Just wanted to come along for the ride. As I'd pass and approach other pedestrians, the dog would run up to greet them and a few were frightened. THey gave me dirty looks... "It's not my dog" I'd shout and I ran by. The dog ran into the road on several occasions and nearly got creamed about 3 times. Drivers would honk and shout at me and I received a few select fingers from several drivers. FInally, the turn and the last mile to where the finish line will be. Downhill!!! Nice. Kick 'er into gear and get anaerobic. Whew.
Done. Good run time for me. About 7:40 per mile. I would be happy with that on race day.
Now scarf a powerbar, have some gatorade and walk down to the beach to sample the water. HOLY COLD! Is this some special lake constructed for trout or penguins? Will swim in it today to get set. The race start time is 7:30 am. It will be chilly. The swim will be a bit on the longer side for a sprint (750m) but will be just fine.
I can't wait.
Paul
OH, left the dog at the parking lot looking pretty lonely. Computer is still dangling. Will look for duct tape.