Mooseman Triathlon 6/7/08- I did it!

Hi Everyone, here is a picture of me, pre-race, up in Bristol, New Hampshire. Oh man what an awesome time it was! I may look a little pensive, but I was just focused on the race. It was about 6am when I took the picture. My bike was racked in transition, stuff laid out, and I was almost ready to go. Let me start at the beginning...

I stayed at my friend Betty's house, about an hour away. She wisely had me up at 4:15am so I could get a parking spot inside the park. Many folks struggled with their stuff, riding in from far away so I was glad of this. I arrived around 5:40 and got oriented. I grabbed my race packet and used the bike assistance to pump up my tires. After I set up my transition area I went back to the car to take the above photo and get my running shoes set up with speed laces. Who wants to tie their shoes? I also took the time to finish the Odwalla protein drink (so delicious) which landed on top of the Clif bar I had eaten at 5:00am. I was fueled.

I guess I was a little nervous putting on my wetsuit because I forgot to use body glide on my ankles and I had to struggle to get it on. It makes you feel like a sausage! Once I was suited up I headed to the beach for the long wait. We were socked in with fog and the USAT officials wouldn't allow the start until we could see the second buoy. A problem. They ended up shortening the swim to 2/3 of a mile (instead of .93). I didn't feel too sad because the water was 60 degrees and it would still be challenging. Finally, they let us go!

There's nothing like getting kicked in the head and swimming over people in freezing cold water. I don't remember feeling cold at all, just a little disoriented in the fog. I really had trouble maintaining my direction but I kept at it and finally hit the sand at the shore. The fun part was once my ankle chip swiped they knew my name and someone shouted "Go Annette!" That was cool.

Mooseman offers an amazing service - wetsuit stripping. I was hustled to an area of helpful people that ripped my suit off (carefully) eliminating the need to do it myself. I moved on to my transition area and began fumbling with my Clif gel. My hands were very cold and clumsy so I used my teeth to rip it open. Somehow I got my cycling shoes on (no socks, forgot 'em), my helmet strapped and my bike off the rack. It was a long transition, 5:20, and I know I can do better next time. I remembered to tuck a gel under each leg of my shorts, tab sticking out. That's a strategy that works great for me.

It took about ten minutes into the bike to get my head straight. I had to make a quick stop because my computer sensor was knocking against the spokes (bad), and another because I thought I dropped my chain. I gave myself a stern talking to at that point, "Focus! Think about what you're doing!" and then things started rolling. There was a hill that came up at mile 4, rolling up, then flat, then super steep. Positive self talk and the granny gear saved the day. I also thanked Mother Nature for creating Mitchell Hill near my home, allowing me to train on a much steeper and brutal hill.

I passed lots of slow folks on the bike and came to the realization that it wasn't their fitness that slowed them down but rather their equipment. I had a chat with a man on a mountain bike who was riding with flat pedals and no toe clips! I felt a little sorry for him but happy for my own bicycle which was performing wonderfully. I told myself I was on a ride, having a good time, and not to worry. I ate a gel at mile 10 and another at mile 22. I was squirming for the last five miles - are we there yet? When I arrived back folks were cheering and encouraging. I got misty-eyed!

The transition to the run was faster, about half the time. Even though I was drinking during the bike I downed a Gatorade and then popped my running shoes on. At Betty's suggestion I wore a hat to keep the sun off my head and I took off. Betty said take water at every opportunity and keep as cool as possible. Every station I approached I asked for two waters. I drank one and dumped the other on my head and clothes. I kept checking in with myself, "how do I feel? I feel good. Do I need to walk? No, not today."

The last mile felt SO long. But I crossed the finish line with a total time of 3:14 and felt fantastic. I had some post race grub, hung out a little, then headed home. I rested Sunday, rode a little bike on Monday, swam Tuesday and Wednesday, ran 4 miles Wednesday, and rode 12 on Thursday. I was tired, body and spirit, until Thursday.

The next focus is Pumpkinman Half Iron. I have a ton of work ahead of me. But Mooseman has given me the confidence to keep training and look ahead to that. Thanks to all of you who took the time to read this. I do appreciate all your encouragement and support!

Best,
Annette