Let the racing begin...

Yesterday was my first real tri of the season (I say real tri because it was outside... I did an indoor one in March, but that doesn't really count). It was at Deer Creek State Park which I usually race in September (although the half IM then) so it was a nice change of pace to race the Olympic distance this time around. I was feeling a little nervous though because I haven't been training much. I mean, I've been working out, but definitely not training. I figured I'd get my butt handed to me and I must say... I survived.

I went down on Saturday to get my race packet. This year they weren't doing bib numbers which I majorly love! They gave me two party bracelets (you know the ones that they give you at a private party that show you are a guest). One for me, one for my bike. Simple enough. I got in the water Saturday because I hadn't swam any open water since IMFL and panicked. Totally freaking panicked. I probably should have been swimming outside prior to the day before the race. Ugh... sometime else to totally worry about for the next 24 hours! Anyway, went home, relaxed, ate, slept and work to the alarm at 5:15. I got to the park with plenty of time and got everything unloaded (this was the first race without my personal bike mechanic so I was pretty proud of myself for getting there and setting up by myself). I take my bike and go for the short "are my gears right" test ride and realize that somehow my front derailleur is sitting ON my crank. Shit. I call Tom (poor guy was asleep in New Orleans) and totally freaked out. He calmly told me to find the mechanic tent and call me when they fix it. So much for being a big girl and being able to do everything by myself! Found the tent and the guy was awesome! Thanks so much Wheelie Fun. You saved my race! Got to transition, set everything up and met my mom and dad who came to watch me. We had a little bit of time so we walked to the water and just hung out. Here I am right before the swim (I was of course the LAST wave like always)

The horn goes off and I'm in the water. TOTAL FREAKING PANIC!!! I can't breath. What's up with this? I'm an Ironman. 2,500 people started when I did and I didn't panic. Why now? I literally flip to my back and have to catch my breath. I'm mortified and think maybe I should just call it a day. Then I slap some reality in myself, flip over and end up having a nice swim. Felt calm and comfortable. Yikes... hope that was a "first race of the season" thing! My swim was slow... as always... but that's fine.

T1 went fast. I've mastered the art of the transition. I'm not the fastest girl there, but I'm efficient! :)

Onto the bike. I love my bike. I rode my big girl wheels and hope that the winds wouldn't pick up. Right out of the park there's a bit of a head wind. I'm still breathing hard, but quickly settle in and pass a bunch of people. It's a great ride... two loops and the only really sucky thing is going into the park after the first look to turn around. I'm convinced it's an average killer! Got to see mom and dad after the first loop though. They always cheer so loud!!

T2 went fine. Got off the bike feeling fine.

Started running. Dad got this picture of me right at the beginning of the run

The first few steps I took and crap, my hamstring is in a knot. I've been having a ton of problems with it and thought that I would somehow be able to not have problems during the race (a girl can dream right?). First mile was 8:35. I'd LOVE to average 8:35's, but I knew that wasn't going to be the case. It was hot. There wasn't any shade. And it felt like I was being stabbed right below my right butt cheek. Lovely image huh? Ran the whole race, couldn't get a stupid song out of my head ("My trusty rusty had a flat. I borrowed my best friend's Cadillac. I'll be right back, going down to Wally World" - Sugarland) but the finish line came soon enough.

I finished in 2:51 and some change. I wasn't thrilled, but whatever. It was the first race of the season. I almost went home when I saw my derailleur problem, I panicked on the swim, and my hammy was killing me. I was happy it was over! Waked around for a little while and then headed up to the awards ceremony to watch my mother in law get her award (she did the du and came in first in her AG). They started calling out the award winners for my AG so I asked mom and dad to stay around) I saw 3 people in my AG group pass me on the run so I knew I didn't place, but I wanted to see how close I was. They call the 20-24 group and one of the said girls in my AG accepts her award. They must have mismarked her. They called my name for 3rd in my AG! YAY! My mom was so funny because none of us were expecting it and when they said my name she screamed "that's you". HAHAHA! Too cute! I got a medal and that totally made my day!

Overall, I was happy with things. I had fun and really, isn't that all that matters????

Sunday I'm racing at Wendy's International (although it's a sprint). It's a local race that I love, but they changed the course. Usually Tom and I do really well. He's not racing because of the hand, but as my friend Tracy says, I'm hoping to open a can of whoop ass (Tracy by the way will be there too and will inevitably win the entire race. I love her!) And if I can't open the can of whoop ass, I hope to just have fun!

I love this time of year!!!