Girls ROCK at Tri Race

This past weekend’s Iron Girl event totally rocked!! It has been months since I have taken part in any race so I was super excited about this event. My one and only other TRI was in August of 2006 so I was excited to see about getting my feet wet in the type of venue again.

Immediately upon arriving for the bike check in on Saturday you could tell that this was going to be a blast. They really catered to all of the ladies from all of the swag at packet pick-up to the race to the post race breakfast.

One of the highlights of the trip was the Pre Race Bloggers Meal the night before. Always awesome to meet up at events. What a great group and a fun time!

(from left side of table)-Jackie, Robin(me), Scott, Dee Dee, Wes, Lauren, Cathy, Kevin, Denine, Mendy, and David

(Picture above compliments of Mendy)

Event Details (short version)

Swim – As soon as our wave began I realized that having NEVER practiced open water swimming would make this 400 meter swim a huge challenge. The only way that I can describe it would be to say that the gallon or so of water I took in along with the nail scratches and punches would make me fear more about drowning rather than reaching the other end of the beach. I wanted to kiss the ground when I finally made it to land!!

T1 – Trouble with gloves and helmet but not too bad otherwise.

Ride – My main goal here was to take advantage of my big wheel and hammer as hard as possible. Very nice rolling hill course with just a few steep, nasty climbs. Traffic was controlled with plenty of local police support. Although I was passed on the course I was also passing just as many other riders myself. Kind of a cat and mouse game.

T2 – This went much better. A quick change into my running shoes, grabbed my Nike hat, a snap of my race belt and I was off.

Run – Very nice rolling hills for an out and back course. Just like the bike I would pick off runners on the hills to be passed again on the downhill. Never felt tanked and really enjoyed this part of the race. Only regret would be that I did not push my pace more. I should have emptied my tank on the run rather than staying in the comfort zone that I settled into. Still I was thrilled to feel so great and loved it just the same!!

I do see more Tri’s in my future in 2009. I completely remain impressed by all the ladies out on the course Sunday. Regardless of your fitness level we were all doing what so many others only dream of. Putting three events into one race is pretty impressive in my book from Sprint distance to a full Ironman. Hardcore if you ask me!!

Race Time Results:
Swim 400 meters: 12:50
T1: 3:09
Bike 18 miles: 1:07:03
T2: 2:40
Run 3 miles: 25:44
Finish Time: 1:51:27 (placed 160 out of 633)

Scott and I having fun with the race swim caps. He is such a good sport.

Thank God for LAND!!

Coming into transition from bike course

IronGirl Finish :)

Scott and me at Post Race Breakfast

Jackie and me with our finishers bling-bling. This girl ROCKS!!!

I could not finish this post without pointing out how thankful I am for my husband. He not only drove us to and from the event, booked the hotel, but he ran around taking pictures of Jackie and I on the course. It is hard enough to keep up with one person not to mention two. Thanks Scott!!! You are the best!

Now it is 100% focus for MMTR training. I have three more week of base running and then I will enter into a build phase. Hill repeats and speed work.... should be fun in a crazy sort of way.

Robin