Lucky me! The nasty weather we've been having turned quite a bit better for today's race. I had to drive down to Enumclaw on Saturday afternoon, and just packed all kinds of layers for running and biking, not really knowing what to expect. I am warm running, and will run in shorts until it is below 32, but I get cold on the bike. This morning was about 49 and the start and 52 and the finish, so I opted for bike/tri shorts under a pair of capri length running tights, thinking I could strip these off after the bike ride. I was a little warm in the initial run (5.1 miles). Average pace here was 7:33. I felt I could have gone a bit faster, but was trying to hold something back for the bike ride. I didn't transition particularly quickly to the bike, too much gear to put on. It felt good to be riding, and the first few miles were easy and flattish. Then the mountain! 2.5 miles of rather large mountain! Fun, but slower. Then the fast downhill to compete lap 1. I have no particular advantage on long descents (body weight issues), so people were screaming past me. Not very encouraging. The second lap was a repeat of the first, but I felt that I was dropping even further behind, although my overall pace of 15.8 was pretty constant across the two laps. The last four miles, all I could think about was getting back into my running shoes! I wanted to run so much! Finally, back at transition area and quickly this time, into running shoes. Forgot my nutrition at this point, since I was so excited to run! This second run is only 3.78 miles (4k). My pace started out way too fast (7:00), and I couldn't feel my feet for about two miles, but I finished it at an average pace of 8:09. AND, the best part was, I passed nearly everyone who passed me on the bike! Hooray! For those of you runners who have never run after a bike ride, try it sometime; it is a humbling experience. And awkward too! Totally fun race, with bagels, peanut butter, nutella, oranges, lunch meats, drinks, the whole kitchen afterwards. I really liked that part. I was so busy stuffing my face that I almost missed my award! 1st in my division, but pretty good overall too I think. Results are not up on line yet, but my total finishing time is 3:03:something, according to the timing clock, and I am happy with that!
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