Just do it

Went to the base gym for a swim.  Swam once in the past 2 weeks so it felt a bit like I was swimming through syrup or something of the sort.  It was good to get back in the water though considering I have the Echo tri this weekend.  

Ran 3 miles out on the perimeter road and 3 back.  I was going to go more but the blister on my foot was acting up and it yelled at me.  When I started coming back it felt better.  Guess it's good to listen to your body :)  My legs felt a bit heavy so hopefully I can get them loosened up with a bit more mileage this week before Sat. 

Went to Echo Reservoir to check out the tri course today.  Tested out my rented wet suit in an open water swim of 16 mins out and back.  It was pretty cool!  I probably could have gone with the medium large but when I tried it on it felt like there was no way I could zip that thing up.  The water there is pretty murky and as I swim I imagine suddenly seeing some beast creature come up from below.  When I see the plants it freaks me out.  Good swim though otherwise.

I then hopped on my bike and rode the course.  It's kind of beastly.  It's a bit of up and down for 4 miles and then you pretty much just climb for another 8 up I-80.  By that time you have forgotten the beginning (which is also the end) and think that it's just a decent to the transition area.  Wrong.  There are 2 beastly hills on the home stretch.  Very rude if you ask me ;)

I then ran one mile and realized that the run for this Saturday is going to be rather difficult but it should be fun.  Good workout. 

Ran on the treadmill at the base gym.  I was going for 4 but my blister remnant was not happy so I cut it back.  Hopefully this will heal someday.  I just swam a little to stay loose.  Training at this point won't help me at all for Sat.

Just some race prep for tomorrow.  Went light on the bike for about 15 minutes and then did a 3 mile run.  This made me realize that tomorrow is going to be rather challenging.

The Echo Triathlon was absolutely amazing!  It was a great experience!  I found it quite more enjoyable the the Pleasant Grove Triathlon.  I was a little nervous about the swim considering it was my first time swimming with people all around me but it ended up being my favorite part.  We made two laps around some buoys on the reservoir and ran outta there.  I love every second of that swim!

I did finish the swim before all but one in my age group and I was out on the bike before them too.  Unfortunately the longest part of the race (the bike ride) is probably my weakest point.  It was about 4 miles of rolling hills to an 8 mile ascent for the most part.  That's when we turn around and go back.  At the bottom there are two pretty big hills to get back to the transition area.  I got passed by 2 guys in my age group and a lot of fancy tri bikes.  Those things are super fast!  It felt pretty good though.  I was happy with my performance and I was glad I held back to save my legs for the run.   

When I got back to the run those two guys were around 1-2 minutes ahead of me.  My legs felt pretty good!  I was able to lock down about a 6:44 pace for the whole run.  I caught the two in my age group at the halfway point and left them behind.  They ended up being second and third.  The last mile of the run was pretty tough.  It felt like it would never and but it was great!

It is funny that I got 1st in my age group and 43rd overall.  These races seem to appeal more the older generation.  They are fast!  I got 35th out of the guys. My age group had only 9 in it but it's better than 3 ;)

My splits:

Swim: 30:56 (56th overall)

T1: 3:59

Bike:  1:15 (97th overall)

T2: 1:34

Run: 41:50 (15th overall)

These splits definitely help me see where I need to work the most.  I was happy with my performance but we always strive to be better!  Loved this race!