The tri-ing for children (T4C) sprint was not a race I intended to do. When I was coming up with my race plan in the fall Cindi suggested it; the timing on the calendar made more sense with my schedule so I went with it. Little did I know it would be my sprint PR...
I came into the race with a different perspective. I had already completed my 2 70.3's and am happy with the results. But I still had more goals in mind for the Tri Series. The weather was perfect. I knew I had to take advantage of a day in Wisconsin with no wind.
Standing in my wet suit 30 minutes before my wave start I was trying to psych myself up. On MadisonMultisport we have lots of fast teammates that podium several times per season. I had never been on my age group podium before and this was one of my last two chances this season.
Swim. I have had "the yips" with my open water swims in the past and this swim got a little rough. There were multiple waves from the Olympic and Sprint races fighting for space in the water. I had to go with my sometimes swimming mantra: relax (and I did not get that from Aaron Rodgers!). I may have been a little too relaxed and wound up coming out of the water almost a minute behind where I wanted to.
Bike. We knew the course would be pretty flat so I was confident here. But it was chaotic the first and last 2 miles with a narrow road and little space to pass. I admit I was bobbing and weaving around people- just trying not to slow down. Keep my watts as high as possible. Stay in the aero bars. Stay focused.
Run. This is where my sprint performances have come up short. My goal was a sub seven minute mile pace. Cindi keeps telling me I have that gear. I pushed. I was pushing so hard I was a little nauseous! Settled down after a mile and just tried not to lose too many seconds on the muddy trail portion.
When I got my "report card" at the finish and it said 1 under "DIV PL" I couldn't believe it. I knew I had a great race but didn't expect that! Up, up, up👊🏻
I love having teammates who cheer me on in the race and on the side of the road. And it was an awesome boost to see CDB out there rooting us on all of 39 1/2 weeks pregnant!
#/poundSprintlife