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Musselman Sprint Triathlon – Geneva, New York (July 16, 2011)

Mini Mussel Sprint Triathlon (Swim 750 yards, Bike 18 miles, Run 5K)

Luckily the race started later than normal, which gave me some more time to sleep in. My hubby arranged for us to stay in a hotel that was closer to the race site (approximately a 2 mile walk), so I rode my bike to the race site, while my husband joined me later.

The morning started well. The water temperature was 70.7, so I decided to swim without my wetsuit. I was one of the few that decided against the wetsuit, but I felt this was the best call for me. I decided to start in front of the swim pack, which I have not done since Chicago 2009 Triathlon. I felt really good the weekend before in our open water swim practice, plus I was trying to avoid being kicked in the stomach on the swim. Unfortunately, I started the swim too quickly and it took me a while to actually get my heart rate down and begin to swim my race. I was hoping to break 12 minutes for the swim, but I completed it in 14:17 finishing 27th in my age group. I got out of the swim and felt a bit shaky, so I did not think I had the best transition, but it was still better than wearing my wetsuit.

Got onto the bike and was feeling pretty good. The first 6-8 miles there was a very strong headwind, which I felt slowed me down.  However, it gave me time to take in some nutrition, Gatorade and a gel. I felt 100% better once the nutrition kicked in and I was able to pick up my pace.  Of course, by this point the bike portion was almost done. I completed the bike in 55:14 and 24th in my age group. I guess not bad, I dropped 3 spots. The bike to run transition was going great until I put on my race belt, (which holds your race number) and one side of my race number broke off. I spent probably a minute or two trying to get it back on. Note to self: try not to worry about things I can’t control and just continue running. At this point, I stopped fiddling with it and began to run.

I love my Garmin. It really kept me on pace and I was feeling good. Towards the end of the 3.1 miles, I saw another fellow Team Z’er pass me. She was flying and I kept her in my sights and I be damned if I let her pass me now and not put up a fight. About 10 yards from the finish line I caught her and I just finished a head in front of her. She is a great competitor. Funny story, she was born the same day and year I was. I completed the run in 29:38 at a 9:16 pace and 33rd. Wow; I got caught on the run by 9 people.

Overall finishing time was 1:43:25 – I guess not bad for 11 weeks pregnant. I PR’d for a Sprint by 27 seconds, which beat my last year’s Musselman time of 1:43:52.  C2 seemed to have a blast with Daddy. He was fifthly from playing in the dirt and the sand and was ready for a nap. Finally about 3:30 PM, we all took a family nap. Can I tell you how much I love naps!