Coming fresh off a new Half-Marathon PR, I was ready to start the race season. I'd spent the long winter months changing deeply set (and deeply bad) eating habits and working out religiously and smartly (read: in the morning before work, previously unthought of). I was excited and proud of the results--over 20 pounds slimmer and the best shape of my life.
I stumbled upon a race in its inaugural year--the Delafield Duathlon. Practically in our backyard, early in the season and without an open water swim, it seemed like a nice cheap option. With no idea what to expect, we arrived.
The girls were set.
This race, we soon discovered, was small. Each of the six waves had about 20 racers. The man said "go" (literally) and we were off.
A subtle reminder...
Most of the run was on a grassy golf course, a surface I don't enjoy. I pushed myself nonetheless and the split was (for me) near-PR. Then came the bike, the leg in which I hoped to gain some ground on the runners who passed me. (My efforts to stay focused on my own self-improvement often give way to the competitive spirit.)
Nailed the shoeless mount...
The bike route was relatively flat and windless, perfect conditions to cruise. And I did, with a near-21 MPH average.
Excellent dismount in the tiny transition area, and I was off. Legs are cement-like now. They're moving along, just very very heavily. My pre-race plan to match the first 5K pace quickly gave way to "just get through it".
The girls waited patiently for the big finish.
I can safely say I gave this race my all.
Special thanks to the very-pregnant Brzeski's for the athletic support.
Shortly before this family photo I discovered on the Results listing that I had won my age group.
While waiting for the Awards ceremony my lobster let Nya try out the camera. Not bad.
Waiting for awards can get boring, but we do it anyway because it doesn't happen very often.
Finally.
