The week before the race we received news that the lake at Hawrelak Park had blue-green algae, our swim was in question. The organizers did an amazing job at clearing that up BUT they couldn't control the weather, and with water temp being 16 C and air temp being 6 C we ran a duathlon anyways.
I arrived at the park early enough to rack my bike and find a decent spot to stay warm, dry and prepare for the race inside the park building. I have to say, as I walked by that lake it sure smelled like Kinsmen (read: heavily chlorinated).
Having never ever raced a duathlon before I had little expectations and decided not to let anything bother me, I was going to have fun with my friends and have a good day. I also decided to race Garmin-less and just focus on feel. (Something new)
Run 1: 5km- I went out feeling charged and happy, I even jumped around when I saw my crew, a duathlon celebration of sorts. I really wasn't sure where the turnarounds were or how fast I was running. I felt like my wardrobe choice was the right one (betty onesie, arm warmers, vest). 5km is pretty short so before I knew it I was in T1...with a new 5km PB: 22:56
T1: vest off, shoes changed, jacket on, helmet on, grab bike, go. And that's what happened. Except I couldn't get the Velcro on my shoes tight enough (2:21)
Bike: 20km- 44:33. Well cycling isn't my strongest of the 3 but I knew the course was short so I was just hanging onto that. We ascended Emily Murphy first and all I could think was 'out of the saddle, rock the bike back and forth, just go' and it worked...I smiled at the top knowing I'd only have to do that one more time. The first corner at the top on my way to SK drive was slick, I said some words aloud to myself on that one! My glasses were so foggy and nothing I could do would help, so I took them off and shoved them down my tri suit. Down the south side of Groat, over the bridge and up groat. I was elated to see that our turn around was 107 St! Back down groat and through the river...my socks were immediately soaked. Through the park, back up EM...last time. Much more cautious on the corners this time around. Back down and up Groat, this time the wind that hit us on the bridge was like ice, I was so thankful for my Fast Trax jacket! Down Groat one last time and into T2, I saw Colin just before the last turn and I was so happy to be nearly done that I gave him the 'hang loose' sign.
T2: 2:14- as I dismounted I said to the volunteers, 'I'm so glad that's over' I went to my spot and raced into the bag I had left to keep things dry, hoping I could change my socks...nope, the ones in the bag were drenched too...ok fine, no socks.
Run 2: 2.5km- 12:31
I left transition thinking, 'I hope this no sock thing doesn't give me blisters and man do these shoes feel weird with no socks.' And then I just ran. I just kept moving forward and repeating things like 'you're almost done this' 'you're strong' 'you will regret this if you stop' 'don't stop moving' and I didn't. I rounded the corner and onto the blue carpet, I was there, I had done it. Arms in the air, I crossed the line and a lovely volunteer put a big blanket over my shoulders. It was all over, the coldest race I've ever done. And one of the most satisfying.
Total time: 1:24. 10/23 AG
