Season Kickoff, Woohoo!!

Things that stink include 3+ hour trainer rides and 15 mile treadmill runs (because even with every inch of skin covered in three layers it is still too cold to go outside).  Things that stink include getting up before dawn to jump in a cold pool when it’s cold outside and you haven’t been warm in months.  Things that stink include replacing ice cream with nonfat/unsweetened Greek yogurt (eventually you can pretend it’s the same thing) and having a route response of, “I can’t, I have to train in the morning.”

Things that don’t stink: RACING.  My recent move to Las Vegas allowed me to bump up the start of my season and get outside for some much needed competition.  After a brutal Wisconsin winter of lonely indoor training, I jumped on the opportunity to race in the Hammer sponsored event, Rage Triathlon, at the incredible Lake MeadNational Recreation Area just outside of Vegas; the fun and well run BBSCEndurance Sports event was the perfect way to kick off my 2014 season. 

Now THAT is a Good Looking Venue

After six months out of the racing circuit, I was feeling nervous and a bit rusty (especially after crashing in a parking lot during the previous day's transition practice).  Fortunately, my confidence was bolstered by my super cool new Blueseventy TX3000 tri suit and BSaccessories (for the record, this is by far the most comfortable kit I’ve ever worn and I experienced absolutely no chafing, bunching, riding up, or miscellaneous discomfort).  My new Blueseventy Helix wetsuit fit like a dream (see my previous Helix rave in my sponsorship announcement) and I felt instantly comfortable back in the open water.  In the last minutes before the gun, I downed an espresso Hammer gel and it was go time!  After swimming stroke for stroke with another woman for the first half of the swim, I was able to break away and emerged first out of the water (third overall if you include the boys). 

LOVE my new Blueseventy Kit!

Out on the road, there wasn't time for complacency as constant rollers kept me on my toes.  With the southern Nevada heat, I knew that hydration was exceptionally important (something that wasn’t as big of a deal in all of the disgustingly cold races I did last year) so I fueled with Hammer’s Heed and Endurolyte powder in my two water bottles, adding in a tropical Hammer gel at mile 22 (I have to note that this was my first time racing using Hammer fuels exclusively and I don’t think it was a coincidence that this was the first time I’ve raced with absolutely NO bonking or tummy trouble).  

Despite my efforts on the bike, I was passed around mile 18 and came into transition second.  Fortunately, Coach Mace and I have been working on my bike cadence lately so my legs still felt pretty decent exiting T2 even after all the hills.  As my run has magically transformed from a huge weakness to my strength (thanks MPMultisport), I was able to leave T2 with some sense of confidence.  While the woman ahead of me was not yet in view, I soon sighted her blessedly bright kit in the distance and trained my eyes on her back.  Battling rough terrain and a steady false flat upwards, I reeled her in and crossed into first right around mile two.  For me, this is where it became mentally challenging: I knew I was in first but had no idea of what was behind me so I had to keep my pace up without a proverbial carrot in the distance.  Fortunately, the volunteers and other racers were blessedly supported and I was boosted by cheers of, "You go girl" and the like.      

Eyes on the Prize!

Approaching the finish line for my first place finish (fourth if you count those pesky boys), I was all smiles knowing I had raced hard and successfully started the season.  For me, one of the best parts of the day was post-race (and no, not just because I was done).  In the days leading up to this event, I lamented that it would be my first race alone, not knowing any fellow racers and not having a support person along.  My fears were completely baseless!  I had barely entered transition to set up when I happened to see NAU’s Allie Nath who had come down to race with her teammate Elizabeth Wright; I have trained and raced with both of these girls and it was so great to see them!  At the finish line, I was met by MP Multisport teammate Mike Dunn who had come down from the Air Force base in Colorado Springs to race and we were able to get to know one another a bit (btw, all of the above mentioned had great races, congrats all!).  But that’s not all!  The woman who finished second, Carly Johann, and I recognized one another from last fall’s Oceanside Tri and we were able to catch up.  I feel so blessed to be a part of such a loving and supportive community and I can’t wait to see what the rest of this season brings!

All smiles for the Finish!

Oh wait, I take back my previous comment about the best part of the day … the best part was getting a ginormous bottle of wine for my first place finish – now that beats a trophy ANY day!