Robyn, Seabaugh, and MeThere's always one. The one race where, no matter how prepared, trained, rested and ready you are, the conditions presented can completely throw you off track. This is what happened to me on Sunday.
So yeah, everyone knew it was going to be a COLD swim. The past two weeks with nothing but rain, a total of 3 sunny days, and highs in the low 60s meant water temps would also be in the low 60s come race day. I knew what this meant for me - I would have a hard time trying to relax in that cold, cold water.
And that's exactly what happened.
But let me back up a bit. Race morning was perfect! Partly cloudy skies and temps already in the 70s. Loading my gear into the Jeep at 5:15 am, I was surprised to find flowers and a 'good luck' card from a very good/thoughtful friend.
Headed over to the lake and quickly set up transition. Talked to EVERYONE and their mother. It seemed like the whole city was doing this race. Helped a friend into her suit then headed on down to the swim start for a warm-up... or freeze out. I peed twice in the suit and while that kept my body warm, it did nothing for the shock that I felt when the water hit my face and my lungs closed up. I COULD NOT BREATHE!! I made a pitiful attempt to relax and "swam" to the first buoy but could not keep my face in the water for more than three strokes.
Crap.
Standing on shore and waiting for race start, the wind was starting to pick up and it felt WARM. Gun goes off and I take my time getting in. I also took my time swimming. I alternated 2-3 free strokes with head-high drill and then treading water. UGH! At one point I finally stopped. Just stopped. I looked at everyone passing me. I wanted OUT! I couldn't breathe! There was no way I was going to finish this.
Until ... I just said out loud to myself, "if you don't pull it together quick, this is going to be a really long swim. GET GOING!!!"
And I did. I finally found a way to just barely make it - I breathed every stroke and TOLD myself to breathe in, breathe out. And that's how I had the worst swim time ever in my 6 years in this sport.
Okay. MOVE ON! The swim sucked but I could still have a rockin' bike and run. AND I WAS RUNNING - full tilt through T1. I had conserved so much energy on the swim! The wind picked up and the skies looked ominous out to the west, but I know this course well. I know exactly where there is a strong headwind, and a strong tailwind. I know where the hills are and how to shift. I owned that course and it showed in my split - 20 mph avg. and two whole minutes faster than last year. WOOT!
Back to T2 and as I'm putting on my running shoes I hear a friend shouting at me - "GO ANDREA GO!" which made me smile and lit a fire under me. Out of there and on to the run. I passed this poor girl who was huffin' and puffin' hard and told her, "slow down and build into it" which was really advice to myself. Negative split that sucker for sure AND finished 4.5 minutes faster than last year, but geez - I should have given it more gas with two miles to go instead of just one. I also need new shoes BAD.
Crossed the finish line and felt HAPPY! Even with the swim freak out, I managed to rally and pull off PRs on the bike and run. Didn't meet my goal for this race but it only stings when I think about it - and I've decided not to think about it. Hey, it happens. Learn from it and move forward.
Big congrats to Robyn who finished her first triathlon!! Huge thanks to my friends for cheering and their support!!
Next up: Kansas 70.3 relay. I'm swimming. And I'll be ready.
