First, thanks for all the good vibes! And thanks for carb-loading with me
And now, here is a really long race report!
I had a slight breakdown on Saturday as I was loading up my bike to rack it at the race site. I just DID NOT want to do the race. But I knew I had to...mostly because I had told so many people I was doing it and didn't want them to judge me for backing out!
After I racked my bike, got my race number, and listened to the talk given by the race directors, I felt a little better. I went home, had a big dinner and actually got some sleep.
Getting set up at the race site was a little nerve wracking, but with so many people around, I didn't want to freak out. Then I had to wait, and wait and wait. I was in the last wave so people started swimming at 7:00 and I started at 7:40. It was kind of depressing to have most people already out of the water when I was just getting in.
I swam the whole thing. People around me were freaking out and having to hold onto a kayak, so I was really proud of myself for not stopping. It was advertised as a 600m swim (.25 miles), but I heard it was actually a half mile. It did look really long! It took me 22 minutes.
The transition took me 4:30 minutes. It was a really long run from the lake to the bike. The bike was the part I was dreading the most and was the part I enjoyed the most! I just had a clunky mountain bike, but passed people on road bikes! I averaged just over 12 mph and finished the 30k (18.64 miles, but with transition areas probably 19-20), in 1:27 minutes. My goal was 1:30 so I was pumped that I did a little bit better and actually enjoyed it!
Then there was the 5k run. It was soooo humid at that point and my legs were sooo tired and my ankle and knee were hurting, but I ran (jogged) the entire thing!!! It took me 41 minutes.
It felt amazing to finish! Running through that shoot was the greatest feeling! Everyone was cheering and I was so proud of myself! My final time was 2:36 and my goal was 2:30 so I was happy with it!
I was dreading the race and just wanted to finish so I would never have to do it again, but I really want to do it again next year!! Anyone want to join me???
Re: I did it!!
So happy for you! That's amazing!!
I've volunteered at marathons before and just seeing the people accomplish something like that is great. I can't imagine the feeling of actually accomplishing one!
I want to volunteer at a race now. I was really grateful for all the volunteers yesterday. Everyone was sooo nice and helpful!
"I was dreading the race and just wanted to finish so I would never have to do it again, but I really want to do it again next year!! Anyone want to join me???"
YAYYYYYYY!!!!!!! I will definitely join you in the carboloading next year! Sign me up!
Seriously, I'm so PROUD of you. It really says a lot of your character. I have to say I got a little teary reading through your post. Way to go!
Holly Crap!!! I'm going to start calling you Super Carly!
I am truely amazed by what you have accomplished. I hope you do stick with it.
That is awesome. I'm so proud of you!!!
There's not a chance on this earth I'll be joining you though. I'll set up a lawn chair and wave to you as you go by if that will help!