Location: Marlton Lakes, NJ
0.25 Mi Swim -- 11 Mi Bike -- 3 Mile Run
Race Date: Sept 2, 2006
Swim 9:54 Pace 2:15 SwPl 93 T1 3:31 T1Pl 174 Bike 41:10 MPH 16.0 BkPl 207 T2 2:36 T2Pl 230 Run 32:49 Pace 10:56 RnPl 238 Finish 1:29:59 Place 213/261
Athena Place: 6/8
Age Group Place: 17/19
Pre-Race: Rain and wind. We got there early to get a good parking spot, and this was a good choice because a long walk in the rain would have made things worse. I came prepared this time with a gigantic zip-lock bag to keep my things dry. I set up my transition area and headed back to the car. I drank a bottle of gatorade and half a bottle of water and ate a marathon bar (my favorite). Then we headed back to the race meeting place, which started 10 minutes late (not too bad considering the conditions the race coordinators had to work in). I was down to my trisuit and swim cap so I was very cold because of the wind (it was about 60F outside). Tom was very kind and gave me his poncho and just used the umbrella (which was not much help in the wind). Everyone headed across the land bridge/dam to the other side of the lake, and Tom came with me to cheer me on and bring my sandals back.
Swim: The water was colder than I expected but not unbearable (I am guessing about 75F). I did not wear a wetsuit, but I went to the front of the group and treaded water for about 2 minutes before the start. This was good because it helped me warm up and get used to the water. My navigation was good even though the water was choppy. I did not run over anyone or get run over. I think for now on I will start in the front because my swimming is fast enough. The water was very muddy and gross, especially near the end. I swam longer than others and popped up when people beside me were mid-thigh deep. This was a good choice because I saved energy and I minimized running in the muck where my feet just dug in.
T1: I ran across the little beach and across the road through water puddles. I know it is not good to run through puddles, especially when you cannot see what is there. But there was no avoiding them, and I stepped on a large uneven crack in the asphalt. It smarted my foot for a few seconds, but luckily there were no cuts.
Bike: Driving rain. Gusty wind. Road debris. Deep puddles. Enough said? I was very careful and took the turns slowly. I wore my clear safety glasses which worked well to keep the rain out of my eyes. I was hard to drive in a straight line because of the sidewinds in the clearings, but I made it safely with no flats.
Run: By now the rain calmed to a mist and the run was actually pleasant. I had flashbacks of the heat and sun at the Hampton Tri, so I counted my blessings. I decided to carry my inhaler on the bike and run, and this was a good because the humidity was high and I needed it. But nothing could calm my screaming bladder that was quite mad at me for drinking so much liquid before the race. I walked a little and it calmed down enough to let me run in relative peace. I met another girl at the last water station (which I did not stop for) and we ran together for the rest of the race.
