Who Says Disco Is Dead

Today I raced Disco at Johnson Branch State Park for the second time.  Last year this race was my first olympic distance ever.  To be perfectly honest, I spent much of the week regretting my decision to do this race.  I figured it would be better for me to spend the weekend getting some serious mileage on the bike, but since I paid the money I figured I had to race.

One the way to race I had a little come to Jesus meeting with myself.  Whether I like it or not I was doing this race so I might as well enjoy the experience.  Once I got my transition area set up I made my way to swim start and found several NTM members setting up the tent.  Seeing my people helped get me more excited.

The swim was pretty choppy but I wasn't bothered by it.  I've swam in choppy water before so I just went with it.  Last year I freaked out during the swim...and the water was smooth.  Despite the choppy water and the several gulps I swallowed, I thought the swim went well.

 

I made my way to bike and ended up with the fastest T1 time in my age group! (It's the small victories:))  I hopped on my bike and immediately had two regrets: 1. I used regular bottles instead of my aero bottle so it was harder to drink. 2. I forgot to tape the number to my bike so it was sliding around my top tube and rubbing my leg.  I had a pack of peanut butter Gu taped to my tube, so after I ate it I was able to use the tape for my bike number.  As the race continued I was pleased with my pace and feeling pretty good.  Around mile 15 or 16 I ended up dropping my chain.  I quickly jumped off my bike and fixed it. Normally I wear black shorts for training, so when I get chain grease on my hands I can just wipe them on my shorts.  My race shorts are red and white so that wasn't an option.  The only black I had on was my sports bra. Soooo, I unzipped my top a little and wiped my hands.  I'm sure it quite a sight! I finished my the bike portion of the race in 1 hour and 16 minutes.  

 

 

My legs were still feeling good when I started the run, but I think I went out just a little too hard.  As the miles ticked away my pace slowed a little bit.  Because this race has a disco theme, there were people with big wigs and crazy outfits.  It was pretty entertaining, but I don't know how they race with those mops on their head.

I finished the race in 2:51 and came in second in my age group.  I was pretty pleased with my race and excited to place.  While I did miss out on getting some good training miles in, I think today's race is just what I needed.  With all the Ironman training, its easy to forget what I love most about this sport...racing!  Today was great measuring stick to see how far I've grown as an athlete over the past year. 

I have to give a big shout out to my coach.  With his help I was able to shave 17 minutes off last year's race.  I also have to give a big shout out to all the NTM volunteers today.  Those guys always make race day special and fun.  

"I'd rather look back at my life and say 'I can't believe I did that' instead of saying 'I wish I had done that.'" ~~ stolen from my Uncle John's Facebook page:)

Stacy and I both took home a little hardware!