Finally! A race report

Our Internet connection in Lake Placid was worse than sporadic, so I'm just now getting to my blog. A week late is still better than never, right?

First, last year's results.

Lake Placid Mini Tri - 2007
Swim (400 meters) - 10:00
Bike (12 miles) - 40:49
Run (3 miles) - 24:43
TOTAL - 1:17:38
4th in my age group
Not bad for my first tri!

I figured I'd be OK on the swim and run, but my biking has been slower and less frequent this year so I was worried about my bike split. Last year's 40:49 included a brief stop at an unclosed intersection, so my actual biking time was more like 39 minutes. I was hoping to beat last year's time. 1:15ish would have been great.

Lake Placid Mini Tri - 2008
Before the race, I noticed my good buddy (haha) Mike Richter, the former NY Ranger goalie and future Hall of Famer. I had met him last year at this same race and remembered what a friendly, down-to-earth guy he was so I went over to chat a bit. He probably thought I was a crazed stalker, but he was as nice as I remembered.

I felt much more comfortable in the swim and didn't breast stroke at all this year. I also did a slightly better job of sighting in the open water. The only time I faltered was when I literally swam OVER a woman about 2/3 of the way through the course, stopped to apologize, and then had to restart.

Swim time - 9:40

I hadn't practiced getting in and out of my wetsuit, and it showed. In the transition area, a random guy talked me through the process of trying to peel the suit off. (He was just there to spectate, saw me struggling, and leaned over the fence to help me. Thanks, Mystery Dude!)

Took off on the bike and tried to hammer it. I felt like I was hammering. I felt great, in fact. No unnecessary stops at intersections this year. Felt strong on the hills. Took the corners without braking TOO much. Unfortunately, my bike time was much slower than last year. As I came back toward the transition area, I saw Mike Richter on the run course and cheered, "Go Mike!" He came back at me with, "Nice work nice work!" Holy hell! Mike Richter just cheered for ME!!!

Bike time - 41:41 (crap!)

Quick transition into my running shoes, and I was off on the run course. I felt great. I felt strong. I felt fast! IronHubby was on the course taking pics, so I even was able to smile for a picture. His client's family was there too, and they really gave me a boost. (Isn't it exciting to hear people cheering your name??) Once again, I saw Mike Richter (he had already passed the turnaround and was coming right at me). He tried to cheer for me again, but it came out like "Guuudddk." I think it was supposed to be "good work." Reached the turnaround at 11:42 (ack!!!!!!!) and just tried to hold on for the second half of the run. About 3/4 of a mile from the finish line, I passed a woman and said, "Come on! Strong finish!" She immediately sped up to pass me back. Being the shy, demure person I am, I said, "OK, not THAT strong!" We both laughed, and I ultimately pulled ahead and lost her.

Run time - 23:39
Total time - 1:17:30
An 8 second PR and 3rd in my age group!

At the finish area, I thanked Mike Richter for cheering for me and told him what a thrill it was. He said, "You were FLYING out there on the run!" :D As we chatted, the woman I passed came over to thank me for the encouragement... and introduce herself as his wife!!!! Hahahahahahahaha! Too funny.

Overall, it was another fun race. I really, really like this race. It's small but well organized, inexpensive, and loads of fun. It also helps that the course is beautiful -- I can't think of a better place to swim than Mirror Lake. So clean and crystal clear. The bike course also is very safe and challenging. This race, like the Thundergust Duathlon, will definitely be added to the annual schedule!