Diamondman Tri

After my success at the Northeast Triathlon (first in my age group, surprisingly!), I decided to sign up for another tri before the end of the season. The Diamondman at Lums Pond was the only one that fit into my schedule, so even though I wasn't excited about swimming in Lums Pond (everyone said "Ick!" when I told them!), I registered. Luckily, I was able to convince my mom and brother to come cheer for me. It was the first time they'd come to any of my athletic events since college (and we know that was a LONG time ago, folks!).

The distances were odd -- .6 mile swim, 17.5 mile bike, and 2 mile run. Not a typical sprint. Even stranger was the crazy long run between the swim and the transition area: more than a quarter mile!

The swim was fine. Honestly, the worst part was walking through the water to get to the start buoy. I was reminded of how much I loathe swimming in ponds and lakes. All that squishy mud/sand/scum on the bottom just skeeved. me. out. Blech. Once I started swimming, I was fine. Until it was time to put my feet back down and run out of the water. :)

As soon as I came out of the water, and even before I got my swim cap completely off, I heard a booming male voice cheering for me. It was Antwain, the Fast Cats coach! And right next to him, beaming from ear to ear, was little Xavier, one of the members of the team! I couldn't believe it! They got up so early on a Sunday to come cheer... for me??? Really???? As I ran, I shouted out to X, "My mom's up here! She's in blue!" He sprinted next to me, and as we reached my mom I called out to her, "They're from the Club!!!"

As I approached the transition area, I heard more cheers for me. It was Rahdeein and Ronyell, two more Fast Cats!! By the time I stripped off my wetsuit (water temp = 69 degrees, brrrr!), all four kids and Antwain were hanging over the fencing talking to me and giving me encouragement for the rest of the race.

I took off on the bike with tears in my eyes, feeling like the luckiest girl in the world, and saw a County police car within the first mile or two. The cops were all over the bike course. By some stroke of luck, I looked over my shoulder as I passed by. It was Joe, one of the three County officers I know! Another fan cheering for me! Best race EVAH!

I felt good on the bike but still came in about a minute or two slower than I expected to. Oh well. The bike course was a figure eight, so I got to see Joe again, then as I passed by transition I heard my HUGE cheering section -- Antwain and the kids, Mom, my brother, and my friend Jen and her friend Christine who came to cheer for a few of us. Oh, and Shaggy, who was tended to by my brother while I raced. :)

By the time I finished biking, I was desperate to pee. As always. Next year, in addtion to working on my biking, I need to work on my peeing, apparently. Again, Antwain and the kids hung over the fencing and talked to me as I changed my shoes and racked my bike, and then I was off.

Within 2 minutes of the run, I passed the portapotties and decided to sacrifice my time for my comfort. It took me 57 seconds to relieve myself and get back on the course, and I knew my goal of a 15-minute run was shot. Oh well again. So I just ran as fast as I could and hoped for the best. At the turnaround I was at 8:34, so without the break I was really close to my 7:30 goal pace. Rats!

With about a quarter mile to go, I saw Joe one more time and got some support from him... but as I rounded the turn to the chute I heard HUGE cheers for me! For ME! Absolutely the best feeling in the world!

(All times by my watch)
SWIM = 19:05
T1 = 5:55
BIKE = 56:42
T2 = :52
RUN = 15:34 (yes, I ran the 2nd mile in 7:00 exactly!)
TOTAL = 1:38:11

3/16 in my age group
12/96 women
61/214 overall

YEAH!!!!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you Mom, Anthony, Antwain, Xavier, Rahdeein, Ronyell, and Joe. Those cheers, fist pumps, and waves really helped!