Memphis in May 5150 Triathlon

 The Memphis in May Sprint triathlon was my first triathlon of the 2012 season and in the 30-34 Age group (even though I don't turn 30 til the end of the year).  I made the 400 mile drive to Memphis the day before the race, missing out on IronGirl Atlanta this year, to seek out a more competitive field.  The race was held at Harrah's Casino - Tunica, and promised a flat and fast bike and run.

Swim - This was my first time doing a time trial start, where you line up by number and start an athlete every three seconds. I was the last one in my AG to start (of course they did it alphabetically).  Despite being nearly pulled under water by and older man I was passing, and the muddiest swim I've experienced, I came out of the water in 9:28 for what my watch said was 0.43 miles, 8th in my AG. 

my tri top after the race, turned brown on the inside from the muddy water swim

T1 - 44 seconds (second fastest) 

Bike- I went on to make quite a few rookie mistakes getting out on the bike course.  Despite plenty of practice getting into and out of my shoes while they are already clipped on the bike, I first, couldn't get my right foot in my shoe (see pic) and then,  the rubber band holding my left shoe up-right didn't break.  I had to reach down and break it and of course get snapped.  Fantastic.  Next, I forgot to check that my helmet was adjusted to go onto my head and it was too tight (see the crooked helmet above) so had to adjust my helmet while riding too.  Not off to the best start, but once I got going I was able to hold a steady 20mph for the 13 mile ride.  My time of 38:22 was the 5th fastest in my AG.

my bike split - small elevation change and fairly consistent speed around 20mph

T2 - 0:46,  fastest T2 in my field

Run - Since the race didn't start until 8am, we were all feeling the heat by the time we got the run.  It was about 90 degrees.   After being injured and not racing in so long, only one or two bike-run bricks, I didn't know what to expect.  I ran a 20:40 (6:55/mile).  Far from my best, but just enough to move up in the field as others were hurting in the heat just as much, or maybe more, than I was.  Two of the overall women were in the 30-34 AG which moved me up to 2nd place from 4th, and a top 10 finish overall in 9th.

Women 30-34,   3rd, 2nd, 1st.

With Endurance Concepts, Cadence Bikes and Multisports teammate, Thomas P. (1st M20-24)

Really, I had a great time out there.  It's nice to get out there and remember what all the training is for, and have it come together, even if it wasn't perfect.  It was a decent race, and a lot of fun.  I made the right choice to skip IronGirl this year as the winning time in my AG was 1:45.  My 1:33 last year would have put me more than 10 minutes ahead of the next competitor.  Also, it helped that my Mother was there to cheer me on, as well as my Cousin Laura and their friend Tammi who drove up from Louisiana to watch the race and cheer us on.  Best of all, this was the third race I got to do with Charles.  

Charles broken ankle

About 5 weeks ago Charles was on a trail run when he mis-stepped and refractured an avulsion fracture in his left ankle from last season.  But nothing like a broken ankle will stop Charles, he had already signed up to do the race with me in Memphis and was determined to do it.  He'll never admit to this - but I think his unusually high tolerance for pain is a big part of what makes him such a great triathlete.  

He competed not only in the sprint race on Saturday, but came back to do the Olympic distance race on Sunday (part of the amateur challenge).  Charles combined times from both days placed him as one of the top 15 amateur athletes in the field, winning him a cash prize!  Congrats Charles!   Charles went on to take 1st place M30-34 in the Pelican Fest Triathlon in Colorado the next weekend.  

We are hoping to raise some money for our trip to the World Championships this fall in Auckland New Zealand.  I will be competing in the Aquathlon, and Charles will be competing in the Aquathlon and Olympic Distance Triathlon for Team USA.  The combined cost for our plane tickets there is a staggering $3200.  Charles is currently ranked #1 in the USA in Aquathlon AG M30-34!! See his pic in the ranking issue of USATriathlon Magazine.  

I'm so excited for another chance at international level competition!

A look at what travelling for races is like.  GEAR EVERYWHERE!

Quick Rachel update:  She just won a gym membership for 2 years from a raffle, awesome!!  She's keeping up the walking and moving towards the 5k goal!  Go Rachel!