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| Pre-race smiles, and then warming up to get ready to go because it really was a chilly day! |
Being the poor triathletes we are we contacted
the race director ahead of time asking if there was a possibility of a discount
and therefore they knew we were coming. The race director was kind enough to
discount the price for us and he also made sure that everyone at the race knew
that we were all triathletes from the training center (no pressure). We were
also lucky enough to have Alex’s coach Trista Francis there for support!
(Trista is also the one who provided the pictures, thanks!)
 |
| The race day crew, left to right John, Trista (Alex's coach), Alex, Me and Chelsea |
It’s
funny because going into the race I had decided there was no way I was racing
this hard, and that I would just build into it taking it more like a workout.
But no, the gun goes off and what do I do? Start very hard. To describe my
first race at altitude I would have to say it was not exactly a pleasurable
experience, in that it never felt good. I knew I was running a very hard
effort, but speed wise felt like I was tempo-ing and could go no harder. There also was a cramp at some point, and though it in no way affected my race I am wondering if it had anything to do with lack of oxygen. The course was pretty challenging with some hills and sharp turns,
but I blame most of how I felt on the altitude (although it could have also
been the fact I haven’t raced since the ManCave 5k at the beginning of
December). And yes I know, I am really milking this altitude thing for all it is worth.
 |
| Us with the blingage! Yay! |
In the
end though, the triathletes prevailed and we went 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the race
which was a bit of a relief after being spotlighted. We even were given multiple medals, woot woot! And ultimately, about an hour after
the race, I was happy that I did it. It shook off the cobwebs a bit
and it definitely was a good workout. Not to mention that it was so neat how
people responded to us being there. Many were interested in who we were, where
we were from, etc. One little girl's mom came up to us asking if her daughter could get a
picture with us. The girl who is five had just done the 5k and had dragged her
mom out of bed to make sure that they were doing it. There was another little
girl who asked us to sign her t-shirt for her who has been competing in
triathlons for a few years now and I can’t imagine her being older than ten or
so. I was so flattered and honored that these young girls saw us as role models.
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| First autograph! So humbled and really hope it means something one day! |
I was also so impressed by their drive that they already have in sport but also how much they both
enjoy it! As my dad always tells me before races “Run hard, have fun and tie
your shoes tight”. He puts it so simply and each time he says it it reminds me
why I really do triathlons/running. It’s because I enjoy it. I enjoy the
training, the competition, the people, the environment, the challenge, the drive
to be better than the last time, the learning and so much more. Not every race
feels great (exhibit A, this one) but in the end it’s a good time, even if you
don’t get the time you want or the place. It gives you something to strive for
in the next one and there’s always a silver lining to all races good or bad. In
lieu of all the Michael Jordan publicity (Happy Birthday by the way) “Just
play. Have fun. Enjoy the game”.
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| Me and my dad after the Cazenovia Triathlon. |
Race pictures from: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/iTz-Multisport-Endurance-Coaching/186791633271
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