I was trying to calm myself down to swim again, but it just wasn't working, then I saw the first raft, I wanted to make it to the raft to catch my breathing. I caught my breathing, and at the same time, got a noodle. I completed the swim on the noodle and loved it. I ask myself if I could have done it without the noodle and I am not sure. It provided such security. It slipped out a few times and I found myself flailing for it. Darn open water! Well, it gives me a goal for next year! Make it to the second raft before resting and then going raft to raft, if needed.
The bike was hot and windy! And, who knew there were so many hills? My gears got quite a workout too. One advantage to a 26 minute swim is the transition area on my row was quite clear to get to my bike : ) I really enjoyed the scenery on my bike. Forgot to start my watch though until maybe 5 minutes in. The miles on that ride just flew by, 2, 4, 6, 8, well 10 took quite awhile to show up, then it was finished. Ohhh the legs, and especially the knees, that was tough. I liked hobbling past all of the well-wishers on the sidelines. I was also good about finishing my Gatorade on the ride. I don't like taking in fluids during a ride or run, but took the Danskin advice that said you should finish your drink on the ride and did it. I think I expected my time to be about 5 - 10 minutes faster, but will blame at least 5 minutes on the wind.
The run is my favorite part and it showed in my time. I started out with a pace of a shuffle as I adjusted my gait to save my knees. They were sore (and still are). I thought about walking but was afraid that if I took a break it would be even harder to recover. I think that about the swim too. If they didn't have noodles at that first raft, I think I would have been more likely to just catch my breath and try again. Probably ending up at the next raft, but at least swimming without the noodle. Oh well, enough of that.
I was pleasantly surprised to see my running time, I thought it was slower. The first mile marker was about when I expected, and the second seemed to take forever to show up. Then the last mile. I just loved it, being able to see the crowd waiting to welcome you to the finish, hearing that little beep as you passed the last timing chip thingy. I stomped on that piece of wood. Hearing your name announced. Wow. My original goal was to finish in 2 hours. Then, adding up my times I thought there is no way, and I was going to be happy with 2 hours and 15 minutes. Ending time: 2 hours, 1 minute and 36 seconds! Biggest lesson learned - practice much more often in open water for the swim. For me, it is just not the same as laps in a pool.
