“Though some days can be a struggle, it’s important to have something that will motivate, inspire, and help us stay positive and keep moving forward.” This quote by Demi Levato rings true for me in general, but also when I think about how my Kerrville 70.3 began. My original plan to make the 4.5-hour drive from Keller was thwarted due to bike maintenance. Rather than leaving and settling on Friday, we had to do so Saturday morning instead. After loading my transition bag and picking up my bike, my sherpa, Steve, and I were on our way. I am grateful for the peaceful ride.
I checked in and picked up my race packet around 1 pm on Saturday. My packet included my numbers, swim cap, wrist band, and all the usual materials. Next, we figured out the race logistics. Once I affixed my race number on my bike, we dropped it off at T1 and then loaded and dropped off my run bag at T2. Saturday evening included a relaxing pre-race dinner at a pizza and pasta restaurant across from our hotel with our good friend Ron. We enjoyed some football before an early bedtime. On Sunday Morning–race day–I woke at 4 am. Once I got a text from Ron, at 5 am, stating he was in the parking lot and ready to go, we loaded up my T1 bag and bike pump and off we went. We made it to the transition area around 6 am and Ron filled my tires (anyone who knows me knows I don’t put air in my tires or change tubes) while I laid out my towel, shoes, socks, helmet, and most-important item: my PB&J sandwich. Once everything was situated, I spent some time connecting with fellow triathletes while relaxing in the grass. We stood for the Star-Spangled Banner, and then promptly at 7:30 am the race began. I was happily in the second wave of racers. The 1.2-mile open-water swim was a struggle. This was my only open water swim of the year, and truly it is so different than a pool swim. I completed this portion of the tri in 50 minutes, which is typical for me (I can’t swim in a straight line to save my life). My first transition was S-L-O-W. As I walked up the hill, I gave Steve a kiss and then went into the transition. Between bites of my PB&J, I put on my helmet and shoes. As I was about to begin, I realized I forgot my sunglasses. I went back to my bag to grab this important item, and off I went for the second portion of the tri. As I mentioned at the start, my bike was giving me trouble. I was a bit nervous that the first time I would be riding it after the repairs would be during the race. My ride began great, and the weather was perfect, too! Then I hit my first hill. While I had no problem going into the small gear, I could not get the gear to move back up. The process of changing the gear took five, long minutes and I needed to do switch gears three different times–I felt VERY frustrated. I finished 56 miles in 3 hours and 8 minutes and was happy as I crossed the finish. Again, my transition was S-L-O-W (4 minutes and 24 seconds). I enjoyed another PB&J while I put on my run belt, shoes, and cap. Just a half-marathon left! The sun was out, and the run was HOT. At every rest station I stopped to put ice down my sports bra. Normally I find the running portion of the tri relaxing. However, on this day I could not get into a groove. I struggled, but still managed to finish strong and sprinted the last quarter mile. I crossed the finish line and was overjoyed to see Steve and Ron cheering me on. While my run time was slower than usual–2 hours and eight minutes–I took third in my age group overall with an official time of 6:17:11. After the race, I enjoyed a nice evening and post-race meal with my husband and the best sherpa ever! This race was great training for my Full IRONMAN in Waco on October. Even when I struggle, I believe in myself and keep moving forward. Until Next Monday…
3 Comments
Matt
10/3/2022 06:47:12 am
Congratulations!
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11/14/2022 11:50:12 am
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AuthorPollyann Keller Archives
October 2024
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