My first Duathlon

by | Aug 15, 2017 | Blog | 0 comments

Better late, than never, I finally have some time to share my reflections from my first duathlon last weekend. I have been busy with book release, birthday, and vacation.  Ok, for those who follow my blog you know that my ultimate decision to commit to a Triathlon came from my God son.

Well, after I made the commitment, I bought a road bike and joined Major Taylor Cycling Club Chicago. I also signed up to take swimming classes, then I signed up for a duathlon.

I thought 5k run, 12.8 mile ride, and then 5k run would not be too bad. I downloaded a training program, but had to combine it with my marathon training program. I honestly did not get enough brick workouts in. I just recently learned what a brick workout was.

Ok the week of the race was crazy. I was in a car accident on that Tuesday in a lot where I was supposed to get my new car.  I did not get my new car, which is a long story, and had nothing to do with the wreck Although it was a bad sign. I arranged to get a rental car to make it to race.  Another long story, but no car.  One of my good friends saw my despair and let me borrow his car.

So I get up at 2:30 AM. I could not sleep I was too excited. I get my things together, put my bike in the car. I start my drive towards Schaumburg, about 45 minutes later I arrive. I grabbed my CC and walked to the check in. I grabbed my package, and they marked my arm. I felt official. The marks  on my arm felt almost like a tattoo (I said if I ever do an Iron Man I will get a tattoo).

I find my transition area. They had them grouped by our bib numbers. I picked the end of the rack. I figured would be easier to find. In my rush, and anxiety I realized that I did not put air in my tires. So I find the organizers and there is no pump. I was surprised all of the fun rides I participated in always had mechanics with all kinds of help. I find someone with a pump and asked could I borrow his. I add some air to each tired. I get my things set up for the transitions. I place my biking shoes to the right of my bike. I make sure my bike computer is working. I decide to run with my music, because it was allowed. My mind was not right not to race with it. It is weird I don’t run with music, unless is is greater than 15miles on a solo run and during races. I love my music for a race. It is like an extra treat. I love racing. I run to race.  Run is fun, and all, but the race is like the climax- there is nothing like it. I will have my mind right when I do my first triathlon .

I talked to a few people who had done the race before. They said it was really low key, and to relax. We start our first 5k. I start out a little too fast as I usually do. It was the excitement of the race. I then ease into my average pace.   I was worried I would miss a turn, bu they were well marked and they had volunteers at every turn.  I finish faster than my usual overall average pace. I rush to my bike my landmark worked for the most part. I quickly put on my bike shoes/ helmet , ditch my music and ride out.

12.8 miles I thought this should not be too bad. I usually try to ride at least 20 miles each ride since joining Major Taylor Chicago. This ride had some hills but I was riding a great pace. I passed so many people that had passed me running. I had momentum until the end.

I get off my bike, take off my bike shoes, and get rid of the helmet. My legs were like jello. It took me half a miles to pick up any speed. Then I got back to my usual pace. I thought almost 2.5 miles to go  and I will have made it. I get into my groove, jamming to my music. I see some of the people that were running with me during the first 5k. I must have really picked up speed on my bike ride. I finish strong. I cross the finish line. I had made it. I finished my first duathlon.

After the race, I got a chance to talk to some people who actually completed the triathlon. I learned it was a pool swim. They had to do eight laps. I thought maybe that is an option for my first versus open water.  I will plan for open, but I see that I have options for a pool.

I would definitely recommend Splash Pedal Dash Duathlon, I would love to do some more duathons this season,  but I can’t find any other local ones. I discovered that biking maybe my way to decrease my overall time. I was 82nd place in the run, and 68th in the biking. I am excited to continue this process of becoming  a Triathlete.

Recent Posts

Who Am I? Who Are We As Athletes When We Can’t Compete

Who Am I? Who Are We As Athletes When We Can’t Compete

Who Am I? Who Are We As Athletes When We Can't Compete In this episode I'm sharing my personal journey.. It has been a challenging season since the pandemic.  I faced various obstacles, including COVID-19, two knee surgeries, financial struggles, and my most...

Finding Yourself Beyond Sports with Anna Marcolin

Finding Yourself Beyond Sports with Anna Marcolin

In this episode, the last of Season 6 I'm sharing my personal journey. It has been a challenging season since the pandemic.  I faced various obstacles, including COVID-19, two knee surgeries, financial struggles, and my most recent surgery.   Many...

Pushing the Limits: The Story of Alex Torres and His Iron Man Journey

Pushing the Limits: The Story of Alex Torres and His Iron Man Journey

Alex Torres, an Ironman Triathlete, shares his journey of overcoming challenges and realizing his potential to become an Ironman. Alex started his athletic journey as the "runt of the Torres family," but through hard work and determination, he proved everyone wrong...