Race Report - 2007 Greenwood Sprint - Swain
I took Stan's advice and did nothing Thursday, Friday, and Saturday-race was on Sunday. Man this was hard. I felt sluggish /thought I was sick. Thought of bailing out at the last minute-very apprehensive-Saturday afternoon. Rick Anderson said that I couldn't -so the encouragement was needed and taken -no bailing-no way.
The night before we ate Mexican and drank a few beers Stan, Rick and myself. Very good- the beer especially!
Race morning - Excited - no breakfast- ate a banana. Felt good!! I was at the back of the swim line( 116 participants- I was probably no. 110). Didn't mind though. Jumped in got a little tired but didn't stop or swim on my back ( my safety valve if I get too tired). The bike shirt I brought to ewear was too tight. I had a hard time putting it on after the swim. Bring something loose fitting. Bike ride felt good. I went slower than I thought I would - may have been my slow transition - not sure. Heart rate was elevated 150 to 160 on the bike.
The bike ride seemed longer than it should have, but I was fine. Put my running shoes on and started. Encouragement received from Sue, Rick, and Stan. Thy were finished when I started my run. Saw Kim running -we offered each other encouragement. Felt good on the run -heart rate stayed elevated between 160 to 170 -my max is apprx. 175. Last quarter of a mile was tiring because of a slight incline -heart rate reached 173 at one point toward the end and I slowed down( was slow anyway but slowed more).
Finish line in sight. I was pumped!!! Felt great. Will do it again in fact -Sunday in Anderson. Best feeling I have had in a while!!!
All in all it was a great experience!!! Amazing what we can do with perseverance and hard work!!! and Good Coaching- Thanks to Sue and Jim especially!!! I haven't done many of the coached runs, but I'm sure this would have helped me also.
We have a great group of people that I would never have met if I hadn't tried this!