I'm almost packed, at least my race bag is. Need to ride the bike a bit tomorrow morning to make sure the chain isn't going to drop Sunday. Other than that, ready or not, my race season begins.
Instead of Racing Carlyle (3Disciplines - Gateway Triathlon) this year, I opted for the first St. Louis Triathlon in Creve Coeur, Missouri. No sharp turns on the bike like Carlyle, and not gravel roads. With our moving in December, and all of my daughter's schedule, as well as trying to get our house rebuilt so we can move in, I do not feel I am ready to race. I will finish, but I can't say I'm at my best.
This past Spring, I experienced shoulder pain that caused me to research and re evaluate how I swim. I believe for the better. First, because the pain is gone. Second, because my stroke is more efficient. I have been riding with a group on Saturday and Wednesdays, when my daughter doesn't have a softball game and weather permits, but I have not spun enough to have a strong base/foundation. The neighbor below us has complained about the noise, and I have tried to accommodate. As for my run, I need to drop weight. I ran significantly faster early season. Now, as I added distant runs, I have a tight muscle in my right leg that slows me down. (I'm just old.)
The course for this race is interesting. The swim in an out and back. One turn. The bike is available to download for your trainer. I've ridden it a few times. I want to watch it again. Literally, you watch it on the screen as you pedal. Amazing. And the run is basically through a park, under trees.
Did I mention the Swag Bag? Tee shirt, visor, socks, glass pilsner (I have a new collection starting). Not to mention the finisher's medal and the red swim cap. (I'm in the first heat after the para-athletes.) I wish my daughter would join me in doing more triathlons. But she hates running.
This is the first race. But not my first event of the season. I did a 60 mile gravel grind not long ago. I'm looking forward to more.
After this, 3 weeks to be ready for Esprit de She in Naperville. Looking forward to the shorter distance.
