Ashland Race Report

It wasn't the best day in New England. It was cool and drizzling. I arrived early and drove the course. Everyone talked about how hilly the course is but it didn't seem too bad. I like hills....on the bike anyway.

After setting up my transition area and a quick warm up on the run (I opted not to warm-up on the bike because of the rain), I headed down to the water.
I had taken a huge risk and broke the cardinal rule. "Never try anything new on race day". The night before the race I decided I "needed" a sleeveless wetsuit. I thought about driving up to Newton to buy one but didn't have time. I did the next best thing... I cut the sleeves off my long sleeve wetsuit. I had never considered a sleeveless because I'd always been told a long sleeve is faster. I think there should be some scientific study on this. David? Maybe your next Tri Talk episode?? I understand the long sleeve cutting through the water faster but over some distance when your arms and shoulders start to fatigue there must be a point you start to lose speed.

With about about fifteen minutes until gun time I started to head down to the water with my "new" sleeveless wetsuit. I wasn't quite sure where the water actually was but there was a path in the woods that everyone was taking. I enter the woods and walked for what seemed like forever over briar's, rocks, wet stumps, mud and a wet bridge. This isn't going to be an easy transition with bare feet. As I'm close to the water here comes Cait Snow fully clad in a wetsuit walking toward me. Hey Cait.. you racing today? She replies "No, I just finished a morning swim". I breathed a sigh of relief. When I finally reach the water all I can think is I sure hope this wetsuit works because there's no way I have time to go back to get my other one. I get in the water and WOW!!! I've never felt better swimming with a wetsuit. I should have thought of this years ago.

The swim went well. I got on some feet and didn't really exert much energy. I came out of the water I think 2nd or 3rd. I ran up the path with no problem. I didn't even notice the rocks or roots and I was out of the woods in no time.
The bike felt great! I had a close call on one of the wet corners and came very close to going down. I really don't know how I kept it upright, some higher being was with me. I was a little skittish for a couple minutes but then I just pushed it out of my head and finished up the bike.

The run felt horrible as usual. It was very hilly and it's apparent to me that I need to work on my hill running. I was extremely happy after the turn around to see how much of a lead I had. I was able to let up a little and felt a better for the last half.

Thanks to my husband and son for getting up early to watch me race and for the clean bike honey! I really appreciate all you do.