Mission Bay Triathlon Race Recap
I finished my last triathlon of the year! This was my 5th and final triathlon of the year. I always finish my triathlon season in San Diego because it helps lengthen my tri-season. Why do I want to prolong my tri season? To extend the fun! October weather in Washington is not good enough to race triathlon but it’s perfect weather in San Diego. My birthday was on Friday (I turned 25), and then I raced on Sunday. I have worked really hard all season long and I am worn out. I had the attitude to “get the race over with” unfortunately. I don’t like feeling that way. I like to enjoy the whole process of race week, but I wasn’t really enjoying it this time. I wanted to enjoy my birthday weekend and time with family and friends. I feel like I wasn’t able to do that because I had to focus on the race, not drink, worry about getting my packet, race day logistics, and eating right. Not to mention the family dog getting into my race nutrition the night before I raced.
About the actual race… this race wasn’t a normal distance. It was a 1000m swim, 34k bike and a 9k run. So, a little bit less than a normal Olympic distance. The race started bright and early at 6:45am (they usually start at 7:30 am). I was grateful for the early start though, I really wanted to get it over with and not be in the sun for too long. I was nervous even though I tried to not be, it takes a lot of energy to be nervous. Now I am standing at the front of the start line with 30 seconds to go, I close my eyes and take 5 or so big deep breaths. I get in the zone to calm myself and get ready to go hard. I remind myself to go out there, trust my training, and do my thing.
The swim: I SPRINTED into the water, a little gung-ho, I admit, but it’s a race! I treat it as such. The water was chilly, but I was actually a little hot towards the end. I was swimming next to a girl for the first 200 meters, but I slowly peeled away. After I made the first turn, I noticed she was trailing behind me. A little concerned she would catch up, I pushed ahead. I passed so many dudes in the swim, it always gives me such a big ego boost. The woman who was trailing behind me came out of the water at about the same time as me. I sprinted out of the water making it into transition quickly. I ended up swimming 3rd fastest in the entire race, 1st fastest woman. The transition area was a rough, concrete parking lot and it felt like my feet were bleeding. It hurt so bad!
The bike: Something is wrong with my legs and bike fit because my legs just feel awful, awful, awful. I still did ok speed-wise, but I know better performances are inside of me. I just know it. I want my bike to feel like my swim. I need to figure it out… get a different bike fit and talk to my coach about it. The second lap felt better but I kept thinking to myself “I need to get off this bike.” It was just so painful in my hips. Coming into T2, my feet still felt awful because of the parking lot! Got my running shoes on, ready to finish off this race
Feeling alright on the first lap of the bike. Photo by Endurance Sports Photo.
The run: My plan for the run was the same as the last race. Run the first 2 miles at a low threshold, the next 2 at a medium threshold, and the last 1.3 miles all out. I did that. My HR got higher throughout, and my run pace got faster. It was a pretty run course. I didn’t love it as it was flat. I don’t love flat courses. I love dynamic courses with hills, they are more fun. I finished strong and finally the finish line!! A sigh of relief! It's over!! I get to relax now!
On to the run! Photo by my Uncle Steve
I found my family, my mom and Uncle Steve, waiting for me at the finish line. I was very sweaty. I walked around the expo, saw my results, and saw I finished 3rd overall female. I was a little disappointed as I only had one woman pass me on the run around mile two but there must’ve been another woman in the start group ahead of me. We got all packed up from the transition area and headed to brunch. We met Aunt Lindsay and Cousin Ella there. I got a bloody Mary. Yummy, yummy.
Uncle Steve, me and my mom <3 my mom surprised me the day before in San Diego!! Photo by a stranger.
I have felt kind of bad wanting a break so bad. I have worked so hard, making time for hard workouts in my daily life among other life stresses every single day. It’s hard. It made me feel like maybe I am not meant to be professional because I feel that way. Combined with the social media comparison… I have been starting to follow more triathletes who just raced in Nice World Champs and are already looking forward to next year. I’m like dang!! Do they not want a break? I think to myself, “I don’t race at that level, and I am already ready for a break! What’s wrong with me?” Nothing is wrong with me. In reality, I have no idea what they are actually going through. I think even the top pros who love their job still feel like they want to get away from triathlon and rest sometimes. I get two weeks completely off. I get to do what feels good like ocean dips and hikes with my boyfriend. I am ready for some intentional rest and recovery. I plan to do some journaling about how this season went, make some plans for off-season racing, and make my plan for next year’s racing. But most of all, simply recharge to get ready to go faster next year😊