We took Friday off and headed out around 11:30. We made good time until we hit the Hamptons, so not too bad. On the way we stopped to pick up Husband's new surfboard and some gear at the bike shop for me. I bought:
- cute new sugoi tri top and bike shorts
- road tires for my mountain bike
- clipless pedals
Husband says tri is the perfect sport for me because it involves so many outfit changes. Friday night we got back to the house and I got a bike maintenance lesson - we changed the tires on our bikes from nobby trail tires to smoother road tires, aka "slicks". I learned what to do in case I get a flat tire. Put on the new pedals and cleats on my shoes.
So I haven't ridden my bike since last summer, and this was this first time I tried the clipless pedals. Husband warned me that they take some getting used to. He was right. A few circles around the yard, and boom! Like a sack of bricks. Lost my balance a little, and as my feet were conected to the pedals, we all went down together. Once you get used to it, though, it is a lot easier than flat pedals.
Saturday morning. Left the house somewhat early, headed for the race site. Oddly enough, the most direct route involves taking 2 ferries each way, and takes 2 hours. On race day, we'll have to go the "long way" because the ferry doesn't start running until 6 am and that's when I'm supposed to be there. The place is not easy to find -- thank goodness we did this trial run; I wouldn't want to be searching for this thing at 5 am on race morning. The park/beach is very small, and there are no facilities like bathrooms or showers. Bummer. We were able to park right next to the beach, annd do all our transitioning in the car.
Wetsuits on. Kind of guessed how far we would have to go and back, and swam along the shore. There were creepy little crab skeletons in the water. Although I have a tendency to panic in the water, I was able to recognize the fact that my wetsuit makes me all floaty, and I can always backstroke it if I get tired.
Wetsuits off. Bike shorts on. On bike. Moving, more or leass, for 8 miles. Bike route is not a park, more of a quiet suburbia. Still figuring out the clipless pedals, and what gear I should be in. I think I am still working way harder than I should have to. Also, I think my seat is too low. My natural tendency is to put it too low, because that's how kids' bikes ride. Anyway, felt much smoother when I switched bikes with Husband for the last bit.
Bike shoes off. Runing shoes on. Helmet off, running hat on. Gu gel, washed down with some water and gatorade. Take off for the 3.4 mile run. Husband is way faster than me so he takes off out of sight immediately. Wait, who filled my legs with concrete? Legs . . . so . . . heavy . . can . . . barely . . . lift . . . . But I keep going. Slowly, small steps. Burning, burning in the calves, especially on the right. I have never felt anything like this, I guess it is the lactic acid? After about 12 minutes, I slow down and walk for a few. Just as I start walking, who pulls up, but an ice cream truck. Swear to God. I guess it's lucky I didn't have any money on me. Seems like a cruel joke nonetheless.
Legs no longer burning, I ran the rest of the way, and felt pretty good on the way in. Went back in the water for a quick dip to cool off. Would have loved a shower, but it wasn't meant to be. Glad I brought bananas to munch on.
So that was it. My first "practice" triathlon. My first "real" one is in 5 short days! I think I'll be okay.
On Sunday my shoulders were pretty sore -- I'm not sure if it was from the swimming or my tension-filled grip on the bike. Went to the beach and actually did a little surfing with Husband. Ok, it was more like paddling around until I decided I was getting a little tired. But still. Actually, the paddling may have been the best thing for my shoulder - it felt much better afterwards.
Monday -- the weekend continued! So nice to have a long one. My big accomplishment was my longest run at the beach house to date - about 7.5 miles. It's a hilly road to the lighthouse. Took longer than I expected, but I'm not used to hills.
So there it is, a pretty good weekend, I'd say. If I didn't have such funny tan lines, it would be a complete success.
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