The triathlon was scheduled for Sunday April 29 and packet pickup was on Saturday. I took my bike with me to the YMCA and after picking up my packet I road the bike course. The bike ride course was only 10 miles long but there were a number of hills and more potholes then I could count. There was one right hand turn that had a big drop off at the edge of the road so I'm glad I made a practice run on Saturday.
I did my practice laps in the indoor pool where it was nice and warm. About 15 minutes before our swim wave was to start they asked us to go to the outside pool. We were out at the pool way to early and I was shivering as I waited for our swim wave to start. When the pervious wave was on their last lap we were allowed to jump into the pool. The warm water felt great. Last year it seemed like one of the swimmers was halfway down the pool by the time I pushed off the wall. I wasn't going to let that happen this year. I was off the wall as fast as anyone and I could tell I was ahead of everyone near me. I did a kick flip and could tell I was in first place in this swim wave. With each lap I pulled ahead just a little bit more but I never really pushed myself since I was in the lead. It's not like I was going to drown if I swam to hard and got tired. The pool is only three and one-half feet deep so I'd just have to stand up if I got tired. I finished my laps, pulled myself out of the pool and started to run across the pool deck. Most pools have signs that say "no running" but what I needed was a sign that said "no jumping." Rather then use the steps to get down off the pool deck I jumped down to the sidewalk. I had instant and excruciating pain from my left calf muscle. I could hardly run and had a tough time getting to the bike racks.
Waiting for the previous wave to finish swimming.
Look at that! I'm leading this swimming wave.
I pulled on my shirt and jacket, then I put on my sunglasses and helmet before grabbing my bike. More leg pain as I ran to the timing mat to mount my bike.
I can barely run and I'm not sure how I'll get through the 10 mile bike ride.
Yesterday was the first time I tried getting on the bike while running. I really need to practice this part of the triathlon. Riding the bike wasn't painful until I stood on the pedals to climb hills. I pushed as hard as I could but I'm usually trying to catch other cyclists and it's really hard to be the pace setter. I had one cyclist catch and pass me on the bike ride. He was on a triathlon bike and was faster on the flats but I caught up to him on the next big hill. He pulled away again but I saw him turn down a road that wasn't part of the triathlon route. I never looked to see if his bike had a number but why else would a rider on a triathlon bike ride these roads? The mystery ride caught me again just before I returned to the YMCA. My dismount left much to be desired and I hobbled to the bike racks.
...and I'm back from the bike ride.
I had a quick transition to my running shoes but I could barely run. The little voice in my head said to stop running but I didn't listen. The first uphill climb was very painful but the flat and downhill roads were less painful. I could hear that someone was behind me but I couldn't tell how far back they were. I made it to the turn around and ran two more uphill sections before that runner caught me at the top of the hill. The road flattened out and then we had a big downhill run so I picked up the pace and passed the runner. I chased down two runners at the bottom of the hill. I tried to encourage them to run with me but neither could keep up with me as I sprinted to the finish line. It's amazing how hard I sprinted to the finish given the pain I was feeling.
 Out of transition to start the 5K run. 
Sprinting to the finish line.
My 2012 results were better than last year but my bike and run times were impacted by my injury. I could easily have finished in the top three for my age group had I not been injured.
2012 2011
Overall Finish 6/19 14/29
Age Group Finish 55/269 60/190
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Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Upper Mainline YMCA Triathlon 2012
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