I usually
drive on the highway but this time I decided to take the country roads. It was
a beautiful morning and the sun was just coming up. I turned the radio on and
it was playing a country song. Normally, I would change stations as I’m not a
country music fan, but for some reason I didn’t this time. The empty road, the
gorgeous morning, and that music were a great combo! I made a mental note to
look up the artist when I got back home later that day. (Bring Down the House by Dean Brody!)
I was
heading to my first duathlon race in Woodstock! In 2008 I was an overweight
woman who wore size 16 clothing and had no activity whatsoever. I wasn’t always
like that but somehow life had taken a turn for the worse and I needed to do
something about it and I did. Here I was now, driving to a new destination to participate
in a duathlon.
I want to look back at my life and smile
saying “I did that.” I don’t want to have regrets. I don’t participate in races
to make the podium, win prizes, or to beat other athletes’ times. I’m in it to
challenge myself. I compare and evaluate my outcome to who I was and who I have
become. I have goals and I have work ethic but I’m the only one I’m competing
against. Sure, I look at my overall performance and ranking to see where I stand,
but it’s to set new goals for myself and do better for me.
I was going
in with the intention of doing my best and being satisfied afterwards with my
accomplishment. I wasn’t going in with high expectations of winning, making
good time, or any pressure like many other athletes go through. This was my
first duathlon and I just wanted to have a great time and experience it.
Of course,
you think driving from London to Woodstock is pretty straightforward but I ended
up making two wrong turns at the roundabouts as I kept forgetting to count the appropriate
lines! And no, I’m not directionally challenged. I have travelled extensively
on highways but country roads can be challenging!
I still made
it on time. I always give myself time for unforeseen mishaps and what not.
As I was devouring my banana, I heard my
friend Darren talking to his partner Rob about the parking locations. We gave
each other hugs and I joked about how I got lost two times already! I was
really happy to see Darren there. I learned from our Twitter conversation that
he was going to be in Woodstock and I made up my mind to do my first duathlon
there and see him too. I got to know Darren before my first marathon through the
Canadian Running Series.
"Darren and I met in London when he attended a conference in 2014"
MultiSportCanada had sent a detailed email out a few days before the race. I had read
everything carefully. As this was my first race, I had sought a lot of information
from my spin coach at Pulse Spin Studio and had lots of communication with
Darren. Both of them had provided me with invaluable info. I grabbed the
mountain bike that my spin coach had lent me with my gym bag that had my
recovery drink, towel, change of clothes, etc and headed down to where the
action was. I picked up my bib and headed back to the bike area and racked my
bike. If I had not read the entire race info I would have been really lost. Preparation
and knowing what’s expected of you is an important part of the race. I noticed
right away the athletes who had their bikes on the same rack as me were very
intense. They meant business. They really did not want to chat either. I left
to go pick up my race kit, chip timer, and to get my age and bib number written
down on my body. I ran into Mike. He was there to support his friend Shea who
was participating in her first triathlon. We chatted for a bit and I continued
on to the lineup. I really liked my technical shirt. The volunteers were
smiling and got things done efficiently.
I went back
to the transition area to put my race kit stuff back in the bag when I noticed
someone had racked their bike in between and now my bike seemed to be the one
in the wrong position. I asked a couple of guys who were next to our rack if
they saw who had just parked but they didn’t know. Instead they offered to help
me to turn my bike around.
I went
looking for Darren and saw him coming back from a short test ride. We took a
picture and I told him that I had borrowed the bike and he suggested going for
a short test drive. I’m glad I did as the very first hill is right when you’re
heading out!
I headed
back to the transition area and this time someone had arrived late and decided
to rack their bike right next to me. My bike and towel were shoved to the side
and the small space I had claimed which had my race gear set up neatly was
messed up. I got really upset and turned around to see who had done it but
everyone seemed to be busy doing their stuff and getting ready. Again the guy
next to me said “here, just move here” and made room for my bike. That was nice
of him to help me out. It was evident that the intense people now had their
whole group together. I really did not care for their attitude as they didn’t
represent or symbolize athleticism and sportsmanship.
As I was waiting to use
the bathroom one last time, I saw the beautiful and talented Ms. CherylMadliger. We hugged and embraced and she said to make sure to smile as you
cross the finish line. We wished each other good luck and she was gone to
achieve a new PB in her triathlon!
As we headed
towards the start line, I saw Darren again and wished him good luck. As he is
an elite athlete, he headed to the front row looking fierce and ready. It is
people like Darren that influence and encourage a newbie like me to come and be
part of this amazing athletic community. I joined in conversation with a few
young women who had done Woodstock the previous year. I told them I’m confident
about my run but not sure about the hills that everyone talks about.
The race
began and it was a beautiful sunny day. I finished my 5K in 26:54. I was happy
with that considering my ITB injury in March and the fact that this race was my
2nd race of the season. No pain, no discomfort, a bit speed and it
was all good.
I got to the transition area, took a gel and washed it down with
some water. I noticed my shades were missing. I put my helmet on and saw
another intense lady throwing somebody’s bike on the grass saying “If it’s in
my way it goes down” I assumed another later comer must have invaded her space!
I grabbed my bike and ran up the hill to the start line. I got on my bike and
got nowhere! LOL! I sucked on the mountain bike. The gel had not worked yet and
I made a mental note to take the gel at the last hydration station before
entering the transition area next time! I got off my bike and massaged my left
leg as I felt a tinge of discomfort. Both quads were heavy. I walked for a
minute or two and got on my bike and felt much better. People passed me by
saying “on your left”, “on your left”. Some gave words of encouragement and
overall it was very nice group of athletes on bikes. I wanted to yell and tell
everyone that I really don’t suck, that I’m really a good runner, and I’m
really a strong woman. I really do bike super fast in spin class with high
intensity, and I suck riding on this mountain bike as I don’t know how the
gears work! I had taken it for two rides but really nothing like the rolling
hills of the Woodstock countryside! I tried many combinations of gears but it
was useless. So, I stopped the talks in my head. I told myself it’s a beautiful
day and for the first time in your life you’re riding on the country road!
Enjoy it. I told myself this was my first duathlon and I’m learning a lot.
"Before the race"
Most
importantly, I need to go biking on the road and learn how to change gears! Riding
on the flat roads short distances is way different than riding on the rolling
hills with a mountain bike! At the studio, I had done 10K in 25 min with high
intensity. But still that did not help me much here. At the 10K turn around I
got of my bike and walked again for a minute had some electrolytes and got
riding again. I thanked all the officers at major intersections and they smiled
saying you’re welcome.
At this point I knew I was dead last but I
kept pushing forward as I wanted to complete the race. Then I remembered when I
volunteer at running races in the community, those who arrive towards the end.
How important it is to give them louder cheers and encouragement that despite
the struggles they faced they are making it through the finish line. I’ve never
had that in a running race but this race humbled me and gave me a different
perspective.
I got to the
transition area and headed out for the 2nd run. As I got to the
water station I had both Gatorade and water. I was so happy when the volunteer
said that I turn around here! I said really? That’s great. Thank you. I got
back to the water station and said you guys are AWESOME and one of them cheered
back saying you are awesome too! I started running faster with those small
steps of mine and passed a few people and came through the finish line. I had finished my 2.5K in 14:22. I was
happy that it was done and felt great.
First Duathlon Completed in 1:53:31
As I headed back to the transition area
to get my recovery drink, I was told I could not go in now till they announce that
you can. I made a mental note to keep my recovery drink in the car and not the
in the bag in the transition area. I know chocolate milk is really good for you
but I gag drinking it! LOL!
I found
Darren and Mike and I told them how everybody passed me and how embarrassed I
felt at one point. I told Darren I know I can do faster and better than 1 hour
and 8 min! I learned that Darren had done really well being on the top 3
overall and first his age group! Read his race report here. He had rocked his race.
"Darren rocked his race!"
I headed
back to the transition area and met a woman in my age group that usually gets
first place and I believe this time she had come 2nd. She
congratulated me saying to be proud for completing my first duo and she pointed
to my bike saying that’s a tough bike, next time get a road bike and you’ll do
really well. I appreciated her feedback.
I scanned
the printed results to learn about my performance. This was my first duathlon
and I needed to know how I had performed at least compared to the last ten
people before me. It was obvious most of the racers had a shorter times on the
cycling portion but not necessarily faster times for their runs. I had done
really well in the running portion and needed to improve my biking portion.
"Top right with Rob and Darren, Bottom Right with a referee and a volunteer"
My friend
Darrin was so supportive and encouraging from the beginning when he learned I
was going to race at Woodstock. I’m blessed to have him as my friend and was
lucky enough to share my first duathlon experience with someone who is
genuinely interested in helping others and is a great ambassador for the sport.
As I started driving back, enjoying the sunshine and loud music, my thoughts
were about crossing the finish line for my 2nd race in 1:30 hour!
Thank you MultiSport Canada for making my first experience a great one! Thank you to all of your volunteers for their smiles, cheers and support. You are a great venue and I'm sure I will see you in the near future!
Special thank you to my ninja for being his mamabear's number of supporter!
Special Thank you to my editor who despite being very busy in life, she always manages to be there for me. My daughter.
Thank you coach Shayne Hodgson for all your support and help.
I know now that I should ride with you on the road as well!
~ Goals in writing are dreams with deadlines. ~
