Energy 2 Action Duathlon

During my training for Boston I began to have some issues with my foot. I think all the pounding of long runs over the past couple of years may be catching up to me. I was able to make some changes and run Boston without a problem - Thanks to my chiropractic team - LOL. Dr. Heath told me after this marathon I should consider some other sports with less pounding. This is very sad for me because I LOVE to run! So I considered my options and thought I would try a Triathlon - I began speaking to people I know who do them to get the scoop and see what I need to do.

One of the guys I talked to is on a cycling team along with his wife and they invited me to join them in a Duathlon this past weekend. I had three weeks to prepare. This race was a 2 mile run - 16 mile bike - 2 mile run. I borrowed Erin's bike (Thanks so much) and started "training." I don't think I am real fast on the bike and it took some getting used to. Adam and Darlene were nice enough to take me out a few days before and "show me the ropes." All this nonsense about drafting and times and speed. I began to wonder if I knew what I was doing.

Race day came and I surprised myself - and them I think. I ran my first 2 in 14:23 (7:12 mile pace) my bike took me 59:28 (16.3 MPH average) and then my second run was 15:06 (7:33 pace) the two transitions took about 1 1/2 minutes. I finished 56 overall (out of 95) 11th for girls and 2nd in my age group. Not too shabby. I was not sure the run would be that fast since I have been training long and slow for so long. My bike....well lets just say I have the bug and want to better my times.

Here is a picture Darlene took of me finishing the race. Sorry this is all I have. I will take more next time - yes there will be a next time.