1/2 mile Swim | 15k Bike | 5k Run
1:20:22 2/18(55-59) 16/197 F 109/452 OA
What a fun race! Clean, clear, cool water. An easy swim around the Green Avalon Pier. We stayed at the Las Paloma las Flores apartments in Avalon, a really sweet place to stay. We had #16, which is up many flights of stairs with a great view of the town.
Race start was 9:00am, the transition area was cleared at 8:45 am. I got up at 6:15 am and had a leisurely breakfast, all the usual stuff. Then rode my bike down to the race sight at 7:20 ish. I racked my bike in the sand. I should have put my shoes, etc out on the pavement under the concrete bench. Next time I'll know. And also, next time I need to bring the platforms for my bike pedals, so that I can wear run shoes for biking. There is a long run on the pavement before the bike mount, it would have been nice to run in my running shoes vs bike shoes!
The race started on time at 9:00. I swam close to the pier, then turned rightish after I could see the buoy. I headed straight there. My turn at the next buoy was fine - I then headed straight to the shore...but I couldn't see the finish for quite a while. The black and white flags were just elusive.. but I finally did see them and got in from the swim in good time, I was first in all women over 40.. yahoo! The water was FABULOUS! It was cool, clear, clean and one cap with my Xterra sleeveless suit was perfect.
The three loop bike course was the most challenging on the first loop - my quads were screaming! The two loop run was also challenging, a large and steep hill twice. I didn't see anyone in my age group, but a 55 - 59 woman much have passed me at some point in the bike or run. Maybe she racked closer to the bike out.. which is always the best idea.
I had seen Secretariat at the Avalon Theater the night before the race, so all I could think of was Secretariat running.. I heard the heavy breathing and somehow channeled race horse energy.
The run was sweet, lots of good folks on the side lines and lots of good cheering. A well supported race - definitely a do again. I won a TYR beach towel for my 2nd place age group win..Sweet!
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