OUC Downtown Orlando Triathlon Race Report

This year was the 5th annual OUC Triathlon. I did the first 2 years and had really enjoyed the race. Part of my motivation to register was the fact that two of my runners were tri-ing for the first time and I had a couple of other athletes participating. I love racing with my girls!

Two days before this race, husband and I decided to register. My mom was in town, therefore we had a babysitter for the morning so it was a no brainer. With the AmeliaMan Olympic distance just weeks away we needed a baseline for how prepared we currently are. In a nutshell, we will be able to finish but it will be a challenge.

You'd think that I would love racing with my husband but it's not really THAT grand. See... after nearly 40 triathlons, I have certain rituals and routines. Dealing with another tri-er in the house messes with those routines... "Honey, do you have a race number belt for me?"... "Honey, where are my goggles?" ... "Honey, what should I eat?"... "Honey should I wear this shirt today?" Love him but he needs to develop his own rituals that don't involve me. (FYI - I DID have a race number belt for him, knew exactly where his goggles were, told him to eat what he eats before a workout, and pointed him in the right direction shirt-wise).

Packet pickup was Friday evening, and J and I breezed right through. He loves having a USAT membership! We took mom out for her birthday dinner right after, then got home, packed, loaded bikes on the car and went to bed. Saturday morning we got up at 5:15 and were out the door at 5:50. Traffic was light and we found a parking spot right away. Unloaded, pumped our tires, and headed to the race start. By this time there was a line of cars entering the parking area so we were thrilled to have arrived when we did.

Did all the regular pre race activities... body marking, transition set up, potty visits. I met up with my buddies and a few of us headed to the water to warm up. Good thing because I would have freaked out during the race. It was like swimming through christmas trees, the growth in the lake was so bad. Clawing weeds, not knowing what was IN the weeds, weeds grabbing at our legs and face. Blech. Warm up over, we went to visit with everyone. It was a nice turnout and I saw some friends whom I hadn't seen in a while. That's probably the best thing about this race... locals come out!

Before too long it was start time. A 6 year old girl sang the national anthem (holy voice) and we waited for our wave. After 25 minutes we were off. Again clawing through weeds, the swim course was a little crowded for this little lake. I felt good though slow I just focused on finishing. Once I got around the last turn buoy I knew I'd be fine for the bike but shoot, we were swimming into the sun. Someone on a kayak told me to head for the final buoy but I couldn't see a thing. So I used the road (yes we were under a highway) to guide me and went a little off course but not awful. Finally I came up to the sandy hill that was our swim exit at the exact same time as Jennifer (yay!) and we headed into T1 together. Swim time was nearly 13 minutes for 400 M. Reminder to swim more since I should finish that under 10. T1 was fastest in my age group though! 1:26. Soon enough I was on the bike for the 2 loop/12 mile course.

The bike was flat and fast. A little crowded as it is 2 loops but not too bad. I did find myself correcting newbies a number of times.... "It's illegal for me to pass you on the right side, please move over as far right as safe". This was after they failed to listen to "coming up on your left, move right!". So next year the race organizers need a mandatory first timers meeting. This was ridiculous. I could feel my legs but knew after the swim that I needed to make up time on the bike and try to hang on for the run. My run is still suffering after the pregnancy and the weight doesn't help. Loop 1 finished, on to loop 2. Not as crowded anymore as many are on the run. I had no clue as to distance or time since my speedometer magnet had turned so I just pedaled my heart out. Cheered on those I passed and before too long I was coasting into T2. This time I had the second fastest transition time in my age group.... if only there were awards for that. Bike 38:42 (18.5 MPH) T2 1:05.

Run. This run was not easy. At this point it's 9 AM in Orlando so already balls hot. I grabbed some water exiting transition, sipped and poured on my head. Just focused on moving my feet and made my goal to turtle on and only walk at water stops. No markers on the course so I had no clue what my pace or distance was so I kept going. First water stop, nice and cold sip and pour. Talked to those I passed and those who passed me. I just had a good time and plodded along. Tried to focus on form but mainly just kept moving. Final water stop was welcomed and I again sipped and poured. Not long now, I could see the downtown buildings. I was following one of my girls who is a strong runner so I felt that as long as she was in my sights I was doing ok. Finally we were around the corner from the finish and I found enough energy to sprint it in.

3.9 mile run 46:53. Just under a 12 minute mile. That works~

I cheered the rest of the group in, shared many hugs, found my husband and we waited for the results. Somehow I finished 11/22 in my age group. But the ice cream and cherry on top... I beat husband by :26 seconds. The biggest difference.... Transitions!

Rock on. The husband vs. wife series continues October 3 in Amelia Island.