Epic Time Trial

DFT and Epic sponsored a time trial tonight - actually it was rescheduled from last week, which worked out well for me since I was gone last week.

Work was crazy today, as I was trying to wrap everything up, so I left a bit later than planned. I picked up Jennie B, and we headed out to Gardner. Check in started at 6:10 and closed at 6:25. We got out there with a few minutes to spare, and I waffled back and forth as to whether or not I'd race...kinda silly, but I just wasn't feelin' it. Terry was out there and told me I should just do it - I caved and signed in. I was the last rider in the race.

I didn't even have my gear on, and it's nearly 6:30 - my start time is 7:02. I quickly got back to the car, changed into my DFT team kit (of course!), and unloaded the bike. The sky looked pretty promising for a storm, but hopefully we'd get through the race before it hit.

I rode around a bit, just making sure the bike was working ok. I felt pretty good. It was definitely windy in sections, but that would also benefit us at times. It was kinda fun, 'cause I saw several folks out there I know from various bike shops, spin class, etc. It was also great to see Megan's folks and other DFT members I don't get to see very often.

Before very long, I heard my name being called out...just a few riders before me. I rolled up to the starting line and waited. My turn. 15 Seconds. 10 Seconds. 5-4-3-2-1-GO! I was off and running. I wished I had picked a different gear to start, but it worked out ok. I started fairly easy. We had a tailwind on the "out" of the course. I'd been warned by other riders to save some for the "back", since that was where we had the headwind. So, I felt great with the tailwind, but kinda held it back a little bit. Oh, the other bonus (it's always something, right?!), I didn't charge the Garmin, so I had no info - no time, HR, distance, speed - nothing. Oh well. Sometimes I think this is better - just ride how you feel.

I finally spotted the turnaround...I didn't make a very good turn and was in a terrible gear hitting that wind, so it took me a minute to get that all figured out and settle into the tougher side of the course. The wind was pretty strong, but you would catch little sections where it wasn't as direct, and you could grab another gear. I just tried to keep it pretty steady. I didn't want to spend it all before the finish. Terry was a little more than 1/2 way down this finish stretch, standing on the side to cheer me on (thanks, Terry, that's always very helpful!). We also had fans cheering back towards the parking lot (a little closer to the finish). I caught a glimpse of that finish line and just held it steady straight through.

I think what surprised me most was how quickly I felt like I recovered from the effort. I felt good. I rode back over to the parking lot (last one out there, so pretty much everyone was standing around chatting), greeted my teammates, Carol snapped some team pics and I rode back over to my car to load up my stuff. The rain had held off, but it was lightening now and the clouds were really rolling in.

Everyone stood around chatting while waiting for the results to post. Guess what? I WON the Cat 4 women's race. In fairness, only three women raced - total - but I was pleased with my time, and it was the fastest for all 3 women. Pretty cool. I didn't get to claim the prize $$$, since we were the sponsor, but that's ok. It really was fun and I'm glad I raced.

Jennie enjoyed watching the events. We stopped at Planet Sub on the way home. It sure has been fun getting to know her. I'm excited, 'cause her BIG 1/2 IRONMAN is just TWO days away!!!!


Gotta get to bed now.