Relay around the Lake, Fred Brown race report

This was fun, beautiful weather. Fun day all around. I did the 3rd leg for the CNE team, very hilly, a very steep hill at the beginning, I ran up it and passed others. 9.3 miles. The end was sketchy pavement and no shoulder to run on. I think I would love to do the 5th or 6th leg of this race. 8 or so years ago I did the last, 8th leg. That was very hilly too. You really need to carpool to make this race fun, see everyone, not have to go back and get your car where you left it. I ran a 9:10 pace which is not bad considering the hills I guess. If I do this one again though, I hope to do it faster. I got a big blister on my left foot, next to smallest toe, even though I rubbed my feet with body glide before the race. Also, I drank some pepto before starting and my stomache behaved well for the whole run.

Pumpkinman Race Report, September 6, 2008

Jen and John met me at my house and we drove 1.5 hours to the venue. Started out rainy and cold. It was a relief to put on my wetsuit, but also very difficult as it, and I were wet. Body marking washed off as soon as it was written on.
THe swim was murky and sea monstery, sea monsters tried to take off my goggles, but I was right out front in the last wave, for a 9 minute swim.
The run up the hill was no problem, from the reports I heard beforehand I was worried. I did a relzexed run up it, no sense burning out early or getting a cramp (always a fear for me, justifiably).
The bike was wet and curvy. Traffic, slippery places, painted lines, wooden bridge. I averaged almost 20 mph which isnt too bad for the course and my gears worked the whole time, although the derailleur fell again so I wasnt too confident about them.
The run was interesting. I was with 2 other girls who passed me early on. I stayed close to them but they were ahead but for a change, I ended up passing them both! It was very exciting! I dropped the second girl on the last big hill, also diff for me. and I did a 7:55 pace which is not bad for me! I passed 18 people total on this run. I counted as I ran for something exciting to do.
I had longish transitions, I got my helmet strap all tangled up, and then on the second trans I dropped my gasX, which I had to go get, even though I didnt need it!
I drank some coke on the bike, not a whole lot, and had some water on the run. It was only a sprint so not too much was needed. Final time 1:21:19. Had 2 packets of instant oatmeal for breakfast and 1.5 cups of coffee at 5 am. Race started at 8 am. Not my usual breakfast, but that was all I had and could stomach at the time. It worked fine.
I met Jolene W. afterwards. She is from Utah and travels around to tris. I invited her to stay with me for Timberman, I hope she does!
The food at this race was outstanding! Next time I should bring tupperware!