As my friend and I traveled to the US
Coast Guard Air Station Duathlon at the Cape, the weather seemed like it may be
a big factor. We wore several layers of clothing including a rain jacket,
gloves and rainpants. Upon arriving
at the entrance of the base about 7:30 AM, we were greeted by several armed
guards. As requested, we presented our liscenses to the guard who checked them
against the race pre-registration roster. Within 30 seconds we were thru the
check point and headed toward the race venue, where we were met by another
guard who provided directions to the parking area. There was plenty of parking
in an open field within (2 )minitues of the race start and the transition area.
We unloaded our bikes, and other racing parahaphanalia and headed up to the
pre-registration table where we were met by the "smiles" of the FIRM
representatives. There was no line for pre-registration, so we picked up our
race bag with our chip, tee shirt, race numbers and some nice hand-outs. As
usual, I kidded a little with Courtney and headed over to the bike transition
area where we affixed our numbers to the bike, strapped our timing chips on our
left ankle, racked our bikes and set up in transition. It was still cool, but
there was no rain and it almost looked like the sun
might break out at any time.
We decided to go back to the car to stash our race bag , which was only about a
3 to 4 minute walk. We debated what we should wear during the race. I decided
to wear a long sleeve "Coolmax" shirt and tights and my friend Eric decided to
wear
a longsleeve shirt and biking jersey and biking shorts. We ducked into the
building
at the start of the race, which was large heated gym , with ample facilities and
a full basketball court. Many of the racers were inside talking amongs
themselves stretching and loosening up.
It was now about 8:40 so while Eric was stretching, I did some jogging around
the gym and got pretty loose. I jogged a little outside and felt very
comfortable in tights and my long sleeve shirt. By this time the weather had
warmed up some, and I no
longer felt that gloves would be necessary on the bike. And, no rain in
sight....
About 8:55, the racers started to line up at the start. Bill Fiske provided us
with last minute instructions relative to the race course and our entrance into
and out of the transition area. We were then prompted onto the main road and
lined up for the start.
As I looked around, I saw quite a few familiar faces; some with whom, I
exchanged greetings and good luck wishes.
Ready,Set, Go, and we were off for the two mile run It took me close to half a
mile
before I got into a rythm and before I knew it, I was entering transition and
headed out for the (12) mile bike. The bike course was well marked and
consisted of two loops. There was absolutely no traffic to worry about and my
only thoughts were to
keep my cadence steady and to catch the person in front of me. The wind on the
bike leg was my biggest challenge; but I thought once I got to the rotary, the
worst would be over.
I headed into transition feeling pretty good. But as entered transition and as
I crossed the bike matt, some nice young lady was crossing with me and yelled:
"Come on, HURRY UP." Got thru that little meeting okay and ran over to the
bike rack. I racked my bike, but, I couldn't find the buckle to undo my helmet.
It seemed like and eternity before I found it (probably 5 seconds) and I finally
got it undone.
I un-did the velcro on my biking shoes, yanked 'em off and slipped on my running
shoes (they have speed laces on them): and off I went for a 2 mile run.On the
second leg of the run we came out of transition and took a left hand turn doing
the run in the opposite direction of the first run. On the first mile of the run
by the water tower, the wind was in our face and I passed one woman who cruised
by me toward the end of the last bike loop. As I passed her, she said: "The
bike was easy, but the run, what was I thinking."
As I turned the first corner, the wind subsided and I felt pretty comfortable.
I looked for my friend, but at this time, I didn't know which one of us was in
front of the other.
I turned the second corner and tried to pick up the pace. There was no wind to
deal with and I figured I had about a mile to the finish. As I turned the last
corner I could
see the FIRM finish line . I crossed the finish line feeling totally exhaused
(as always); but being greeted by the smiling faces of Wendy and Courtney who
helped
undo the velcro on my chip which was quite gratifying.
It's amazing to me how good you feel after completing a duathlon, road race or
triathlon. I honestly don't know if its the endorphins that kick in or the
satisfaction of completing the race and giving 100% that makes you feel so
terrific. Maybe it's the friendships gained or the taking of "Life by the
Horns." or all of these things. I just know, it's feels great to competePhoto Links
