4/22/07 - Wrentham Duathlon
by: Donna Ryngala What a gorgeous day! The race started 8:30ish and the sun was already warming the racers at the starting line. Coach Jesse Kropelnicki surprised me at the start-there to cheer his athletes on. He cautioned me not to go out too hard- to keep the first run close to 7 minute miles. It’s always hard not to go out too fast especially when so many others do. Run #1: Smooth and easy- the course wasn’t marked well but there were no problems. I slowly passed some of those who got caught up in the moment. Run # 1 plus T1: 20:53 4th in AG; 87th overall T1: It was so good to have my friends and coach there to cheer me on. There’s nothing like people calling your name and encouraging you. Bike: This was the first time racing on a triathlon bike. I didn’t have a computer and so didn’t have an idea about how fast or far I had gone. I pushed it hard and passed another 6 or so (and maybe a few big tri guys blew passed me). The course was rolling hills and the volunteers were very helpful with directing the racers. Bike plus T2: 33:32 4th in AG; 83rd overall T2: Man, it’s great to have tri friends! They actually get why I do these things. Run #2: As soon as I ran out of transition, I started passing people. It’s funny I had the thought “Maybe I should slow down. Maybe I’m going out too hard.” Then I realized it was only 2 miles! There’s no such thing as going out too hard for 2 miles. I think I picked off another 20 guys and the only other woman that I saw. Run # 2: 14:01 3rd in AG; 64th overall. It was a great day. After the race, I was awarded 2nd place overall. After they announced my name, another woman went up and contested the award and they gave her 2nd and me 3rd. No problem. I got a ribbon. Unfortunately, the next day the posted results put me down to 3rd in my AG and 4th overall. Oh well; next time. (I still got the ribbon and a prize of hammer gel!)
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