Apple Triathlon 2010 – Pam Gabris
I decided to sign up for the Apple Tri even before completing my first triathlon at Wasa. Luckily Wasa was a great race and so I looked forward to my second Olympic triathlon in Kelowna.
Quite a few things were different going into Kelowna than what I experienced at Wasa. Wasa seemed to send out reminders about the race regularly and so I didn't worry so much about missing something. Kelowna, I was constantly going to the website to review what was on there. Good thing! It did not even cross my mind that I could be swimming in the Okanagan without a wetsuit! I read this about three weeks before the race and panicked, a bit. I sent Bart an email right away to confirm. The bad news was confirmed that if the temperature of the water was 22 degrees or higher wetsuits could be disallowed. I knew I could swim the distance but being pushed and shoved around in the water is what made me nervous without a suit. Eventually though I decided I did not train all summer long to back out (Bart said he would stand on the beach until I got in the water anyhowJ).
Peter, Alyssa and I arrived in Kelowna on Friday. It was a nice day compared to the past 30 degree days they had been having. It looked like race day could be perfect at 22 degrees and cloudy.
Saturday was a good day to get rid of some nerves by taking a quick swim around the 750 meter buoys and a spin around the bike route with Bart. I had to check my bike in too.
Sunday arrived quickly. Peter dropped me off and I was alone to get organized. I had two hours before my seed time. I arranged my transition towel and stuff (runners, hat, sunglasses, nutrition, helmet – check). I heard the announcer say the water temperature was 21.5 degrees!!!! Yay!! I can wear my wetsuit. Good thing too as the water was a bit choppy. I went for a quick jog and then came back to put my wetsuit on J.
I went down to the swim area to go for a bit of a warm up. I managed to get about 10 minutes in the busy warm up area. I got out in plenty of time to see my age group getting organized for the start.
They don't waste time at the start and before I knew it, the horn blew to go!! The swim was good even though the water was choppy. There was less pushing than Wasa as the seed group was smaller. The swim felt harder than Wasa and I did not get into a good rhythm. Before I knew it the swim was done!
Running to transition I heard everyone cheering – what a great feeling J. In transition, I started getting ready for ride. Helmet, glasses, nutrition, extra tube, shoes – wait, no shoes! I forgot to put my bike shoes out – crap. Hope no one sees me go to my bag at the fence and get them out. I decided not to put socks on to save time. Then I'm off.
Thanks to the trial run Saturday, I was prepared for the hill. Bart warned me that my legs would be fighting against the hill. They did – every time! Bike was done and I worried that my legs would be done too for the run.
I decided to run without socks. I was so pleasantly surprised that my legs were not logs like they were at Wasa. I felt great the first 5 km loop. Coming around to the second loop, the group was waiting and made such a loud cheer I couldn't help smile – Thanks Guys!! The problem was, it distracted me and I missed the exit for my loop and headed down toward the finish. I realized this about 10 meters past and had to turn around – oops.
Back on track. The good feeling started going away at 7 km. I was getting hot spots on my feet. My legs were also feeling heavy and I wanted to walk sooo bad. I stopped for water at the next station (my excuse to walk) and then picked it up again. I was trying to ignore the burning in my feet. Just before the finish, I saw Alyssa and Peter – keep going you are almost there!! Finish strong!! OK. The finish line appeared and I was glad to be done. I felt good other than my feet. Took my shoes off right away to see three big blisters – don't think I will be running without socks again.
My goals this year was to become a stronger runner and cyclist. From the start of the season till now I feel that I have accomplished these goals. It was in thanks to great coaching (Bart, Ashley, Sandra and Marcelo) and also to a great team! The entire team is a great bunch of people with a variety of goals, who support each other no matter what difference in ability you are in comparison to others. This was a great way to improve fitness and get to know some fantastic people.
Thanks Kronos for a fantastic year!!
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