Peterborough Sprint - July 6, 2008

I missed the early season races this season due to a bad combination of a longer ski season than usual, back problems, and an increased workload keeping me from training as much as I'd like. Despite this lack of training I decided I would still do Peterborough as it is one of my usual races. Michelle and I drove up Saturday to pick up our race kits and visit the race expo before the race. I was definitely out of practice as I forgot both my inhaler and race belt. After a quick trip to Shopper's Drug Mart and the race expo both were taken care of.

Standing at the start on Sunday morning, I felt pretty good. I knew I didn't have the training under my belt to be challenging my personal bests (PB's) but felt I could at least put in a decent result. I felt really good throughout the swim. I kept my cool and, while I did not feel particularly speedy, felt strong and consistent. Michelle, who was in the wave behind me, overtook me around the halfway point and smacked me on the butt as she went past. At least I think that was Michelle? I was disappointed when I got out of the swim and discovered I was a full 4 minutes slower than the previous year. :( Swim: 25:17. T1: 2:38

The bike exit had changed from the previous year. Due to the narrow start, you were prohibited from passing in the first 100 m. I hurried out ahead of one athlete but got stuck behind another slow starter. The bike course consists of a series of short, sharp hills. I felt okay throughout but did not push myself as hard as I could have. Lack of training rides coupled with my demotivation from my swim result was not a pretty combination. Bike 52:28. T2: 2:38.

The day had become HOT and sunny by the time I started the run. A duathlete came out behind me and pronounced she was going to walk most of the course. The thought was enticing. My choice to wear my older shoes because they had the quick laces was not good. I felt seering pain shooting up my calves with every foot fall. I ended up walking as much as running, my only goal to finish. Run: 44:07. Final: 2:07.

I know I can represent much better than I did today. This is my wake-up call that if I want to continue with this sport I need to train more consistently and eat better. During the race I wanted to quit triathlon. Now I think I can instead rise to the occasion and work harder. I know I can do better than this. In three weeks I am doing a longer race at Bala and I am determined to feel better about it than I do this one. Stay tuned...