(Photo courtesy of Deb)
For those of you whom have followed my blog for a while, you’re well aware that I’ll try almost anything if it looks like fun. I’ve been very vocal that the Triathlon journey began because (from memory), I saw footage from the 2014 Chicago Triathlon and it looked like fun. Most of the time, the “chances” work out really well (OK, almost paddleboarding into sailboats was a “fail”… :D)
Over the last few years, I’ve had an interest in trying Mixed Relays. But before this year, they were always at a different event. It never worked logistically to go to that separate event and give them a try. However, with Mixed Relays (Adaptive and Regular) getting added to the Nationals weekend, I finally had an opportunity to do so.
As a side note before going forward, I believe it was for the 2017 season that USAT labeled guides as “equipment” in the official rules (I believe this reference has since been removed). The continued fun with that naturally spawned the correct team name which had 3 VIs — 3 Blind Mice and Eyece D!
After some nerve wracking logistics on the Adaptive Mixed Relays and ParaTriathlon Nationals gear checks, I thought we were all set. However, it took some extra time for our third “mouse” to appear… To a point where we were trying to figure out plans Z and the always popular XFD…
But once we were all gathered, it was time to go. It was an odd experience to be standing at the fence in full gear waiting to race — especially as I’ve been at or in the water for the prior 107 Triathlons. But after Coach Deb tagged me in, Jonathan and I headed to the water.
As we were climbing the stairs down to the water, I heard him say “that’s the last one”, which made me think we were going to be on flat land. Instead, what it meant was the steps had hit water level. It was quite the interesting way to start the swim…
After a lolipop-shaped swim and a solid T1, we headed out on the bike. I was nervous going into it because the U-turn was to the right instead of the normal left U-turns. I haven’t practiced right U-turns for a long time, as they never come up… But we made it through and back for the run.
After a normal T2, we headed out on a run with hills (over the bridge). As we were starting to head back, another Adaptive team’s “C” athlete was coming towards us. While I knew we weren’t going to beat them overall, I had to show team pride by ensuring that we didn’t get double-lapped (as I was the “B” athlete). Even though run is not my strongest, I was still able to ensure that I did not get passed. 🙂
After tagging Lizzie in, Jonathan and I watched and cheered on Lizzie and Adam (and their guides) racing. I’m told that we finished 4th in the Adaptive category! 🙂
It was a fun experience and something to build on in Iowa next year. 🙂 Thanks to the entire team for a great race and to Jonathan for guiding and all his help.
