Barkin' Dog Duathlon May 7th

Saturday, May 7th was a chilly one at 545am and right on up to 820am, which was about 15 minutes into my first 5k of the day!

The Barkin' Dog Duathlon is a 5k run/ 30k bike/5k run this year.

This was my first Athena race (division for women over 150lbs). This is also my first race wearing my Aquaphor tri suit.

My first 5k was: 34:57 (about 11:17 pace)
full of slight hills, and while I ran I kept singing that song "what goes up, must go down" The scenery was great, full the new spring life, not too many bugs at this time in the morning.

My 30k/ 18.64miles bike: 1:21:59 (about 13.6 mph)
My legs felt great at the start of the ride. I thought this would be a good chance for me to catch up with the other Athenas. Boy was I wrong. Those ladies were going a great pace...Later I found out that they were going about 17mph (my goal). The views were great and I found myself lost for moments taking it all in. There were some pretty tough hills on the course, and about a mile to the turn around point was the toughest hill, which means the same hill for the end of the bike portion. It was a burner for sure!!! The bugs were pretty bad, I know I ate a few. speaking of eating, I drank my Isopure on the bike ride. That is about 200 calories. That was much needed. Also I had difficulties with my bike number/flag. I ended up ripping it off. When the bike was over I hobbled into transition noticing that my upper right thigh had fallen asleep.

My second 5k was: 36:48 (about 11:53 pace)
It was hard to get started. Many athletes had already finished and the exit of the Transition area was congested. I set out on the run trying to pass as many people as I could. I was waiting for my leg to wake up!! So I shuffled and walked the first 1.5 miles. The last 1/2 mile was so strong... so frustrating. Proves I need more time in the saddle and working on this transition. I heard the announcer say may name as I crossed the finish line. I saw my sweet Cyndi waiting for me. :)

My finish time: 2:36:04 No winning time, but its mine!

Since Im sponsored by Aquaphor, I handed out samples to all who were interested after the race. Cyndi and I sat and I had a bit of the catered pulled pork and beans. :) They were great!!!


What I learned:
I need to spend more time in the saddle
I need to learn how to wakeup my legs after the bike
150lbs moves faster than 197lbs
Do not run a 1/2 marathon the week before a Du