Race: Trek Women Disneyland Duathlon
Date: June 14th, 2009
Location: Anaheim, California
Notes:
It was great to finally experience my first non-pure-running event! It was the Trek Women’s Disneyland Duathlon; it comprised of a 1.5-mile run, 10-mile bike and then 2-mile run. My big sis (Minel, the crazy runner) and I decided to do this event for fun (i.e., not race it) and I’m glad we did!
My sis and I arrived at the parking structure around 4:45AM. We got there in good time despite getting up sometime after 3AM and left the house at around 4:05 or summat. Anyway, it took us about 10 minutes to get the two bikes out of her trunk, attach the front tyres and the check the tyre pressure on both (adding air, even) before finally making our way to the transition area which was across the street.
It was pretty neat that our numbers were in the 300’s as we were able set up our bikes so we faced each other. Sis taught me how to set up my transition mat the night before, so when I got to my spot, I took out my transition towel and laid it on the ground; then I took my helmet, gloves and bike watch and arranged it as I practised the night before. 🙂
The start line was awesome — we began inside Disneyland, “on Main Street, USA”! Minnie (Mouse) was there to kick us off. The wave-start was pretty organized, then again, there were only about 700 or so participants. Still, they actually checked the numbers that had to go through the start area for that wave. When the streamers (yes, streamers!) popped and the colourful pieces of paper rained upon us indicating the start of our wave, I suddenly became really nervous! That kinda dissipated after my sis and I took the first few snapshots running the roundabout (click for the course map)!
As my sis and I ran out of the Disneyland gates and onto the streets of Anaheim following the pack to the transition area where our bikes waited, I got even more nervous! Some were really taking the race seriously/competitively so there was quite a bit of frantic running inside the transition area. My sis and I calmly jogged to our waiting bikes and got our gear. Looking at the official results, it took us two minutes, 51 seconds to go through the transition. LOL. You can tell we were taking our time?
The bike ride in the beginning was rather easy; I got more confident riding as we hit the first mile or two. Actually, I had to leave my sis behind cos I was trailing her and she was going too slow! LOL. Drafting was not allowed (they followed the USAT rules) so I told her that I needed to pass her. She mentioned that I should wait for her when I arrive at the transition area and of course I said I would! The first loop wasn’t too bad — there were a couple of inclines — two of which were fairly challenging! By the second loop, I had wished that I knew how to switch gears cos the climbs the second time around were more difficult! >_<
My bike time was 42 minutes and 33 seconds! Not too shabby considering it was my first time and I didn’t know how to change gears! Hahaha. I waited about 3 minutes or so before my sis finally joined me in the transition area. I noticed, though that my arms and calves were so heavy as we began the last leg of the race. I kept wondering how the hech can Ironman triathletes go on what seems like a forever bike ride and then still have the energy to do a marathon! Here I was with only a 10-mile bike ride and was struggling with my 2-mile run! >_< I think I should’ve done this exercise (Bike-to-Run Transition Tips) as I approached the transition area after cycling.
Oh, the 2 miles felt like a 6-miler! LOL. Anyway, I told my sis that I could not sprint the last few yards because I just didn’t have it in me and she was pretty patient enough to run alongside the rest of the way. Just as we had started together, so we had we finished alongside each other! wOOt! Our friends were already having their post-race snacks and joined them by helping myself to a nice big chocolate chip cookie. ^_^
Overall, a brilliant first duathlon! I don’t know when I can do another tri- or du- but I’m definitely going to look for more “beginner” races next year!
Oh, I should mention that my old Garmin Forerunner 201 was the only thing that held up — my other electronics, as usual (the Forerunner 50 with Cadence sensor and Nike+) failed at one point! LMFAO. The cadence sensor was not being picked up by my watch and Nike+ only logged .68 miles! HAHAHAHA. Ugh. >_< So here are the official results:
Clock Time 01:22:54
Run1 00:16:03
Trans1 00:02:51
Bike 00:42:33
Mph 14.0
Trans2 00:04:06
Run 00:17:18
*Update*
Here’s what Garmin Connect picked up: 1st Leg, 2nd Leg, 3rd Leg
