Ironbabes Rule!

The Ironbabe Sprint Triathlon was today. It was a gorgeous day - not too hot, no rain, lots of estrogen in the air.

For most of these ladies to the left, it was their first triathlon ever! I am so proud of them because at the beginning of the summer, many of them could not swim much or run or feel comfortable on a bike, or wake up at 5 am. Now we are pros.

Most of us got our toenails painted pink the day before. And the shirts were pink, and many women's jerseys, as well as the finish line tape...there was inordinate amount of pink ! (sorry, Chau) I'm going to hang out with some goths this week.

I don't have my official times. Overall, I did 1:20-ish, although the swim was only 300 and the bike only 11, so I don't think that is better... I came in right about the middle of my age group which is about right for me.

Since my wave was much bigger than the one in Eastside, I really experienced the clawing, climbing, beating part of the open water swim. I swam faster today despite always veering to the right.

I had a bike malfunction. As I started riding, I felt I was pedaling very hard, yet going only 14 mph! Even mountain bikes were passing me! I heard something scraping and got off my bike and the rear brake was rubbing against the wheel. I just undid that lever-thingie off the brake. Dangerous, I know, but I know I had the front brake (yes, even more dangerous, can't you see me just flying over the handlebars?) but it fixed the problem and I started going 20+ to make up for lost time, but still only averaged 18.1 mph.

I ran like a sheep as usual. You know, I watched myself run on a track at the gym and looked in the mirrors and run with this weird, uncoordinated elvish-hop. To clarify - not the Lord of Rings type elf - sleek, tall, graceful, but more the elves-that-steal-your-underpants (South Park reference) or elves-that-take-shoe-leather-at-night or Rumpelstikskin-type elf. Anyway, I still run S-L-O-W, but still averaged about 11-something min per mile, which is good for me.

But most of the run was through the park which was shaded with nice pine trees. I actually took off my sunglasses and looked around a bit, smelled the fresh air, made bird calls. As usual, I had to talk/chant to myself to keep going. Very odd, but today what came to mind was "Hava nagila" song, which in Hebrew means, "let us rejoice" so not entirely inappropriate. Also the the Marine corps cadence, sang some songs. I know I'm probably wasting breath and energy with this, but whatever works for me, right?

Anyway, I had enough energy today to do rock-star hands and jump across the finish line. Yay!

Then I went to the bike shop, drooling with anticipation about a new bike and well, that's an interesting enough story for a whole other post!

Comments

[Greyhound]

Way to get out there AGAIN! It is really cool to see newbs doing their first races, isn't it? Everyone feels 10 feet tall when they finish--even the vertically challenged like you and me.

[Phoenix]

Yeah!! You Rocked! You are really kickin' some a double s this summer! Way To Go!!

[JohnnyTri]

Great job on the finish! and fast thinking on the brake. Naw, no worries there, you dont need to brake anyway, it's all about speed. ha.

rockon`

[IM Able]

I have that happen all the time on my bike because I transport her on her side (laying down in my station wagon). No matter how careful I am, the brake mechanism gets slightly off center (or "true").

Next time, instead of flipping the brake lever (yup, dangerous), straddle the bike and get a good grip on both sides of the "u" shaped brake mechanism. With slight movements, realign the brake pads so you can see light between each pad and the wheel. Trust me, it takes longer to explain than it does to fix. And then you'll know you're safe to go as fast as your legs will allow, without worry of stopping!

[william]

what are rock star hands?

[pinkgurugal]

Hey Jane!
A MAJOR CONGRATS! You are an ironbabe. Oh and that brake lever thingie has happened to me too!

oohh and i am soo jealous..so much pink out there! and a new bike??? can't wait to read the blog! :)
ps: we took a vote last night and we NEED you in the tri commune!!!

[the Dread Pirate Rackham]

good job - and in pink too. Srsly. Can't go wrong in pink.

[Jessica, a Houston Runner]

Hey!

I think I passed you when you were on the bike with your braking issues...i felt really bad for you but I am not good with bikes so I figured I wouldn't have been much help.

Nice to read your page. Glad to hear you had a good race overall:)
-Jessica