Finally my race report on the Avia Austin Triathlon! I could have wrote about the race immediately citing the amazing organization of the event by High Five Events with critical support by Jack & Adams. I could have wrote immediately about the stellar form Kelly Handel Williamson is in and of course Desiree Ficker, both of whom caught me on the bike. I also would have probably said something about the icecream, tortillas, beer that you get at the finish line.... but when it came down to it I needed a little time to think about my race and what it was to me. Since Alcatraz last weekend it has been straight down to business. I have an opportunity to get a solid few weeks of training in before my next important race, the ITU Pan-American Cup/US Nationals in Toscaloosa. I am back in Austin with Zane at my side correcting any form slips since I have been away. I am back at the UT Masters early morning practices and doing the infamous ATC Saturday rides with the roadies. And then of course getting used to loosing serious water weight everytime I train in the Austin heat and humidity. The Austin Triathlon was part of the training, part of a hard week.
When you get on the start line it is just the same though - the anticipation of a adrenaline kick, your chance to put hard work into action and to be the best you can be that day. A few days prior to the race there was a lot of talk at the pool of who was going to be on who's feet, who was going to have to do the hard work off the start. Unfortunately for me the guys (Philip Graves, Richie Cunningham) took off at such a pace that I could not match it despite my best effort. There were no feet for me to draft. I did have a great swim though closing the gap toward the end of the course and getting through transition very quickly. On the bike I kept thinking go go gadget legs! My breathing was fine but my legs were having a heck of a time giving that extra race
ummph, that - I am in a race grrrr factor. Kelly and Des passed me at virtually the same time on the third lap. Again I thought - anytime legs go! But alas what I had that day was what I was putting out there. The start of the run was in the pouring rain - one could say refreshing? I just laughed given my track record of cooler weather/rain race starts this year. Knowing my legs were a little shot I determined to really focus on good form and getting my speed from that. I was cheered by friends which was awesome - really kept me going and pushing.
When people first asked me about my race, I didn't know what to say - hard day on the job? Now I would say that it was great. Zane keeps emphasizing progress to me. The Austin Triathlon evidenced progress - I swam faster and ran faster on tired legs with much better form. Steve Sisson (UT Womens and Rogue Elite Team Running Coach) was there and was so positive that I think I am still glowing. Progress. At the end of the day this is what it is about. What I can do is have no regrets, give each day, each race everything I have. Did I do this - absolutely.
The highlight of this day was cheering on the Rogue athletes who were accomplishing their own greatness - seeing their faces, look of determination, joy (ok and maybe a little pain) was awesome. Celebrating their accomplishments was fulfilling and joyful. I have said it before but being part of the Rogue athlete community brings me to the essence of why I do what I do. I started triathlon aiming to be the very best athlete I could be, bringing it to a level I had not achieved, taking care of every detail of my training and life to accomplish this goal. For the Rogue athlete - this may look a little different but it is about accomplishing something great, their own PR, overcoming fears and being their own best. Progress right? So to end this congrats to all those out there that have aimed for progress today. Keep going. Everyday counts.
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