Talked into a duathlon

Unfortunately, I'm reading this after the event, so you probably learned all of the answers to your questions during the race....

I did the same event...my first as well...and wanted to know if how you did and if you liked the course and event? I personally liked some of the course, but some of it was pretty rough on the bike.

Sorry I didn't read your post earlier, but at least now we know what to expect next season.

bejones said:

I did the same event...my first as well...and wanted to know if how you did and if you liked the course and event? I personally liked some of the course, but some of it was pretty rough on the bike.

Hi, glad to hear from you.

I had a few problems with the course: recreational cyclists and cars getting in the way; a spot near the finish that wasn't adequately marked; and like you said, some rough areas. I was riding a cheap bike and I only started cycling seriously about two months ago, so my time was poor, 41 minutes for 15K. But I and my relay partner came in 2nd out of six co-ed relay teams, so I feel pretty well satisfied with my performance.

The lessons I learned from this first experience: I need to prepare more, and I need a better bike.

There is a duathlon scheduled Oct. 30 in Arlington - the Booathlon Duathlon, I think it's called - with a slightly longer course for relay teams. But the fees for these events are not cheap, and I don't know if I'll be able to participate.

So how did you do at the White Rock race?

I did about 4 minutes better than my projected finish time....1hr 2mins vs 1hr 6mins. I was happy about this, but still only finished 4th in my division (clydesdale).

On the bike, I averaged right at 20mph, and I think the split time was 28:51, so not bad, but not great. I did finish w/ the 2nd best time on the bike, unfortunately my run times were slow....even for a clydesdale.

See you at the next event.