Bike 4 Women
Alaska Torch Run
Gold Nugget Triathlon
I got there early and enjoyed some Kaladi coffee and then found a locker to put my gear in. The wait on the swim deck was pretty long. The pool deck area was really warm. I opted for the deep end because the lines seemed shorter but I ended up still waiting as I wanted a lane near the ladder so I could get out of the pool. I felt strong in the swim and even passed the other swimmers in my lane. I had to slow to a breast stroke a few times because they were going slower. Some day I will figure this swim thing out (or maybe I should practice the swim a lot more because today was literally my first time in the pool since moving back!)
Coming out of the pool I headed to Transition One. I don't know why I am so slow at putting socks and shoes on but I clearly am as my transition time was one of the slowest. I pulled my running skirt on top of my swim shorts, threw on a t-shirt and jacket, along with my race bib. I thought I had this set up in my bucket so it would be quick but maybe not.
The bike is always the hardest leg for me. I didn't have my bike in the right gear so I struggled to get started. The course starts with a gentle up hill and then you cross the Glenn Highway on an over past, the next segment is a long very slow up hill, but then you turn around and its a nice long glide down that hill you just came up. By this turnaround point, my lady parts were numb so I got off the bike and took a bathroom break. I felt better and that downhill glide certainly helped. After the turnaround you catch a couple of serious (well for me) hills and the course ends uphill. I had let stories of this uphill psych me out and got off and walked the last few feet only to discover I was already up the hill.
Transition 2 is amazing. They take your bike, hand you your bag and walk you to a seat so you can change shoes if needed. (I don't have cycling shoes) but I did ditch my jacket. They then wrap your bike in blankets and a team of FedEx drivers halls it back to T1 where it is waiting for you after you finish.
The run was a surprise to me. It is on a tank road which is a nice little gravel road. I know this is a segment where a lot of people see bear. No bear for me this year and I really struggled with the run. You do eventually run back onto pavement and into a park that is across the high way from where you started. Conveniently, there are local buses that pick you up and take you back to T1.
I volunteered to help break down the finish line area and spent the rest of the day directing traffic, moving supplies, and watching the last racer finish. What a long day for this race committee but they do an amazing and well coordinated job for a race with so many moving pieces!
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