I am writing about this a bit after the fact, but did want to reflect on my experience at the Black Fly. I checked in and picked up my packet on Friday night and then watched/cheered on some S2 team members who were competing in the time trial or Lord/Lady of the Flies competition. It was a blast to watch the action and see all the positive energy. After the time trial, I cooked up some pasta and had a relaxing evening at the Black Bear Lodge (which was a great location). Everything about the Black Fly is set up to make it a great venue for racers and spectators.
On Saturday morning mother nature did not feel like being nice to me again--luckily the rain didn't start coming down until I already had my wetsuit on and station set! I lined up and got ready for the individual start for the swim around Corcoran Pond (pictured above). It was an interesting setup because you could see the other swimmers going around the pond while you were waiting. I dove right in and ripped up the swim course at 7:24, which I was happy about but certainly will work to bring down.
The transition to the bike took me awhile as all my stuff was wet. Just a minute or two after I started the bike course, my cateye monitor fell off my bike (my own fault as I did not clip on correctly), but I didn't stop because I didn't want to lose time. The whole first part of the bike ride was a downhill, but with the blistering rain it was a challenge. The last 8 miles of the course is a long, gradual, and painful uphill. But I completed the bike course in about an hour and eleven minutes, which I was happy with.
Then came the run--this is definitely where I lost a ton of time and many places in the rankings. The first mile was brutal after biking uphill prior. I imagine that I finished that one in 12-13 minutes, but eventually picked up the pace. I averaged 10 minute miles, but after a lot of training this was the area that disappointed me :( Oh well, something to work on anyway!
The last part of the race was exciting as I had a lot of supporters there cheering me on! Thanks to Mark, Melissa, Chad, Colleen and all the S2 team members--you truly made the race unforgettable!
Would I do this triathlon again? Definitely! The Endorfun crew did an amazing job hosting/planning this event! I don't have any major events lined up for the rest of this season, but next year I hope to do a lot more!
