Amys Boulder Peak Race Report

Here's my race report for the Boulder Peak:

I arrived at the Boulder Reservoir a little late because my usual triathlon Sherpa couldn't go (wonderful husband had to work) and I didn't have time to set up my transition the way I wanted. I got kicked out of transition and mosied down to the water. The gun went off and about 5 minutes into the swim I got vertigo, couldn't focus on a point in the distance due to the sun blarring in my face, got kicked in the gut and vomited. I was in wave 5 in case you're wondering...I dragged my butt out of the water and couldn't find my bike in the sea of T1. Almost 5 minutes later and devastated I tried not to let my mistakes so far ruin my bike but I couldn't help feeling defeated. My first turn out of the reservoir I ran over someones race sticker which stuck to my tire and wouldn't come off! This drove me nuts for about a mile. Despite the hitchhiker my bike time averaged 20.6 mph and I was in HR zone 4 most of the ride with a 159 HR average and 81 on the cadence. Finally T2 rolled around I didn't have anything to pin my run bib to so I just tucked it in my shorts and I thought, "What a mess!" I tried for a negative split on the run
and was in HR zone 5 the whole last half but only managed a 7:20 min/mile...so, it's back to good ol' track work for me...anyone wanna join?
So from the worse race I've ever had and all of it my fault...Lessons learned:
1) Get to transition at the very least 30 minutes early so you're not rushed to get into the water. And don't rely so much on scarce loved ones!
2) Once vertigo sets in flip over on your back and slowly backstroke until you feel better.
3) In T1 don't look for the bike instead look for your funky colored towel or water bottle (gotta get a funky colored towel).
4) Always start a race with a positive mental attitude and ONLY if you have to, turn that negative energy into power.
5) ALWAYS SMILE!!!
Guess what...? I still had a total blast!
Why I do this:
To me Triathlon isn't just about winning the race. It's about scarce loved one, dedicated coaches working for smiles and volunteers working for a simple thank you. Even though it's an
individual sport with individual thinking on the course, triathlon is about camaraderie, hugs and lasting friendships from fellow athletes. It is also about ALL athletes big and small, slow and fast, scared or feisty who thought they could either never complete a triathlon or those hooked on tri-ing (ha, get it) to get faster...wheee! Don't get lost in the melee and don't forget why you do what you do...never, never give up but also, never, never forget to have fun!
XOXOXO
Amy Kay