I’ve been eager to start the triathlon season, so last minute on Wednesday I registered for the Tri the Illini race in Champagne. I left the house around 0530 to get to Champagne. I picked up my packet and shirt. I got my bib, chip, and body marking. “30” my first tri in a new age group! I set up in transition. The racks were numbered according to bib. The transition area was long and narrow. My spot was towards the bike out, a good spot. After I was set up I went to look at the pool. It was very nice. What else would you expect at the U of I? It was a nice 50 yard pool with wide lanes. For the swim, you would swim down on lane, flip turn under the lane line, and then down the next lane. I did a 200 for a warm up before the race started.
I was number 56, so I had a little time to wait. They started everyone with 10 seconds in between. I had a good swim, and passed 4 people in the pool. Then you ran outside, up steps to the transition. It was still cold out, but no time to waste with socks. Helmet, glasses, shoes go. I still remember how this goes. The bike was a big loop. Pretty flat. I was moving fast until the turn at mile 5. The headwind hit me, and slowed me down a bit. I passed a few people on the bike, and was passed by a few fast guys.
At T2 I had some trouble getting my Zoots on. My feet were so cold, I couldn’t feel them. I grabbed my race belt and took off. I saw another girl that must have caught me in transition. I quickly passed her on the run. The run was nice because you ran through the Quad on campus. There were people all around, coming out of classes. I felt good on the run and did a 21:20 something for the run. I only wore my Garmin on the run, so I had no idea how I finished.
I wanted t stay for the awards, bu tit was only 0930 and I was done. With the pool swim it takes a long time for everyone to finish. They were not doing awards until Noon. So after I changed and a banana, and bagel, the usual post race food. I don’t know where the frat guys were with the kegs? I drove back to Springfield.
The race director sent out an email on Sunday with the results. I got 3rd overall with a time of 1:04! I was happy with my race and time. For a race put on by a bunch of college kids, they did a great job!
