Race Report: Got the Nerve?

“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get back up.”  -Vince Lombardi

The Got the Nerve? Triathlon was this past weekend in the scenic town of Mt. Gretna at the Mt. Gretna Lake.  The race is put on by the IM ABLE Foundation which helps people both able bodied and disabled realize their full potential as an athlete and to push beyond your limits.  They show people of all abilities the potential to lead an active lifestyle.  I was amazed at the different walks of life that come out to support this Foundation and usually, give triathlon a try for the first time!  While the race goes on, there is also a "Tour de Gretna" where people can participate in an outdoor cycling event for 3 hours.  Their mission is to show people that no matter what your circumstances are - you are still able to get up and move!!  Their mascot is even a 3-legged dog!  The money that is raised helps to build hand-cycles or adaptive equipment so people can still get outside and be active.  I am happy to support such a cause and know that I can help other people who are less fortunate who still want to be active, healthy people.  Please check out their website to see all the good they do:  http://www.getupandmove.org/home.php

As for the race report...here we go!

Good:

The weather couldn't have been more perfect.  A cool but comfortable 55 degrees on our way to the race site with the lake temp around 65 come race time (the lake is drained for the winter then spring filled a week before race day).  This felt nice compared to the 58 degrees last year.  There wasn't a cloud in the sky, but we had plenty of shade along the course.  The swim went by unusually fast for being a tad longer than advertised.  The bike went as expected although I found my legs to be a tad tired - need to practice swim to transition 1 a bit more...swimming/running out of the water then sprinting up a hill to transition left me a bit winded!  I am very pleased with the way my new bike handled the climbs, downhills, and flats.  The run was great on the shaded rail to trail path and I felt strong coming into the finish.  I love this race b/c it is very spectator friendly, so there was a lot of cheering along the course, which helped towards the end!  I saw a handful of friendly faces before, during, and after the race, which makes it that much more fun :)  I finished 11 minutes faster than my time from last year, so I am happy with the gains I made.  I believe I finished 4th in my age group and 19th out of 166 females with a 1:33:09.  Joe finished 1st in his age group and 21st overall for his first time racing this course with a 1:18:change!!  He's such a champ it makes me sick :)

Bad:

The only complaint I have about this race is the rail to trail section of the run course.  Parts of the trail can cause you to lose your footing on larger rocks or soft brush if you're not paying attention.  It is somewhat narrow, so you really have to choose your passing wisely so you don't get in the way of runners coming the other direction.  Transition is kind of bumpy, rocky, dirt filled - so running the bike in and out wasn't the easiest either.

Ugly:

Nothing really ugly about this one.  I wish it didn't take so long to get my legs under me after the bike - I think around mile 2 they came around to finish strong.

I would put this on my race calendar every year.  It is a great first timer race too with a lot of support and a great, manageable course.  So, if anyone is contemplating giving triathlon a try, come on up and give it a shot! :)

Now on to Week 11 of training.  We'll be heading to Cambridge, MD this weekend to preview the Ironman Eagleman 70.3 bike and run course which is coming up in 3 short weeks.  It looks like things are turning serious...

Cheers!

Chandra