Cape Henlopen Sprint Tri was my last hoorah before calling the season a wrap. Both my mind and body were crying for a break so I knew it was time. Cape Henlopen was a small fun race and a chance to catch up with friends and have some fun at the shore. I had rented a house on the beach for the weekend and the weather was awesome (80+ and sunny). We got down Friday night and since I didn’t have to pick up my packet or anything until race morning (Sunday), I was able to relax on Saturday with an easy bike ride, a walk on the beach and some good food. I was even able to sleep in a bit Sunday too since the race didn’t start till 7:30. It was nice to head to a race with no nerves and no pressure. The ocean was as calm as I have ever
seen it and the water was close to 70degrees. I stood on the beach watching the sun come up and getting ready to race. I put on my Zoot Prophet, which is only the 2nd time I was able to wear it this year. I even debated about wearing it for this race since the swim is so short (the swim is a VERY short 1/4mile) but I like the chance to wear my wetsuit and I was a little worried about getting cold. I lined up in the front next to a few high school girls who I knew were going to be fast swimmers. The gun sounded, I dove over the only wave out there and started swimming to the first buoy. I spent the swim trying to not get run over by the swimmer girls. They were really fast swimmers but obviously didn't have much open water experience because they kept swimming into each other (and me). It was kind of funny to watch them. The run from the beach to T1 is super long (close to half a mile). After sprinting the swim, then trying to run through the sand and finally into T1 I was exhausted. This sprint stuff is hard! I grabbed my bike and headed off. The men’s wave had started before us so I had a blast on the bike course trying to catch as many men as possible. The bike is dead flat and 13miles so I just hit it as hard as I could. Off on the run which is on a paved trail through the sand dunes I tried to push as hard as I could. My goal on the run was to beat my time from last year and even though I did, I felt like I had another gear in there. I couldn’t believe how fast the race was over. It felt like blur! I had fun hanging with all my friends after the race. After the awards (finally a win!), I packed up my stuff and headed off the real reward-lunch at Dogfish Head Brewery! It really has been a breakthrough year for me and something I have been about for a long time. Two 3rd place finishes, two 5th place finishes, one small win and a trip to 70.3 Worlds. Of course this only makes me hungry for more. A huge thanks to everyone who supported me this year; my husband and parents who travel with me, encourage me and push me to be the best I can, my Aunt Susan and Linda and Tom who are the best fans anyone could ask for, Coach Dan for the direction and guidance I need, Zoot for sticking with me from the beginning and gearing me up for success, Ridley bikes for all my fast bike times this year, Mitch Greene for keeping my head in the game, Zeal Optics, Garmin, GU and Zipp and my newest sponsor Nathan which make the most comfortable hydration gear! I couldn’t do it without you guys!
Now it’s time for some rest and recovery, catching up with friends, sleeping in, and reflecting on the season before getting geared up and prepared for next year. I can’t wait! Check out my blog for off season updates.