Mooseman Triathlon Race Report

Another weekend, another beautiful location. I planned on driving up late Thursday night after work, but then realized that was silly. I would be tired. Friday I ran lots of errands, then got tired and took a nap and didn't get on the road until noon. And got up there after a long 7 hour drive and hating slow CT drivers and rain.

I stayed at Matt and Genine's family farm up there and it was very cute and nice. I got there just in time for a delicious dinner and lots of laughs with Matt and Genine, Genine's mom who was celebrating her birthday (cake!), and Shaun and Adam representing the Bloomingdales relay team.

Morning came quickly and we got to the race site nice and early. I played chauffeur to team Bloomingdales. Of course as soon as we get to the site, I am wanting to get stuff going and get to transition right away! Here's anxious me by my car, trying to get all my junk ready to go.

We had a lot of time to get ready, but it seemed to go quickly. Set up transition, bathroom, take stuff back to the car, check transition, scout out swim in and runs through transition, bathroom, and then we are being rushed out of transition. I was in wave 6. Boo!!! But it did give me time to squeeze into my wetsuit. And try to accustom myself to the ice cold water. Brrrr!

Here is me in transition stretching, deep in thought about my race.

Trying to squeeze into my wetsuit and hanging out with Matt and Genine.

Pre race posing for pics and trying not to freeze with Genine and Shaun.

Matt's wave was 16 mins ahead of me. Genine and Shaun and the other relay (Chics Ahoy) was 8 mins behind me. Matt and I thought about having bets on when I would catch up to him. I thought it would come down to a dramatic finish line sprint. Or mile 4 of the run. So, I was thinking about chasing him down in the race.

Swim: 1500m, low 60's, smooth clear water, 25:09, 93/884, 25th female
I was cold waiting for the swim to start. I tried to keep moving, but it didn't help much. When we finally got to start I went hard and tried to stay with some people. I quickly found myself alone, and then passing people from other groups. First the pink girls from the wave ahead, then the wave ahead, then then next. There were a lot of buoys and the first half seemed to go by fast. Then my hands and arms felt slow and sluggish. Almost too cold to move fast. I felt like I couldn't feel the water well, if that makes sense. I was still passing a lot of people, so I figured I was doing ok. I got out at around 25 and was a little disappointed as I felt like it should have been faster, but I guess, I didn't feel that tired, just don't swim that well when I am an ice cube.

T1: This was long and not good. 2:13. I am not coordinated when my hands and feet are ice. Wearing the torn wetsuit added some fun to the whole thing. I decided not to wear my shoes on my pedals to start, as I have trouble getting my feet in when cold. I had trouble just puting my shoes on my ice cube feet in transition. This was after running past the wetsuit strippers (I used them at Timberman, they dragged me on the ground and gave me rug burn and took forever to get my suit off anyway).I fumbled a little with the top, but got it off ok. Then the legs..my arms and feets...they don't work...too cold...I'm dizzy. Ugh.

Bike: 27. something miles, hilly, 1:20:22, 125/877, 13th female?
I felt like my bike went well. It was a beautiful course, I passed a lot of people. My legs didn't feel too tired, but I felt like I was working hard. I stayed relaxed and felt like I was having a great race and a super fast bike split. I hit 10 miles around 30 mins, then 20 miles in an hour, I must be able to make up some time in the last 7 miles right? I don't have a bike computer on my bike right now and I thought I was turning back in to finish the bike. So I took my shoes off while in the pedals. Then saw that we were turning onto a long stretch of road and indeed still had to ride for awhile. Doh! I thought it was close enough to keep riding without my shoes on. Where is that turn? I am now getting passed by guys I was flying past before. My quads are burning. Is that a little hill up there? Crap. Ugh! Silly me! Oh well. I finally got back and at least I did an awesome bike dismount. No tripping over my bike this week!

T2: :50 very good and fast!

Run: 10k with some hills and a finish thorough sand, 42:19, first 5k in 20:28, second in 21:51. 50/868, 6th female.

I passed 2 girls right out of transition. They were both from the wave ahead of me, but who cares, I was on the move! On Friday, Joe had said "Win one for the Gipper" which was one of the things he used to shout before we started our intervals at swim practices. I was saying that in my head as I was out on the run, even though it is silly. I felt my legs moving fast, quick, snappy just like they used to. I focused in on passing one person at a time. I passed a girl from the wave ahead of me, then one from mine! Guy after guy.

I was hunting down Matt. Any time now I would catch him. Or spot him at the turn around. I decided not to check my time at the mile marks. To just run with my heart and not worry about time or pace. I ran up a hill and a lady was playing "Just Breathe" on her acoustic guitar. It made me laugh. I smiled and wave at people. I got so many cheers in the pink bunny suit, people calling me pink, fast, or to run fast like a rabbit! Close to the turnaround I saw Matt! We slapped hands hard and I told him I was coming to get him! I checked my time and he was 2 mins ahead of me.

After the turnaround I saw a girl running fast behind me. Oh crap! It is no fun being run down. She was coming for me. I tried to keep moving but she looked strong. Mentally, I think I let her fast running get to me, and my lack of training and confidence in my run right now. When she passed I didn't put up a fight or anything. I kept her in my sight for awhile, and kept pushing towards the finish but definitely lost some momentum. It stole some of my energy.

I tried to focus on the beauty of the lake, what a nice day it was, breathing steadily, and looking for Matt's blue jersey up the road. And looking for Genine in the opposite direction. Just after the 5 mile mark I spotted him. And then Genine was on her way out. She looked great and slapped my hand and I mustered up my speed to go to catch him. It felt like it took forever! Then once I passed, I could hear the finish line music. Just push hard to the end! The last bit of the run was on the beach and on grass and roots. It made it so hard to sprint but I did my best.

Overall: 2:30:51, 59/869, 5th female, 1st 25-29



Overall I am very pleased with my race. There were a few mishaps, but it was a well rounded effort. My run is coming back to form which is a good feeling and it was a beautiful course and beautiful place. I had a great time up there with friends.

I am very lucky to have Matt and Genine as friends. They have been a tremendous support to me through this very difficult last year of my life. And they are always fun to go train or eat or just talk with.

I wouldn't have gone to do Mooseman if not for them. Matt and Genine first did Mooseman last year, Matt the full race and Genine as a cyclist for the Bloomindales relay team to race money for The Jimmy Fund and The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. They lost Matt's mother and nephew to cancer and this is a very special race and charity to them. They continued their efforts this year as they both raced the international distance race at Mooseman and fund raise money. I ask that you tale a look at their fundraiser page and consider making a donation. Thanks!


Genine, Matt, and I soaking (icing!) our legs in the lake post race.