Muncie in May race report- The Cold Blows!

I was debating whether or not to do this race; mainly because I've been getting over a calf injury and races in Muncie have always been weather challenged for me.  But, I'm signed up for the Toughman Half in Richmond scheduled for June 1st and I thought, if anything, it would be a good training day.  I participated in the Olympic distance event (1500 meter swim, 24.8 mile bike ride and 6.2 mile run).

I woke up to find the weather at 43 F, with a strong breeze, and a continuous drizzle.  My brain was struggling to find a real purpose in going but I'm never one to bag a race due to weather (you know....just a minor flesh wound!!).  Also, Chris was doing the race with me so there is always a little more motivation when you are not alone.  Plus, I was excited to wear my Team Bicycle Outfitters Indy race kit (team BOI) and wanted to show it off.

We get to the race site and learn the water temperature is 61 F- terrific!  My only wetsuit is sleeveless so I was a bit nervous about how I would respond in the water.  Since I am a former swimmer I thought...a small inconvenience (ha ha).  I avoid warming up in the water because hypothermia is a real possibility and I want to stay somewhat warm until the race start.  I learn minutes before that the initial 2 loop course was now a longer 1 loop course (still 1500 meters). When the cannon goes off I head quickly into the water.  Initially, I have a hard time adjusting and calming myself down but years of swimming have taught me the importance of a steady and efficient breathing pattern. As I get settled in I have difficulty navigating the buoys and get off course a bit.  I do my best to keep an eye on other swimmers and just do a little breastroke to orient where I am.

I exit the swim thankful to be done and get ready for the bike.  My fingers are numb and I struggle to get my shoes and helmet on.  I manage to get some socks over my feet but the socks and feet are wet- ugh...I ditch the arm warmers after a feeble attempt and head out onto the course.  The bike course is two loops and relatively flat- a nice fast ride.  I get stuck behind a large truck slowing down for other riders.  He was too wide to pass so I become a little frustrated that I have to slow down for a bit.  No problem; however...you have to roll with the punches sometimes.  I laugh at myself when my inability to pucker my lips for some sweet hydration results in a dribbly Gatorade mess down my chin and chest.

I finish the bike ride thankful to be done and get ready for the run.  I can't undo the strap to my helmet because my fingers are numb.  I can't move my mouth to drink fluids.  I manage to pull the strap over my chin to get the helmet off and ditch the hydration effort.  I am conservative on the run.  I don't want to mess up my calf.  The out and back run is rolling and can be a challenge.  I get passed by quite a few guys but I'm okay with it.  I get some encouraging words along the way and I try to say thank you but my mouth can't form words- too cold!!

I get to the finish thankful to be done!  As always, the volunteers are nice and so supportive. For me, my time was slow but, again, I can't dwell on that. Everyone was racing in the same conditions as me- no excuses.  I finished what I started and managed to pull the overall female win.

I was unable to stay for awards because I had to pick up my son from orchestra practice.  I love triathlon, but kids trump awards!  In addition, my body was shaking and I was somewhat dehydrated from no fluids or nutrition.  I was pretty motivated to get to a heated car ASAP.

Overall, I felt the volunteer support was great and the race well-organized.  I'm not sure if I can say that about the weather, but that is something no one can control!  Happy racing.