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The tiny ripples in the water glistened underneath the rising sun. An easy breeze blew off the sandy shore.
It was Sunday morning and the day of the inaugural TREK Women's Triathlon in Ohio at Buckeye Lake.
It would be a day that would go down in history as my favorite open water swim in a triathlon. The water temperature was perfect (80), there was no chop and - a smart, smart move on the RD's part - there were several minutes spaced between waves, giving those of us who are slower less of a chance to have to fight off more people as they caught up with us.
Though it had started out sunny and beautiful, it began becoming somewhat overcast by the time I had gotten to mile seven or eight on the bike... and then I felt it. A wet drop on the skin of my arm. "Please, Lord, hold off on that rain. Please, please!"
I didn't mind racing in the rain, but I was very worried about my bags in Transition that contained my cell phone and camera getting soaked through and frying my digital livelihood.
When I got to Transition 2, I just re-situated my belongings, threw an already wet towel over top it all, continued to pray and started my run.
The Lord was clearly answering my prayers with a no. The rain was absolutely not letting up. Acquiescing to the reality that I had done all I could do under the circumstances to protect my electronics, I made the decision to let it go.
I was, at this point, completely soaked, my clothes and ball cap utterly saturated with what had been falling from the sky. So instead of avoiding the water puddles on my route, I jumped in them! What an opportunity to have some extra fun!
I finished my race, passing several women at the very end and was so proud I'd finished another triathlon.
I grabbed my belongings, ate a couple peanut butter sandwiches under a tent and walked the one mile trek back to my truck - in the pouring rain.
Ten minutes later, as I was driving west, the rain suddenly stopped and the blue sky reappeared.
Of course it did.
10 comments:
That has to be one of the most frustrating things to happen during a race -- rain! It scares me to death when cornering on my bike.
Completely, Mike.
What a wonderful TRI and what a involving story! The same happened during my first Tri a SUPERSPRINT! During the Bike we met a cloudburst and with all that mud it was like molasses and plumage! Strangely funny!!!!Many compliments to you!
That is why I seek out the rain for training rides and runs. Come race day.... bring it on!! But I do hate the water logged feet....
To splash to play. I noticed on a couple marathons I've run that when I realize I won't make the finish time I want, I give in and can have fun with the run. Sounds like you had fun in the run. Run on!
ri #7 and it can still feel like new. Yes, you just might as well have fun with it!
Lora, I wish I had known you were racing - I would have made it a point to say hi! It was a great race, but EVERYTHING got soaked! :(
What to make the most of a wet situation! Congrats on another great race. :)
Congratulations Lora! I too would be worried about my digital stash. Well done letting it go & charging to the finish!
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