Inaugural Crosscountrysquared Duathalon

I have my eye on my first tri at the end of August. Until then, I thought I'd host my very own duathalon on Sunday. Guess what? I won!

1/1 Overall
1/1 Female
1/1 Age group

Holla! I'm sure my neighbors appreciated the awards ceremony I conducted in my front yard with the kitchen step-stool podium. The megaphone I used to announce my own name may have been over the top, but hey, I don't judge your dirty kids and mangy dogs running through my yard, don't judge the medal, ribbon, and trophy I presented to myself.

I didn't intend to make it a duathalon, but that's what beautiful weather and a day with no agenda brings. My plan was to run and ride and see how I felt after that.

I ate breakfast (not nearly enough I'd later learn), and started with a good 4 mile run. It was cloudy and calm. A very nice contrast to the hot and steamy weather of late. It's felt like you're blow drying yourself in the face. While standing in a sauna. While wearing a cotton batting suit.

After the run, I took about 3 minutes to quickly swapped out the shorts, grab some water, and gear up for the bike. My quads were a little questionable up the first hill, but the breeze felt great. 26 miles later, I pulled into the driveway tired, thirsty, and hungry, but pretty pleased with myself for the new distance PR.

I gave myself 5 minutes to swap out shorts again and hydrate. The Husband had just started grilling himself some lunch, so I joined him outside to sip Gatorade and re-gear. Perched on the banister felt pretty great.

Me: Sigh, I don't want to get up, but I told myself I'd run at least 2 miles afterwards.
The Husband: You should go then. 2 miles isn't THAT far.

Oooh, if looks could kill, I'd have quite the life insurance check coming my way. The Husband was a studly college athlete back in the day, but he was smart enough to quickly add, "well it's not that far FOR YOU." Yeah, much better, hon.

I hauled my exhausted butt back on the road to complete my duathalon and finish a serviceable brick workout. The first half mile was a little wobbly, but the legs eventually came around to hold a suprisingly good pace throughout. Things were feeling pretty strong until I hit the mile mark. Hydration was decent, but I hadn't eaten in hours, and I was feeling a little pre-bonky. 4-26-2 would have to do.

So, duathalon #1 in the books. Sure there was stopping at stop lights and 5 minute transitions, but I won dammit! I may even make a "Returning Champion" t-shirt for the next time I decide to do a workout like this. Just because I can.