Collegiate Nationals Race Report

Tuscaloosa, AL
April 2011
Race Start Air Temp: 90 Degrees
Water temp: low 60's


I have not been very excited to write this report, mostly because I have been super busy, but because it was by far the worst race I have ever had. The water was cold, the day was hot, but it was a great experience.

I started in wave 3 of 5. 1 Team member in each wave. The water temperature was cold - coldest I have swam in, but apparently not anywhere near what it was in Lubbock the last 2 years. It was around 62 degrees. I had a sleeveless wetsuit. Once I got going it wasn't too bad. It was an in water start holding onto the deck. It was crowded. I know I am not a fast swimmer so when the gun went off I hung out for a second then headed out. It wasn't too bad of a swim. Seemed like it took me forever. T-1 we had to run forever to get to it. It was tough when your feet are frozen. I stubbed my toe, but luckily couldn't feel it. I was in and out quick in transition.

On the Bike I was feeling really good. I think it was because of the warm day and just getting out of cold water. The women's Olympic distance race started at noon so by this time it was above 90 degrees. I was averaging a pretty good pace and passing a lot of people. After the first loop and on my way out on the second, I thought to myself, Man I am thirsty, but somehow I had already drank an entire bottle of water. Crap, I am going to be hurting on the run from dehydration. I had a second bottle of water, but it was super warm so I choked it down anyway. It wasn't enough. I died on that second loop. I needed Gatorade soooooooooooo bad.

I came into transition, dropped off my bike, grabbed my shoes and headed out. I grabbed 3 cups of Gatorade at the first station. Not even close to enough. I had to walk. The first mile was a mix of walk for 10 steps, run for 10 steps. Very slow going. I got to the second aid station - it was between 2 and 3. At this point I was so gone. I just stopped at the aid station and downed Gatorade. Pretty sure I drank an entire jug of it. I was there for about 3 min just drinking. Finally I continued on. It was still a lot more walking than running. At the next 2 stations I just stopped and drank as much Gatorade as I could. Finally at about mile 4.5 I could run and keep running. It was the longest race I have ever done.

After I drank more and more Gatorade and finally felt better. It was so miserable, but was fun.