Reflection
As fun as this race was, I am most proud of the progress I’ve made to date. I did the duathlon 3 years ago, so I was able to compare both bike and run courses. The improvement is staggering. In 2014, my average bike speed was 15.8 mph, compared with today’s speed of 19.7 mph!!!! That’s about a 4 mph improvement in just 3 years. As a caveat, in 2014 I was on my Cannondale which is a heavier bike and did not have aero bars, aero helmet or a tri kit. Plus I was coming off a 2 mile run. Even accounting for those difference, let’s say 2 mph total advantage, there is still a massive improvement.
I also see an improvement in my runs, though the difference is not so staggering. 11:25 min/mile pace versus 10:24 min/mile. I’ll still take it! Back then, I was afraid to even do the triathlon, and remember watching in awe as the swimmers were warming up. I’ve come so far, yet still have so far to go. Also, 3 years ago, I came to this race utterly ALONE. Today, I was glad to socialize with new and old friends. That was one of the best parts of the race.