RACE REPORT: Roanoke Valley Sprint Tri

Submitted by: Steve Cooper

Everyone should tri... Michael stated at the beginning of the year that one of his resolutions for 2009 was to get 15 people who'd never done a triathlon to do one. So I emailed him and told him he only had to find 14 more, because I was going to give it a go. So I signed up for the Roanoke Valley Sprint Tri. I was told that this is a good one to start with because the swim is only a 300 yard swim, and it was done indoors in a pool.

While I had been nursing an injured Achilles tendon, I had started doing some swimming at the YMCA--which would also help to prepare me for the tri. I asked around and found someone who said he'd loan me a bike to use for the biking leg--thanks, Rob.

Now I'm not saying I procrastinate, but don't do like I did and wait until the five days before the triathlon to get a bike and only get one 7 mile training/practice run in.

I got a lot of great advice on what to expect and tips and suggestions for triathlons from several team members--thanks Michael, Kinnie, Jeff & Patti, Ursula, and Tracy H.

And the necessary tri gear I didn't have was loaned to me to use--thanks Rob, Michael, and Jeff.

I had a lot of nervous energy--and excitement--building all week as the "day" drew closer. I think Tampa probably thought I was crazy on Friday night, the way I was running around the house getting all my tri stuff together. However, I did get 6 good hours of sleep that night. I got up at 4:30 a.m. so that I could get everything right and get out of the house by 5:15 a.m. to drive to Roanoke Rapids. I was one of the first competitors there. And the first smiling face I see was Frank Lilley--made me feel right at home. I got my race packet and timing chip, got my body marked in with my bib number, and then went and got my bike and gear and headed to the transition area to get set up.

Being my first tri, I walked around a bit in the transition area and was seeing how everyone laid their stuff out to prepare for the transitions between activities. I met several people and talked to a lot of them and found out that many were there for their first triathlon as well. I got everything laid out: helmet, sunglasses, towel, shirt, running shoes, socks, race belt w/ bib number. I put my timing chip strap on my ankle. Then I saw some familiar faces. Tracy Hicks was there and setting her stuff up and I went and talked with her a bit. Then I saw Ralph Willey and spoke to him also. A little later I saw Levi Moore and Cliff Amos, and got to meet Cliff's son Colin.

Soon pre-race instructions were given and next we were lining up to get ready for the swimming leg. It was a little cool that morning walking around in nothing but some tri shorts and a swim cap, but as soon as we got inside the aquatic center, it was nice and toasty. Swimmers were entering the water every 15 seconds. The guy behind me was a much faster swimmer than I and caught me in the second lane. I let him go around me and kept going and was able to stay comfortably ahead of the rest of the swimmers behind me.

I exited the pool and walked/ran back outside to the transition area--Frank is cheering me on. My shirt stuck to the top of my wet back and I know I must have looked comical in a rushed state trying to reach back and pull it down. Then, sunglasses, helmet, race belt, shoes, and socks--and I am off pushing my bike past the "mount" line--Frank is cheering me on. I go to get on the bike and end up hitting the back of the seat causing it cock back. I get that straightened out and throw a leg over and try to get my foot in the basket pedal--I can't get my shoe in there...taking forever...try and try again...I should have trained/practiced with the bike more--Frank is beginning to wonder if I'm ever going to leave the parking lot--finally--foot in and I'm on my way. The first thing I think about/notice as I leave the parking lot of the aquatic center is, "Wow! What a beautiful day." Riding the bike, following the folks in front of me. Pedal, pedal, pedal--gear up, gear down--pedal, pedal, pedal right out of town. Why is the wind in my face, and why is blowing so hard? Mental note: Next time train more on the bike.

I see riders heading back in the other direction already, I must be close to the turn around--NOT. Did they move it? Man--my butt's sore.

Finally, I see the turn around. All the while, I have been getting better at anticipating when to gear up and gear down and how to keep my cadence more constant. Riding back to the aquatic center, wind at my back, making much better time. What a RUSH!!!

Pulling into the aquatic center parking lot, slowing down as I approach the "dismount" line--I hear cheers from my wife, son, and sister-in-law. Get off the bike, try not to fall down, attempt to walk/run my bike back into the transition area. Butt's asleep, legs feel constricted. Rack bike, pose for picture being snapped by my wife, suck down some Gatorade and then off for a little run. Why aren't my legs cooperating? Did I mention my butt was asleep?

About a quarter mile into the run, my legs and my gait seem to be getting back to normal. At the second turn--another familiar face--Larry McKeel--he's encouraging me. I tell myself to just keep going--it's only a 3 mile run. I mile and a half in, I see Cliff and Colin. Cliff is hanging back with Colin--doing the Tri together--AWESOME. I slowly ease around them. Only a mile or so left to go. My mind flashes back to the last two miles of the OBX Marathon and I realize I have more left in the tank now than I did then--just keep running. I can see the finish line--picking up the pace--I hear my name announced as I run across the time chip pads. I made it!!!

Give up the timing chip. Receive my medal--cool, heavy, tri medal with embossed swimmer, biker, and runner. See my family and get some water, orange slices, and cookies from the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau--the ones that provided food at Medoc.

Went back around to the finish line to cheer the other runners as they were coming in. I missed Cliff and Colin--as they were right on my heels. Tracy Hicks came running in looking super strong. A little bit after that Levi Moore came hustling in.

There was only one runner out when I left--had a bunch of landscaping work I wanted to get done, so I didn't stay for the awards. You know I've run in a lot of events and never placed, so I knew I didn't have to worry about placing in my first attempt at a triathlon. I SHOULD HAVE STAYED. I finally placed in my age group in a race. Albeit because Cliff is such an awesome dad and ran the whole race with his son, Colin--otherwise he would have blown my doors off and more than likely placed first in our age group.

All in all--it was a great, exciting, exhilarating and super fun thing to do. I will definitely do more triathlons. Everybody should do one. Even if you don't swim or know how to swim--get some lessons and just do it. Sprint triathlons are a great way to ease yourself into it. I am so glad I did it. Thanks again to everyone that gave me advice and tips and that loaned me gear too. What an awesome experience.