IronGirl is always an inspirational race for me. For many women, this is the first race they’ve ever done. Others haven’t attempted something athletic for years. Women of all shapes and sizes come out for this event. Some are fast and others a little slower. But no matter fast – everyone eventually does 21.4 miles! Below are my observations from this years race:
• Duck poop smells really bad… and tastes even worse. Note to all IronGirl participants – not all ope
n water is as icky as Centennial Lake!• Seven minutes between waves means you tread water for quite a while.
• The first woman out of the water this year was really, really, really fast!
• I am pretty sure the swim was longer this year than last year.
• Breaststroke and backstroke is acceptable if it gets you through the 0.62 miles of the swim. Congratulations to everyone, who before IronGirl, never would have imagined swimming that far.
• Secure goggles are a must – particularly if you are in a really big wave. My wave had no less than 175 participants!
• Buoys provide a perfect place to stop and catch your breath if needed. I apologize to anyone I hit with my wide stroke as I turned the buoys.
• Mountain bikes far outnumber tri bikes at this race. The speed at which some of these women move on their mountain bikes is inspirational.
• Riding four across the road is not uncommon. Perhaps we should review blocking at the next Luna Bike Clinic!
• I saw more people drafting cars than other cyclists… or maybe they were jus
t waiting to pass?• I did not see any women walking their bikes up the hills…and there were some tough hills! Way to gut it out!
• There is one really hard hill on the run. And you have to do it twice! Congratulations to everyone who ran up this hill. Of course, I think I ran slower than some walked!
• IronGirl has one of the longest finishing chutes. It is great to have so many people cheering you into the finish.
• The cold duck sponge at the finish… AWESOME!
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