New Mexico/El Paso

A report from Team In Training's participation in the

CAPITAL OF TEXAS TRIATHLON
May 2006 
by Liz Sponagle

Hey Ya'll! Race day started in the dark, but it was already warm and humid, no wind though. I was doing my best to appear calm before the swim. Even though I have a swimming background (over 3 decades ago!), I had not ever done an open water swim of this length in a wetsuit. The easy camaraderie in my wave-women over 40- created a fun and relaxed atmosphere before the start horn sounded. I decide to swim conservatively since it was the most "unknown" element of the race. On the longest stretch, after the second turn, I was able to get into a good rhythm keeping a steady pace. I grinned to myself after the last turn as the noise of the crowd and swim exit came nearer. Up the ramp right on the tail of the first woman in my age group. Getting out of a wetsuit is something I'll need to practice more...

But again, exited T1 right behind the first place woman and immediately passed her at the start of the first bike loop. Each lap of the 4 loop course got faster as I gained confidence, knew when to shift, how fast I could take turns, where to ride to avoid manhole covers, etc. The last lap was crazy crowded with the influx of the sprint course racers, slower Olympic course riders and lots of dropped water bottles. Again, I was grinning to myself having so much fun and very happy that I was about to exit the course with no mishaps.

The clouds and little bit of mist cleared away at the start of the run. Full sun and increased humidity on an exposed course were brutal. Water stops were ready with ice water which I dumped over my head and down my back. I felt fine on the run--my midday training runs at pace paid off in a big way. I passed everyone--didn't get passed even once the entire 2 laps. I actually felt faster on the second lap and had enough left to pick it up into the finish. Results were posted quickly and I was thrilled to the point of tears that I had done the time I was hoping for AND had won my age group by almost 10 minutes!

Many thanks to my brother, Steve and to John, owner of the Running Hub (my boss) for their patience and advice. Thank you to all who have been generous in support of the charity I race for. MaryAnn, MaryEllen and most of all, in memory of my brother, Mark--you all inspired me during the race.

Look out everyone, there's lots more to come---I'm hooked!

race results:

245th overall

30th overall for women

1st women 50-54

27:58 swim-1500m

1:13:11(20.3mph) bike-40k

45:29(7:19pace) run-10k 

Final chip time - 2:33:21 

Find out how you can sign up to do an event with TNT or call Marne Petersen at (505) 872-0141.