Calories Burned: 202 (1/3 mile swim) and 806 (bike)
Outing Highlights
I'm proud of everyone hopping right into the water this week. Everyone had wetsuits (most full suits, not the sleeveless johns) and hopped right into the water. This week, Clint gave a brief primer on open water triathlon swimming, including drafting and sighting. Both are essential tools to those who wish to excel in this sport.
As will be typical in the weeks to come, one group did a 1/3 mile out and back and the other did a 1 mile out and back. For those of you who haven't done open water swimming up to this point, take heart. There were two individuals (Ed & Nick) that had never worn tri-specific wetsuits before nor done open water swimming. Clint had arranged for Penny to man a kayak for apprehensive swimmers. Anyone who is struggling or panics need only take hold of the kayak and catch their breath. I was especially impressed with these two because of the cold water and the slight waves due to the wind. More than once I found ample hydration simply by swimming! Also, a special thanks to Jeanne who took the rescue float and stuck with us novice swimmers, though could have easily taken a lead spot for the 1-mile group. Ed definitely gets the guts award of the night since he just recently started swimming.
Next came the bike leg. It seemed that everyone resigned themselves to wait on putting up any speed until we reached LaVaque. One of the group members, Jesse, had some chain issues, but Bill (the loving father) and at least one other comrade (Greg), stopped to help her out. No other mechanical issues on the bike leg to my knowledge. Once on LaVaque, most of the group seemed to stick together in a tight line. I forgot to check our average speed for the LaVaque bike leg, but I would venture around 22 mph out and 23.5 on the way back. We must have puttered around prior to the bike though because darkness was creeping in by the time we reached the boat landing.
Jeanne, Bill, Jim and one or two others wrapped up with a short run afterwards while the rest of us shoved off. Well done on the extra credit!
It is possible in the weeks to come that we will start earlier and try to abbreviate the time between the swim and bike to allow us to end earlier to give some time for a short run. Also, I'd expect a few more people to start showing up next week following Grandma's marathon and half marathon. For all you who are participating this weekend, be strong and enjoy the God given ability to run (or plod).
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