Lake Chargoggagoggmanchaugagoggchaubunagungamaug

No, I'm not kidding. That is the actual name of a lake in Webster, MA. For short, people just refer to it as "Lake Webster." The name above is an Indian name, and is translated as, "You fish on your side, I fish on my side, and nobody fish in the middle." (Or something to that effect)

So, this was where the Lake Webster triathlon was held on June 25. This was my second tri of the season, (go, Me!) and I've yet to find a reason not to finish (you know, helping a fellow triathlete, ruining my own bike ... I need to find more excuses!!)

The Approach No Bethany this time, so it was just me and Regina, my bike (Her full name is Regina Phalange. Extra points if you can tell me where that name came from!!!). It was rainy, and not very warm. I'm sensing a pattern here.

The Swim There was more plant life in the lake than I remember from the Danskin races in 2003 and 2004. I saw lots of big, weedy type things that I really didn't want to be close to. Luckily, I had my wetsuit on for protection. The swim was actually the strongest part of the race this time. *VERY* odd

The Bike and THAT HILL The hill, again, worse than I remember. The road on downside on the opposite side of the hill is terrible for biking. For all you ladies doing the Danskin this year, please be very careful! Aside from that, uneventful.

The Run and my New Friend Joe! This is the most boring post ever. The run was uneventful. I did meet a very nice man by the name of Joe. I told him I wouldn't let him stop running (I'm very nice and encouraging that way). I eased up on him a little after he told me he had bronchitis. Oopsie! I felt like I was going at a good pace but once I checked my actual times, turns out not so much! Next time. I think the run was actually longer than the Danskin course. Fishy! (not weedy, like the water)

The Recovery It was nice to see some familiar faces at the race: Christina, Mary, John. I was hoping to see more of the Danskin folks getting ready for July! The AIM team ladies that I met were very nice as well. No IHOP breakfast this time, but I did have some trail mix. YUMMY! (almonds, dried blueberries, dried cranberries, dried pineapple, no salt).

Things to Think About It is not a good idea ... I REPEAT ... it is NOT a good idea to have two glasses of wine the night before a race, and then go to bed late. I felt fine during the race, but once I was home, the couch just called to me for the rest of the day. I'm guessing the fondue for dessert on Saturday night didn't help the cause, either. Nor did the beers and apps Friday night. I really fell apart this weekend!!!

1) I did learn that I should *always* *always* *always* keep some plastic bags in the car to cover my transition area.

2) Also, if you're one to save the environment and tuck the GU (or other energy gel) packets into your shorts to throw out later, you should probably remember to remove said package from said storage area *BEFORE* starting the run. OUCHIE!

3) Never use an umbrella to cover your transition area; it just gets in the way.

4) Putting on a wetsuit is just as challenging when your body is already wet.

5) Lightly-tinted sunglasses ROCK when it's raining out. I could actually see while I was riding the bike, so, that was nice.

That's all for now. Next race is July 9 - Holliston Lions Triathlon.
http://linktrim.com/HollistonTri2006

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!