Erin Kelman – Xterra Jersey Devil – Sunday, May 1, 2016

I kicked off tri season this year with the Xterra Jersey Devil. I have fond memories of this race as it was the first triathlon that I attended, as a spectator, years back. It was then that I gained the confidence to do a triathlon, witnessing the back of the swim pack doing the snow angel stroke. Plus I saw how much fun everyone was having!

The race is located near the Jersey Shore and could be lined up as a fun beach weekend if it took place a month or two later during warmer temperatures. I traveled to the race this year with my friend Chris and we planned to take advantage of the free camping, but quickly changed our minds when we saw the forecast of low 50s and rain. The cheap hotel that we chose near the shore was surprisingly pleasant – the Sea Pine Motor Inn. There were also terrific food venues in the area.

Race morning it was 50 degrees and raining. The water temperature was 58. I went with my full wetsuit.

Swim – 800 meters – 11:38 – 31/132
Not surprisingly I posted my fastest swim split to date. A lot of people did. The water was so cold we wanted it over with! The swim was a little short I think too.

There is about a ¼ mile trail run from the lake/pond to transition. Some go with shoes planted near the water, others barefoot. I went barefoot and it hurt a bit on the rocky terrain but I didn’t notice any issues later. Barefoot is faster I think. I did pay for the hard swim though as I was huffing and puffing and dizzy in transition. I had a challenging time putting on my bikes shoes especially.

Mountain Bike – 13 miles – 59:19 – 34/132
The bike overall went well aside from me falling once on a deep sandy turn. Being so close to the shore, there are elements of beach sand throughout the trail. It was a soft landing but my chain dropped and I lost some time.

The second lap was REALLY muddy as the rain was coming down harder. I sacrificed speed for carefulness learning my lesson after falling on the first lap.

As I approached transition I realized how cold it and I was. My fingers were numb and I had a difficult time taking off my shoes, helmet, and gloves. It also took me a bit to close and pull up the lace locks on my running shoes. But I otherwise felt good and anxious for the run.

Trail Run – 3.1 miles – 22:45 – 6/132
Exiting transition someone yelled that I was in 26th. I pushed the pace and my legs responded, passing several runners throughout the course.

I love trail running and this course is one of my favorites. There is your typical single track but there are also large sections where you are straight up running through the woods. These sections are marked off-trail and like running blindly through the forest there are downed trees, large bushes, and huge puddles to contend with. This ‘bush whacking’ slowed my pace but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Overall I ended up 13th and 3rd in my age group. My friend Chris raced well also and got bad ass points for swimming in a sleeveless wetsuit and biking single speed. Post-race I was lucky enough to win another push up contest and earned a free Xterra Wetsuit coupon which I gifted to Chris (who had borrowed a wetsuit that I won at a previous race). There were showers available and hoses for cleaning bikes which we took advantage of prior to driving home and celebrating with a beer.

Next up for me is the Lake Raystown Half Iron Distance race this weekend. Then lots of running with Eastern States 100 in August – yikes!