Race Report: Maine 70.3 at Old Orchard Beach 2017

Maine 70.3 at Old Orchard Beach – August 27, 2017

Nathalie’s Race Report:

There were 4 of us racing. We got rooms in a motel on the main street, very near the transition area, perfect spot! Very early morning we were off to setup in the dark and crossed path with fellow TE member Sara B. After setting up, we went back to the rooms to wait out the start and use private restrooms, what a luxury!

The start for the swim is near the Old Orchard’s pier, it is really a lovely spot. We walk to it from transition, so about half a mile. It is the first race I experience a rolling start, the line is long, but we are chatting and it goes fine. The swim course is point to point, the water is calm and not too cold (it was much colder the day before). In the water, I feel more crowded than with the traditional group start, and as a slow swimmer I get passed all the time… I am glad when I am done. The transition is a bit long from the beach to the bike, but they have put down carpets so it is not uncomfortable on our feet. And the suit strippers are there, I really like that…

The bike course is very pleasant, a lot of shade, not too much wind, and the rolling hills are really manageable: after mile 22 it is mostly downhill. I know the course because we came and did it two weeks before, that makes a big difference, and I am having a good time.

The run is an out-and-back, very flat, nice views, mostly shaded and good surface, particularly on the Eastern Trail. I was worried about the run because of plantar faciitis which has been quite painful for months, I just got a cortisone injection ten days before the race to up my chances of completing it. And indeed the run went well considering the circumstances, and I really liked the course.

My race goal is three fold: to enjoy the experience (yes!), to be under 7 hours (6h53mn) and less than one hour behind my husband (I failed that one as he finished in 5h41mn). But let’s be honest, here is the best part about the race: the lobster fest!