The passport was a must, and the application must be accompanied by original birth certificate. A few weeks
later, I received a letter stating I needed to resubmit because they couldn't read the
original (55yr old) birth certificate. I thought ....what are you
saying....I'm old?? So...I re-submitted!
With logistics
completed: uniforms, hotel, flight, bike carrier, etc., I was ready to
board my first flight. Gulp! I was nervous because I watch the news and worry about that stuff.
Finally, after many
delays, arriving 3 hours past due to Ottawa, Canada, and exhausted, I
struggled to stand up to carry my luggage to the elevator. I crashed in my hotel after
that.
Next day..Thursday...busy
work. Athletes must check in, breakfast and team run around Parliament
and the historical parts of Ottawa. Then I braved assembling my bike
for first time.
Parade of Athletes
that evening with athletes from 24 countries representing. The USA were strongest
400 representing. It was very moving! Tears began trickling! Dinner was
with all athletes soon after, with room buzzing chatter. It was awesome!
Friday was team ride. It was a 400-rider Peloton through race course for preview. Very tedious if
your bike handling skills in tight areas weren't strong. There was one crash
with the rider suffering a concussion the day before the event. I was unsure if that athlete was cleared to
compete, but it seemed OK. Getting to start line without injury always
challenging, so I hope they competed.
Okay, now race day. I was composed,
but nervous. My wave start had a designated time to enter transition
at 6:00-6:50 for wave start at 7:25. The officials were very strict or you would receive a DQ. With many
athletes, best as crowd control.
As I toed the start
line, nerves subsided. I executed my race well. The temperature was 70
degrees with a 20-mph head/cross wind. Nice for runs, but challenging on the
bike. It was asolid race for me without any GI or mechanical issues. I
finished with a time of 2:44:30. The announcer said that this age group was very
competitive. As I looked at the results, USA finished as if it was a XC
meet.
It was an amazing
experience to cross Worlds finish line feeling great! My race plan
executed well. I couldn't have asked for more. But the best part of this experience was that I got recruited to
assist in the para athletes event as a handler! More tears as I witness an emotional
event. I'm so grateful and blessed to have experienced it all.
Bicycle Cove had
a serious and professional impact on lessing my worries when traveling with my bike.
I want to thank my Fleet Feet Triathlon Racing Team members for their cheers and support. None of this
would have been possible without my friends, the triathlon community, and Fleet Feet Sports - Suzanne and Dink Taylor for all they do in the sports community. Thank
you!
Brenda J. McGovern Fleet Feet Tri Racing.