This is one of my favorite races. I did the Chunky Dunk back in 2011 when it first started. I had an amazing experience due to the
awesome event staff and race director, that I knew I’d be back. And I was. I
did it last year, but never wrote a race report. I had kind of an off year with
blogging.
This year was the 3rd annual Chunky Dunk Duathlon and as a
new addition this year, they had a paddle board race and swim as an option. My
friend, Alyson came and did the race with me for the 2nd year in a row and we
did the usual swim/run race, but it was nice to see them branching out!
In usual race fashion, I set out my stuff the night before
and aimed to get a good night’s sleep. And in usual race fashion, I didn’t go
to bed until 2 am. Happens all the time. I know I’m not the only one!
After getting checked in and tatted up with my race number,
I realized that I had gotten a T-shirt for paddle boarding instead of the
Chunky Dunk. So I went over to exchange them. On my way back to the set up
area, my posse informed me that I had gotten the wrong race number. Sure
enough, I wasn’t Meredith... and I wasn’t number 33 either. That was
disappointing. I was kind of excited that I was number 33 because that’s my
age! It’s the little things that excite me, I tell you. Instead I was number
65. They had looked at my age instead of my race number when pulling my packet.
Since I had already been written on in sharpie, I got block numbers on me to
cover up the mistake. I calculated that it would come off in approximately 32
days. Turns out, rubbing alcohol takes of off in about 10 minutes. Maybe 2 for
regular numbers. But with half my arm blackened, it was a bit longer. Holly,
I’m looking at you on this one.
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| See? Not me! |
As I was getting ready, I realized I was again breaking the
cardinal rule of racing by trying out something new on race day. Goggles. I had
been having issues with my goggles because they were old and fogged up really
bad within seconds of starting a swim. So I bought a new pair. It was the same
brand so I figured it would be fine. It wasn’t. I had issues with the straps
pulling loose and not fitting into the bracket, resulting in loose fitting
goggles. I actually used them for the first time at the Mass State Triathlon and I had the same issue then too. You’d
think I’d learn
They started race announcements and told us that because
there were a bunch of different races going on at the same time they were going
to have all the swim/run racers start in one wave together instead of in 4
waves as planned. Damn, I was hoping for a head start!
We headed out on the half-mile swim and I realized I
couldn’t see the buoys. So I just followed the hoard of people in front of me
and figured I’d see the buoy when I got close enough to it. I was right. And it
was fine. Got the swim done, hit the beach with my usual out of water pose and
headed to the transition area to get my sneakers on for the run.
Who am I kidding? I didn’t run. This was my first running in a race since 2012 sometime and my first time running in at least a month. I was in no way
shape or form ready to run. But I kind of did it anyway. I did a bit of
running, or jogging really, but walked most of it.
A few people were behind me in the swim, but passed me on
the run, no surprise there, so I was the last finisher of the swim/run.
Normally being last place would bother me as it has in the past with my mantra
of I don’t care where I finish as long as I finish, and I’m not last. But when
I realized I could still feel accomplished even when I finish last, like I did
at the Mass State Triathlon, I wasn’t so bothered.
I was however disappointed with myself for not training at
all. I certainly had the time do some training swims and runs before this race,
but I got lazy and just didn’t challenge myself. I like the fun of the races,
but none of the fun of the training. All that does is build me up for
disappointment at a race when I know I could have done better. Last year in the
race, I shaved 4 minutes off my time from the year before. This year I added 3
minutes. I know I can do better. And I know I’ll do this race again next year,
so I know what I need to do to swim and run a better race.
After the race, they were doing the awards for the top
finishers in each age group. Instead of medals they were giving beer mugs with
the Chunky Dunk logo on it. I jokingly asked the race director, Holly, where my
award for last place was. She grabbed a mug and handed it to me. I told her I
was only kidding!! Then said “Wait!” and grabbed a second mug then said, “You
get two because you’re so awesome”. Well, THAT I can agree with! I went back to
our transition area with my trophies and gave one to Alyson, because in my
book, we’re both awesome!
We headed back to the house to change and take some pictures
with our shirts, mugs and of course the infamous “We don’t skinny dip, we
chunky dunk” sign before heading back into town to grab some lunch.
And the next day we celebrated with some wine with frozen
grapes in our mugs.
If you live in the area, you definitely need to check out this race next year. It’s one of the good ones. I promise! Plus, I'm listed on their site as a "success story". If I can do it, you can do it!
