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Building Bonds and Finishing Strong: A Team B*REAL Race Report

One of the most important aspects of being part of a team is the connection. Humans join teams seeking a sense of belonging, camaraderie and the chance to connect with individuals who share similar interests. On Team B*REAL all of that exists in our online community year round. 

Once each year we chose an event that becomes the Team B*REAL race and retreat. With teammates spread over the US, this is a way for us to meet in person, race together and solidify bonds that are made virtually throughout the year.

For 2024, we chose the Rock Hall Triathlon by Kinetic Multisports in Rock Hall, MD, recommended by local athletes Marci Goldberg and Ann Martinez. The event offers an Olympic distance on Saturday and a Sprint distance on Sunday. Both days include options for triathlon, aquabike and relay. Rock Hall is a very inclusive event, with generous cutoffs and multiple categories including Military, Athena, Clydesdale, Paratriathlete, Assisted and Non-Binary. The atmosphere was energetic and welcoming.

Several teammates stayed together in a VRBO property. In order to make the event affordable, I covered the cost and all teammates with annual memberships could stay free of charge. Founding athlete Ilene Fabisch found a fabulous property within walking of transition and enough space for all athletes who chose to stay with us. Nobody was forced to stay at the team house and all were invited to spend as much or as little time as they felt comfortable. 

As a coach, it brought me great joy to see teammates meeting for the first time, making connections and helping each other out with gear, experience and moral support. From the moment we arrived at packet pickup the energy was high for athletes attempting new distances, looking for redemption and veteran athletes providing guidance for newer athletes. There was no shortage of stories, silliness and smiles. 

Let me walk you through the event from my eyes. Since I was a coach and a participant you’ll get a bit of both perspectives.

Day 1: Chaos, Camaraderie and Conquering the Olympic Distance

Saturday Team B*REAL had athletes competing in the Olympic Triathlon (Mercedes), Aquabike (Amy) & Relay (Coach Adina-S, Ilene-B, Ann-R & Andi-S, Evelyn-B, Red-R). 

Preparing for the race was like organized chaos. Coordinating 8 athletes with varying experience, needs and goals is no easy task. As coach I defaulted to answering questions and supporting athletes. The result? I forgot my goggles – literally the only piece of equipment I needed as the swimmer for one of the relays. With our house being so close I was able to go back and get them with time to spare.

The swim was unique, with a jump start, 1-¾ loops, a ladder climb, and a dock run to transition. The water was calm, but murky. At 72F (22C) and there was a good mix of swimmers with and without wetsuits. I navigated through the field of swimmers by feel since I couldn’t read my watch. As I approached the dock I was surprised when there was only one person ahead of me climbing up. I got out under my 35-minute goal and saw Red getting her cheer on with the Team B*REAL cowbell (thanks Marci). I grabbed my sneakers and jogged to transition to hand the timing chip over to Ilene for the 26 mile bike ride. 

And I had finished her swim ahead of me and passed her timing chip to Evelyn. We both headed back to the dock to cheer for Amy and Mercedes. Amy emerged from the water feeling stronger than the last time she did this race and was ready to attack the bike. Mercedes snuck in under the cutoff, completing her longest open water swim ever with a huge smile on her face. 

Teammates gathered under the team hospitality tent that Ann stocked with drinks and snacks. We rested and prepared with a view of transition, constantly calculating times and estimating when our cyclists would return. This part felt long and short all at once. All of a sudden Evelyn appeared and I ran to transition to grab photos of the timing chip exchange and to cheer Red off on the run. Ilene arrived and we scrambled to find Ann. After checking the porta potties, I turned around to see her calmly collecting the timing chip and a hug from Ilene before her run. 

More waiting. 

Then we saw Amy complete the bike portion within the time cutoff – swim, bike, done! She achieved her goal and proudly crossed the finish line with the redemption she was seeking. Finally Mercedes arrived and she was still smiling with only a 6.2 mile run left. 

Next stop was the finish line. Music was playing and the announcer called the names of athletes as they arrived. We cheered loudly for each finisher, chatting with other athletes and listening to their stories. The first REAL athlete to arrive was Ann. Relay teams were allowed to cross the finish line together. Ilene and I jumped in and we all got our medals. Next to finish was Red, joined by teammates Andi and Evelyn who quickly headed to the podium to collect their first place trophy in the Assisted division for relay teams. Barely a minute later, Mercedes was coming down the finish chute. The joy on her face was priceless as she completed her first Olympic Triathlon as she was quickly congratulated by the rest of the team.

After a few photos and some we headed back to the house to clean up, rest, eat and prepare to do it all again the next day. 

Day 2: From Coach to Competitor – Facing Fears and Finding Finish Lines

Sunday Team B*REAL had athletes competing in the Sprint Triathlon (Coach Adina, Evelyn), Aquabike (Letty) & Relay (Andi-S, Ann-B, Mercedes-R & Amy-S, Ilene-B, Red-R). 

Day 2 seemed to have more chaos than organization. I took off my coaching hat and transformed into full athlete mode. Nerves were higher than usual as I was out to complete my first in person triathlon since Ironman Mont Tremblant in 2018 due to a combination of the pandemic, bad weather, injuries and a new focus on marathon swimming. I had time goals that all focused on the number 15, but finishing was the main objective. 

I set up my transition area and opted to swim in tri shorts and a sports bra. My B*REAL tank would be waiting for me to bike and run. I took my pre race selfie and tucked my phone into my bag. Then I needed a distraction. I checked in with Letty since she was the only one who didn’t compete on Saturday. Coach Adina provided a pep talk and some last minute advice as we walked to the swim start. One last picture and then I went off on my own to focus. 

When it was my turn I jumped in the water, knowing exactly what to expect after the swim on Saturday. I quickly settled into my stroke and was somehow able to maintain space with minimal contact with other swimmers. The water was much choppier and I felt myself working harder. Rounding the last turn buoy, I stayed to the outside and headed straight for the dock expecting more congestion than on Saturday. Despite feeling surrounded by more swimmers, I still only had to wait for one person. I remember thinking that I guess the race directors knew what they were doing after all. I climbed the ladder, grabbed my sneakers and ran to the timing mat. As a swimmer, I’m always frustrated when there is running included as part of my swim time. 

I walked into transition catching my breath. Sneakers and goggles off. Tank, socks, bike shoes, glasses and helmet on. And off I went with my bike. About 2 miles in the long roads were surrounded by huge fields. I was feeling bored, and started singing and talking to myself to help pass the time. I was wondering if I really wanted to do any more triathlons after this. With the swim over, the bike just seemed long and then of course I would have to run.  I was watching my speed aiming for an average of 15 mph. I passed some athletes and others passed me. 

I didn’t preview the course in advance so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Imagine my excitement when I turned onto a road and saw our house. I knew that meant the race site was near so I shifted into an easy gear to get my legs ready to run. I turned into transition and heard some B*REAL teammates cheering for me. Ann excitedly shared that she got a PR on the bike. For a moment, I lost my concentration and headed out of transition without my race belt. A quick dash back for my forgotten race belt – a rookie mistake for a seasoned athlete!

All that stood between me and the finish was a 5K run, the most challenging part for me. I started with a 5 minute walk before starting my 30 sec run-walk intervals. I quickly identified 2 women going about my pace. If I keep them in sight, I’ll be OK. Turns out one was Deb, a swimmer I met in VT last summer. We leapfrogged and chatted for about a mile and a half before I couldn’t keep up. I started cheering on other runners to help motivate myself and as I approached mile 3 chatted with a guy doing his first ever triathlon. Even though the run is the hardest, I love this part of the race where I get to connect with other athletes. Then I heard the music and knew the finish line was near. I turned onto the grass chute and saw the B*REAL athletes. I felt the same love and excitement from them that I aim to give every day. I danced my way across the finish line as the announcer called “Adina O’Neill from Team B*REAL” with pride as a coach and an athlete.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Celebrating Victories and Building Memories

Evelyn finished shortly after I did followed by the 2nd relay team. My face hurt from smiling. We took some fun team pictures and I thanked the race director and the mayor. It was hard to leave, but we needed to shower before the long ride back to Boston. Kinetic Multisports put on a welcoming race and I highly recommend checking out their events. The team retreat part of the weekend was a huge success. I’m already planning for next year. If you know of a fun and inclusive triathlon festival, please let me know. 

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