Get your own Free Home PagePrologue: |
Watched this race last year and was fairly familiar with the course. I had biked the course the day before this race, so I wasn't going to go slow THIS TIME! I arrived plenty early for set-up, and picked a spot near (what I thought) was the swim/bike exchange :-). I was a bit nervous, 'cause I would see several area triathletes that I knew well. I happened to rack my bike near one acquaintance, Steve, and chatted awhile about this and that. Other friends I noted were Beth and Todd, who were going to do Springfield next weekend (and I'm still glad I bowed out of that one :-) !
Seems that the time ALWAYS goes by too fast, and then it's time to get REALLY ready! Today was no exception, and before I knew it, the first wave was going to be starting soon. I was to be in the third wave, so I still had a bit of time to dally.... |
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Last week at The Pigman Triathlon I wasn't really ready for the swim. This time, I knew more about what to expect with cold water. The water here didn't seem all that cold, but it sure was MURKY! Soon, it was my turn to begin the swim....I pushed my start button as the countdown hit ONE, and was off.
We'd watched previous waves WALK about 50 meters before diving into the murk, and it seemed that we did the same---lots of walking at the same speed as the swimmers! Eventually, I dove in and started swimming. It just wasn't as cold as the last race, and I did develop somewhat of a rhythm this time. I DID keep bumping into people, though, and one competitor clocked me right on the nose! Goggles stayed on, though, and I kept right on going....The turnaround at the pontoon wasn't all that difficult (although some people were swimming choppily and zapping us with side jabs) and I was back on the return. I had a bit of trouble sighting where to go, but eventually returned to the shallow section of the course. Walking was again the norm, and we slogged our way to the transition. I felt fine, and was really stoked! Swim time was a bit slower than Pigman (9:37), but this was probably due to the walking. I exited the water and trotted up to the transition area....No problems here! Pavement running isn't great, but it woke up the feet in time for the bike! I hurriedly tore off the wetsuit (courtesy of Pam), threw on the helmet, and was off! Time=2:34 |
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As I slogged out of the transition area, I felt that I needed to take it slow at first, to warm up. I took care not to sprint much in the first four miles or so, to save a bit for the hills at the end. Several people from later waves passed me, including Todd and Beth. Todd had passed me in transition, and Beth during the first two miles of the bike. In turn, I passed some of the younger folk in the earlier wave (males 20-29). Aging up DOES feel good! The bike was uneventful until the turnaround. Because the wind was blowing out of the east, we got a free ride on the last part of the course! My speed increased dramatically, and I poured it on during the downhills! A fixed bike sure makes it easier! (Pigman: A front brake problem slowed the bike for me). A great ride, and hills felt like little bumps! Speeding toward the last turn in the course, I slowed and spun a bit to loosen up for the run.... Time was great, as I entered T2 under one hour! Bike was 41:35! Cool! Transition number two found me forgetting to punch the watch, so my time is only approximate. Amazing what you forget in the heat of battle! :-) I coasted in as instructed, and almost lost my spot! (Too many red bags, and mine is only ONE of them!) I found it and quickly removed my gear, shoved on the shoes, and was outta there! Watch said 25 seconds, but I'm sure it was more like 45 seconds.... |
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Boy! That bike took a lot out of me! I knew I wasn't as smooth as at Pigman, but I kept going nonetheless. At about 3/4 mile, I developed a nagging sideache, but I walked for a bit and kept going, working it out. Saw Steve running back and cheered him on, and progressed toward the turnaround. Took water here and slogged onward....
It just didn't feel like I had any speed today, and I knew I could still make my goal time of 1:20 as long as I didn't cramp up! The final stretch approached and I started to speed up just a BIT. I was going to make it! It was only 1:17 and I had less than 200 meters to go! As I crossed the finish line, the clock said 1:22.03; I stopped my watch, and it showed a 1:18:03!!! Excellent! My fast bike really helped, and my run wasn't too shabby either! Run time of 23:53 was FASTER than Pigman and a great way to end the race! Wow! |
Postscript: | Definitely a race I will do next year! A home course, one I can practice on, and a good setup for those involved! Probably the better of the two races I've done this outdoor season, although the massages and flatter course at Pigman were hard to beat! I congratulated Beth, Todd and Steve, loaded up my stuff, and headed HOME! (Just can't do that at other races, since I've got a long ride ahead of me for most!) I'm ready to strut my stuff at the next race, Yellow Creek Tri in Pennsylvania in two weeks. My parents will be proud, and I can bring back pictures to show the folks here! Keep training, and see you there! |
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