Tri the Parks - John Tanner State Park - TriathlonSprint

Well...it was a shock to the system. I got tangled up with a few people then got whacked in the head which gave me a little panic attack. I got my act together, but really started BOP. I was able to start picking people off after the first buoy until the end. I was surprised that I still finished FOP at 12th in my AG. I know I left at least 1 minute or more out there.

I sighted much much much better than all races up to date. I think the only thing different is getting use to the full contact aspect of the start. I need to work on speed to get out of the bar fight quicker or start wider and accept it will be a longer swim.

Everything went smoothly. I ran to my bike faster and did not take any time to walk. Shoes on, helmet on, off we go. Quick jump on the bike and hammer time. Not wearing a wet suite paid off as I had the 6th fastest T1 in my AG which is a joke.

Need to start practicing the right way to transition with the shoes already on the bike. Given the time and looking at others, it seems I can get 20 more seconds off this time. The shoes pre-mounted on the pedals is the key.

Very happy with this ride. I was in control the whole time. I played tag with two other people and got past both in the last two miles. Since Chris and I rode the course, I knew to hammer in the first 5 miles which paid off. I backed off a little on the rollers between 5 - 7, then rode hard but not over the top to the park.

Drink more. Given the limited number bike miles I was happy with the result. So, I did the best I could in the race, but would liked to have had a little more endurance.

Nailed this one. Only 14 people got out faster in my AG! Given my starting point and no transition practice, I am very happy with it.

I got my feet out of the shoes before the transition line, which made this a faster result than in the past. I ran with the bike to the rack, got the shoes on (no socks), had my hat loaded with everything so I just grabbed it ran. I put the hat and number belt on while I was running. Again, better than past years.

Just move faster. Otherwise, I think I did it just right.

Ah, the limiter - the run. I could feel my hamies were on the edge at the start. I had to do my race and not chase people. It took two miles to settle down. I ran the last mile much faster and sprinted the last .5. I just about set a PR in 5K (no comments from the peanut gallery).

As I was coming down the hill towards the dam, I heard a voice behind me say "not today". Since I was alone, it did not register with me until I saw his AG. Game on. I picked it up and caught him at the bottom of the dam. As I ran past him, I said "not today" and sprint harder for the line. Thank god I held it. I would have felt stupid had he pasted me again!

I had some calf and hamie issues this month, so there was not much I could have done. If I would have gone harder at the start, I would have locked up and killed the race completely. So, I will say, nothing.

Hung out with my new Dynamo team mates, Chris, my buddy Scott and some BTers. I love spending time at races being social. It really makes the day. Also, I stopped by the 1st Choice Health Care tent and got an ART treatment on the calves and hamies. Nick is a good man and does his trade well.


Biggest limiter was being sick. My head cold had to have effected me some. Also, my shape at this time is not perfect. This was not a peak event, so I will just take the pluses and minuses and move on.


Tri The Park has these races down. It was great.