Smith Falls Classic - TriathlonSprint

Now that the way an open water swim should go. I jumped off the side of the lock into the spillway about 30min before the 1st start. Adjusted my suit, did some closed-fist crawl, then relaxed free-style, floated and treaded water, some more free-style then just floated and then watched the waves starting. My wave was not crowded and it was an nice start. I quickly found a good pace and fell in between the feet of a fast guy (no suit). He was a challenge to stay with but he was navigating really well. So I just let him lead and drafted him the whole way. I really pushed hard and was a bit wobbly climbing the river bank exit.

Nothing. I can't believe my time. This is the fastest I have ever swam 500m (never mind in open water). I am very happy and don't think I could have improved anything.

Easily took off the top of my suit while running the path to T1. Cap and goggles off when I reached my bike. Quickly got out of my suit, helmet on, shoe on and away I went running for the bike-out. Straddled the bike and struggled some to clip-in.

Do a running start and jump on during clip-in.

Strong standing start and quickly up to speed. Everyone was surprised by a sharp left turn only 300m down at a T-intersection hidden by a curve. Several hit the brakes but I powered through the turn and gained a nice lead. Slight head wind going out but used the down hills to gain good speed. Several locals using road during race. Some not so happy about race getting in their way. Girl on a mountain bike crashed at the turn around (she was ok). Fast return and even held off a passer on an uphill. A little disappointed I couldn't find many to pass in the last 3k.

More aggressive upto the dismount line.

Got out of my shoes quite nicely on the bike. Ran into T2 and ran right by my rack because I was not locating or thinking about my plan. Had to backtrack and had a little difficulty finding my spot and racking bike. Neighbour had dumped his stuff on top of mine. Got socks and shoes on with legs a bit stiff. Dashed to the run-out and got my legs back quickly.

Start thinking about T2 plan on the bike before getting into T2.

Chased two 40-45 runners for 1st km to get into my stride. I left one in my dust and the other left me in his dust at 2.5k. Passed a couple in last half and sprinted to finish (gave it all). Noticed my sprint was not as strong as at the end of my OTri or marathons.

I ran faster in this race than my Spring 5k PR.

Had to walk ~km back to get my swim sandals. Found someone liked them... took mine and left theirs (bummer).


Transitions.


Best race of my life to date.