Grand Rapids Triathlon- Sprint Distance - TriathlonSprint

I felt good the whole way, kept my head down and kept going, stopping briefly when a kayak crossed my path to help a struggler. My lats were even sore afterward, which is a sign that I pushed a little more than usual.

Nothing.

Had trouble getting out of the suit, but there were strippers right there, so I sat down, and they yanked it right off.

Let the strippers do there thing before I even try.

I rode hard, doing most of the distance with a group of guys who would pass me on the uphills, and whom I would repass on the downhills and flats. It was a constant game of leapfrog, taking care not to draft, although some of those guys definitely violated the 'within three bike lengths' rule for much longer than 15 seconds without passing.

Nothing.

Good T2.

Nothing.

I know how to suffer on the bike, but when I get to the run, I feel as if I can't go any faster. I'm willing to suffer, but I can't my my arms/legs do the thing. I shortened my stride and tried to concentrate on a quick turnover on the rising grades, and lengthened my strides on the dowgrades.

Nothing.

Hung out with friends, walked around a bit, stretched, at the food.


Nothing. I think today was a really good race for me, all three legs.


It was the inuagural year, so there are some things to improve, but the location and the courses were great, as were the numerous volunteers. The course was well marked and monitored, and they had closed off much of it to outside traffic. So, the racing itself was awesome. They need to publicize the location of the awards ceremony well ahead, and they need to have free food and drink at that location as well. Also, I only found out that you 'had' to pick up your packet a day in advance, which is a ridiculous waste of gas and time, forcing the race to dominate the whole weekend for a family. It was obvious that they would have to have packets that morning, and they did. Drop the pretense, please.

Overall, though, it was a great race, and I will do it again, trusting that next year will be better with everyone's experience.