Tri-Shark Classic Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

168 out of everyone there(534 individuals/teams/elites/clydes/athenas)
My lack of swim training showed here. Started too far back in the group though. The first 150 yards were very crowded. The contact does not scare me anymore, but I do find it annoying. The volunteers in the boats kept the group tight.
Finally got into a rhythm about 1/2 way through the swim. Arms fatigued a little, but I was ok.

Swim more and start up farther. Not where I want to be, but again, where I deserve to be. Maybe swimming is not overrated.
2009 - 12:44
2010 - 10:55
2011 - 12:40

Missed the wetsuit strippers. Up a hill to transition, then long run through transition to bike rack.

While getting my helmet off my bike I pulled out and dropped my aerobottle straw. I didn't see it, but Bob was outside of transition watching, and hollered at me. Would have been tough to do any drinking without that straw. Thanks Bob!!!

Not run past the strippers and not drop my straw.

12 out of everyone there(534 individuals/teams/elites/clydes/athenas)
Hit the bike pretty good. Out of the park and up to speed, I was picking people off. Passed Ed early and thought I might just put enough time on him to hold off his run. Right after Ed, I passed 2 guys wearing the same bike jerseys, who were obviously drafting. I looked at the numbers, but don't remember them now. One was 18 years old though.
Lots of crosswind. Not a lot of fast sections on the course. There was one section, make a left/up an incline/towards the curves, that was brutal. With the incline and headwind, I was doing about 16mph.
Passed a few guys late, at least one was making that "crunch, crunch" sound that sounds so cool to pass :).

My bike is solid. If I had a better bike/wheels....blah, blah, blah. Until I get my swim and run under control as well as my nutrition, there is no need for a new, better bike or wheels.

2009 - 32:24 (different course, i think)
2010 - 31:43
2011 - 33:05

No real issues here. Longish run out of transition.

Nada

231 out of everyone there(534 individuals/teams/elites/clydes/athenas)
And this is where my lack of run training showed through. It was hot and I could tell right away that this was going to be difficult. Just concentrated on keeping a steady pace. Hit the water station and took a few seconds to walk and drink (not drown). Made the left turn towards the turnaround and the slight breeze was no more.
Not far after the turnaround, I saw Ed. I knew I was not far enough ahead and that he would catch me. I hollered "Come and get me." Wasn't too much farther and he did.
Saw Nick, James, Glen, Kathy, Stephanie, Pat, Gene, and maybe a few others from our team. It was great to have so many team mates racing, but I sure wanted to walk just a little and with that many teammates out there, I knew I'd get caught. So no walking. I got passed steadily on the run. Hit the park and the shade and felt a little better. My girls ran the finish straight with me (they were on the outside of the rope barricade) Made it to the finish where Ed was waiting.

Run more, duh. Again, not where I want to be, but where I deserve to be. 20-30 miles/month and 20 extra lbs are not going to cut it.

2009 - 24:25
2010 - 24:26
2011 - 28:44

Hit the shade and drank some water. Cheered and talked.


Lack of swim/bike training and heat. No worries though. I had a blast. We had 18 T3'rs racing today.

I think I may have peaked at this race last year. With Triple T's in October this year, I'll continue on a long, slow build. I will get this nutrition stuff down and drop a few lbs.


As always, this is a great race at a great venue. It's popular for a reason.