Crystal River Sprint Triathlon #2 - TriathlonSprint

Had a great swim today. Water was very warm though. Ran in, sighted really well, navigated really well. I felt good the whole time. This is the fourth race in a row where I haven't stopped or turned over to see what's going on...my breathing was perfect, my goggles didn't fog, and I settled into a groove early in the swim.

Nothing. I like when I can say this here.

I included the beach to transition time here. Official time was 47 seconds. I don't think I've ever done a T1 in 47 seconds. Actually this was probably one of my fastest T1's even WITH the extra time added from beach to transition. The thing that helped most was my rack was the second from the transition entrance, and my bike was the second on that rack. So I was in my shoes in under 40 seconds. I wish all my T1's were this fast.

Nothing at all.

Better bike than last time but could have been better had I not forgotten to pump up my tires before the race. First time I've forgotten that. At about mile 5 I noticed I was bouncing a bit so I looked down and both my tires were a little low. Funny that I noticed it then, cuz a guy was just about to pass me when he looked down and noticed he was flat...I heard him say "Ahhhhhh $h!t!!!!!" and he faded back. I kept telling my bike...just last another 10 miles. Just another 8...another 5...and so on. Finally got thru it, but didn't have the nice 20+ average I've gotten used to lately. I guess I have ONE MORE goal to beat on September 3rd. My goal here was to beat my bike time and I did that. So I really don't NEED to come back again. The next race is 6 days before Dances with Dirt...so I don't know if it's the best idea!

Not forget to pump up the tires. Maybe go a little harder, but that might not have been a problem had my tires been fully inflated.

A smooth T2. I took about 10 seconds to down some Gatorade in T2. I drank some on the bike, but I don't think I had enough to last me thru the run, and all they had was water on the run course. Needed some electrolytes.

Nothing.

Not as fast as last time, but that's ok, cuz I actually used my legs on the bike this time. Last time I gave up when the seat/aerobar problem just wouldn't allow me to do well, so my legs were still fresh off the bike. I'm still happy with a low 8-minute mile.

Nothing, this was a good run. I picked up two age group spots (I'd better have or I'd been last!!).

I drank ALOT of water...it was hot out. I was thoroughly exhausted, I'd defintely left everything out there. Had a hard time breathing for a little while, but once I took of my tri top it was better. I walked around a bit, caught up with Jess and the kids, Stan found me and then we just walked around a bit. I had to sit down a while to catch my breath.


My bike tires. I think everything else fell into place perfectly.


These Crystal River sprints are fun, but VERRRRRRRY competitive. I can't believe I was 9 out of 11. Probably my worst finish this year, AG Percentage-wise. But my time was quite good. In sheer minutes/mile in the overall race, it was only 9 seconds per mile slower than Dunedin, which I blew away. Compared to MadBeach though, it was a full 24 seconds slower per mile, and MadBeach was a harder course. I was sure I was doing well...and then when I saw the results I was blown away. When I looked at the participants list the other day, there were 18 people in my AG. I'm guessing some of them were novice and clydesdale so it left the pure age-groupers at 11. As far as the race itself goes, I was in the upper 50%. 44% to be exact, but even still, it's odd to be in the lower 20% of my age group this year. Last year I expected it.

Oh well, now I guess I have to go back...not to get revenge on the course, but to get revenge on the people!!! LOL I wonder if I can finagle a tri bike purchase within a month. :)

Next Crystal River sprint is on September 3rd, but maybe I'll do the Twilight Tri on the 29th. September 3rd is only 6 days before my first Ultra...I don't want to take any chances.

Either way though, this was a good race day. My goals were to beat my bike time and my overall time. I did both. I had no AG Place goal. I sure didn't expect to be at the bottom of the barrel, but hey, I did what I came to do...get revenge on the bike course. So....once again I didn't ROCK THE RIVER...but I came closer this time, and maybe next time it'll actually happen!!