St. Anthony's Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

I got into the starting corral a little late so I couldn't get all the way to the front of the pack. So, I just stayed put and headed to the front as soon as the gun went off. I immediately got some clean water and avoided the masses by getting out ahead. Now, all I had to do was navigate well and stay in front until the first turn.
The water was pancake flat and cool. It was an absolutely beautiful day for an open water swim. This was one of the best swims in a race I have had in a long time. At the half way point, I caught up to a few folks from the previous waves and had to avoid the dreaded breast & back strokers. Those people can accidentally punch you in the water.
Before I knew it, I made the final turn and swam directly toward the swim exit staircase. I went up the stairs and ran right into transition.

Get to the start a little earlier to line up in front. Nothing else.

The goal this year was to shorten my transition times. My bike was racked right next to the bike exit on the other side of the area. So out of the water, ran fast through transition and did not waste time getting out.

Nada

Got on the road and tried to get into a good rhythm. For some reason, I could not get the legs loosened up by the 10 minute mark. So I continued to spin in the small chainring to see what would happen.
After the 7 mile mark, I jumped up to the big ring and decided to let it rock. By my calculation, I needed to be off the bike and out of T2 by the 1:36 mark. I knew if did not pick up the pace on the ride, I would have to have a killer run to make up the deficit.
The course it a bit technical with many turns. This usually means having to loose momentum and start it up again coming off the turn. The wind was a little bit of a factor at times, but nothing like last years event. I finally made back and into transition with 45 seconds to spare.

Probably learn to take turns and come off the turns better.

I took my feet out of my shoes about 100 yards before the dismount line. I jumped off the bike and ran as fast as I could to my spot in transition. I put on socks (this was a first) swapped shoes, grabbed my visor and fuel belt with 2 bottles of HEED & hustled out to the run course.

Headed out on the run course feeling good and happy to be off the bike. My cumulative time after T2 was 1:35:30. I just needed to run a 44 minute 10K to get my sub-2:20. I could to this. I followed 2 guys in my AG who were running at a good clip. We clocked the first mile in 6:33 and I felt great. I knew at this time that it was going to happen today. The best decision I made was to take a fuel belt with 2 bottles in it. I stayed right behind these guys and let them set the pace. At the turn around I saw Rafa and shortly after Frankie and Alfred. By this time one of the guys fell off the pace. So it was down me and Tim(I found out his name after the race) with 2.2 miles to go. I saw Bill at my 5 mile mark, his 1 mile mark and he was looking great. I picked up the pace and let it all go for the last mile or so. I ended up PRing on this 10K run with a 42:22. Awesome!

Maybe run a little faster

I waited for the entire gang to come in from inside the finish line chute. I did a little stretching and used the cold towels to cool off and wrap my thighs.
Little my little everyone came in with great stories to tell about their race. It was absolutely awesome to share a great race with friends when every one did well or exceeded expectations.
After everyone was in, we headed to the food tent and proceeded to eat anything and everything that was not nailed down.


Probably not getting loose on the bike.


Another fantastic race by the St. Anthony's group. This is a must do race for all triathletes. I cannot wait to do this race again.