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Osprey Sprint Triathlon - TriathlonSprint


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Public Landing, Maryland
United States
Maryland Coastal Bays Program
68F / 20C
Sunny
Total Time = 1h 16m 41s
Overall Rank = 24/313
Age Group = M40-44
Age Group Rank = 5/27
Pre-race routine:

The race was supposed to be held on Saturday, but we were in the throws of a nor'easter - 25+kt winds and rain, along with coastal flooding. The RD moved the race to Sunday. That's one of the advantages of a small race in a rural setting. You could never do that at a big city race. Great call. The weather on Sunday was better, but not great - cool, winds NE at 15kt.
Race Day:
Got up at 0500. You gotta love a race that starts at 0900. Brenda and I were out of the house a little after 0530. We stopped at Royal Farms for Brenda's coffee and we arrived at Public Landing at 0624 - 3rd car in the lot. On the way, I drank an Ensure and ate a banana. Got a great spot in TA. We met lcsolutions and mswrites. Dave and Shelly showed up and I chatted off and on with them.
Event warmup:

Easy run ~half-3/4 mile, then stretched afterward. Drank ~150 cal Accelerade right before we headed up to the swim start.
Swim
  • 08m 38s
  • 500 yards
  • 01m 44s / 100 yards
Comments:

Oooowee that water was cold. Swimming is my worst of the three disciplines, so I normally "just swim". It's usually not a race for me - the race comes once I get on the bike. Part of that is because I have no idea where I stand while I'm swimming. So I tend to not worry about placement or getting off to a quick start - I'm more interested in finding open water. This year I decided it was going to be different. I positioned myself outside left and to the front. Once the gun sounded I was off.
The swim was rather chaotic. The conditions were pretty choppy and being in the the pack made the water even more roiled. But despite the cold and the abundance of neoprene-clad fauna I managed to settle into a rhythmn. I swam hard and before I knew it I could tell that I was actually close to the front of the yellow caps and passing a few white caps. Along the way I made a friend...or perhaps not. A guy was swimming to my right without a wetsuit and I kept bumping into him. Well, everytime I got close to him my right arm would land on his back and as my arm went through it's cycle I'd accidentally catch the waistband of his trunks with my finger tips. After about the third time, he stopped and glared at me. "Sorry". I moved a little farther away and I think he got ahead of me.
The finishing stretch was a little unusual, as we were swimming with the waves. Occasionally a wave would pick my feet up until they felt like they were over my head. I think I stopped swimming too soon. I noticed that everyone around me was walking, so I stood up, but the water was a little too deep for running.
Overall, I was quite pleased with this swim. It felt like a race for a change. Navigation was decent- everytime I looked up I was headed for an orange buoy. I never let the sea conditions (waves, cold) or the other swimmers affect my focus.
What would you do differently?:

Buy the guy I kept bumping into a drink first.
Transition 1
  • 01m 30s
Comments:

Similar to last year when I got out of the water I was a little disoriented/wobbly. I got my wetsuit off pretty quickly, but had to sit down to put my socks and shoes on. I paniced a little bit because there were a lot of people leaving transition while I was sitting on my keister, but after looking at the results most had to be 20-somethings that I caught up to on the swim. After that, I was right next to the bike exit.
What would you do differently?:

Get used to biking/running without socks, at least for sprints.
Bike
  • 44m 16s
  • 15.2 miles
  • 20.60 mile/hr
Comments:

This was a bit weird. Within the first quarter mile I get passed by two guys that I think were in my age group. Both on tri bikes, but with stock wheels. "Oh, let me get my legs under me and I'll catch them," I thought. Well, I tried to hammer ahead, but they just kept getting farther and farther away. "Hunh." There were not a lot of riders on the course ahead of me, so there were not a lot of marks to pass. One here and one there, but mostly lonely riding. I think one of my flaws is slacking off without someone to race. I tried to keep pushing and my HR was pretty high, but without a speedometer I couldn't tell exactly how fast I was going. I tried to judge that by cadence, but couldn't remember the relationship between gears, cadence, and speed. At times there was a bit of a strange sound that seemed to come from the tires - like popping tar bubbles on a hot day. For the life of me I could not imagine what it was, so I pressed on and hoped it wasn't a hub imploding.
I felt slow and wondered if my brake pad was rubbing against a wheel. The front looked good, but I couldn't really see the rear well enough. I thought about stopping to check, but worried that it wouldn't save me that much time or, if it was fine, I would be wasting time. It kept gnawing at me, though, because whenever I had to bear down - grinding into the wind or trying to catch somebody - I didn't seem to be getting a return on my energy investment. Coming down the home stretch I had caught up to a small group of riders and wanted to pass at least the guy closest to me. I gave it my all but just couldn't do it. "Oh, well. Let's get 'em on the run."
What would you do differently?:

Check my equipment sometime during the 2.5 hours that it was sitting in TA.
Transition 2
  • 01m
Comments:

Smooth T2. In and out. Time is a guess - combined with bike leg in results.
What would you do differently?:

Nothing. This part, I'm happy with.
Run
  • 21m 17s
  • 3.1 miles
  • 06m 52s  min/mile
Comments:

Not many rabbits for this old hound dog to chase down. A guy I assumed was a 40+ was ahead of me out of T2 and there were a couple 20's on the course ahead of me. I passed them within the first mile, then it was a pretty bleak landscape on the outward half. The wind was at our backs, and my first mile split was 6:45 - not bad, but I knew I wasn't going to hold that pace into the wind. I counted the runners ahead of me and looked for 40-somethings. It appeared that there were 3-4 in my AG ahead of me and they were too far ahead to catch them. After the turnaround, my closest mark was ~.25mi ahead. I told myself I was going to catch him - at least move up one spot in the overall standings. It was hard to tell if I was making any ground or not, but I kept telling myself that each footstrike got me a little bit closer. Finally it became apparent that I was making ground, and I dug a little deeper. The race's finish is about 100 yds downhill after a 90 degree turn. About 50 yds from the turn I catch my mark. I hugged the corner tight to not let him slip past me, and tried to sprint to the finish. But the guy had one (or two) more gears than I did, and he whizzes past me like I was standing still. Ugh!
Along the way I passed by Shelly and Dave, who were hot on my heels, so I knew they were having good races.
What would you do differently?:

Not much that I can think of. HIM training took precedent this summer, so not much threshold work leading up to this race. In addition, I got sick, it's been a long season, and I did no bricks after D'man.
Post race
Warm down:

Grabbed a bottle of water and a banana, then went to cheer on Shelly and Dave who would be finishing soon, and to see Brenda start the run, unless she was already on the run course. I rooted for Shelly, who was the second woman to finish, then I saw Brenda coming in on the bike. I noticed Dave rounding the corner, but he brought his own cheering section, so I went to meet Brenda at the run exit. I was nervous because her knee had been bothering her in the week leading up to the race, so when I saw her looking strong at the start of the run I was relived and happy.
It was absolutely nerve-wracking to be a spectator. I don't know how Brenda has done it with me up til now. I was worried that she aggrivated her knee injury and had to walk or couldn't walk. I spotted her coming across the bridge, looking like she's keeping a smooth pace - yeah. Dave and Shelly had caught up to me on the corner near the finish. We all cheered Brenda on, and she even smiled (photo to prove it) - that was quite a relief.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

After the race, I check my rear wheel. It spun freely, but there was only 1-2 mm of space between the rim and the brake pad. With my average HR of 147, I can only conclude that the flexing of the wheel caused quite a bit of rubbing on the brake pad (especially when I used more force) and it cost me big time. There is no way my HR should be that high and average barely over 20mph. 3000 bike miles and race wheels does not equal 20mph, at least not without a major mental screw up.

Event comments:

Last year I was 3rd in my AG. I couldn't help but be a little disappointed in my performance this year. You don't have control over who shows up, but I felt like my time should have been better. When I analyze the results I improved on the swim (short course, but 4th in AG), and the run (2nd in AG, 25 sec better than last year). So despite the disappointing bike leg, there are some positives to take away from this race. It was a lost opportunity, but I can still be proud of my effort.
In addition, it was a great experience to have friends and family at the race. I was very happy to see Brenda finish her second tri, especially since she was nursing an injured knee the week leading up to the race and the weather on the intended race day was so crappy. On Thursday while we were packing, she almost decided not to bring her gear. I'm so glad it worked out. I'm so proud of her!
Dave got his first podium spot - 2nd in his AG! Chokes up the ole coach to see two of his athletes do so well. Sniff, sniff. Seriously, though, I'm very happy for Dave that he finished his season on such a high note. He's had a few bumps in the road, but has worked hard and kept a great attitude to earn his hardware.
Shelly got 1st in her AG and 4th overall woman! Her trophy room is getting full after just one year of racing. It was great to share the day with them and Dave's family.




Last updated: 2006-07-29 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:08:38 | 500 yards | 01m 44s / 100yards
Age Group: 4/27
Overall: 37/313
Performance: Good
Avg HR=127
Suit: ProMotion sleveless
Course: Start was ~.25 mi north of finish/TA. Course was a rectangle that went out from shore then due south and then back into shore.
Start type: Wade Plus: Waves
Water temp: 68F / 20C Current: Medium
200M Perf. Good Remainder: Good
Breathing: Good Drafting:
Waves: Good Navigation: Good
Rounding: Good
T1
Time: 01:30
Performance: Average
Cap removal: Average Helmet on/
Suit off:
No
Wetsuit stuck? No Run with bike: Yes
Jump on bike: Yes
Getting up to speed:
Biking
00:44:16 | 15.2 miles | 20.60 mile/hr
Age Group: 6/27
Overall: 30/313
Performance: Bad
Avg HR=147
Wind: Some with gusts
Course: Loop through scenic coastal Maryland. A good mix of open and wooded stretches.
Road: Smooth Dry Cadence:
Turns: Average Cornering: Average
Gear changes: Average Hills:
Race pace: Hard Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 01:00
Overall: Good
Riding w/ feet on shoes Good
Jumping off bike Good
Running with bike Good
Racking bike Good
Shoe and helmet removal Good
Running
00:21:17 | 03.1 miles | 06m 52s  min/mile
Age Group: 2/27
Overall: 16/313
Performance: Average
6:45.4 HR=157 14:29.0 HR=161* *- missed 2nd mile marker.
Course: Out and back. Very flat. Wind at our backs on way out, into face on way home.
Keeping cool Good Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Below average
Mental exertion [1-5] 2
Physical exertion [1-5] 4
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers?
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Average
Race evaluation [1-5] 4

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2006-10-10 7:13 PM

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Expert
623
500100
Wye Mills, MD
Subject: Osprey Sprint Triathlon


2006-10-10 7:57 PM
in reply to: #566106

Subject: RE: Osprey Sprint Triathlon
Glenn,

Great race. Way to cop a feel during the swim! Sorry about your bike leg, but I think more of the placement may have had to do with attendance. Naval Academy kicked everybody's butt! It was so nice meeting both you and your wife and Joe & I look forward to running into (allbeit behind) you at another tri. This was our rookie year...next year we'll get a little more serious, so a long 07 season ahead. Good luck on all of your winter events.

Reji
2006-10-10 8:03 PM
in reply to: #566106

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Veteran
244
10010025
Ida, Michigan
Subject: RE: Osprey Sprint Triathlon
Solid race.   20.6mph with your rear wheel rubbing the brake is pretty darn impressive.

Edited by cathrone 2006-10-10 8:04 PM
2006-10-10 8:17 PM
in reply to: #566106

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Elite
3488
20001000100100100100252525
Lakewood, CO
Subject: RE: Osprey Sprint Triathlon

Nice race and swim  "I'd accidentally catch the waistband of his trunks with my finger tips." maybe if you were female you could have gotten a date out of itEmbarassed

 

I aspire to run sub 7 minute miles 

2006-10-10 9:57 PM
in reply to: #566106

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Master
1254
10001001002525
Chesapeake, VA
Subject: RE: Osprey Sprint Triathlon
Nice race Glenn, even with the bike issue.  I never thought about 'shorting' my competition during the swim.  I might have to try that next time. 
2006-10-11 10:41 AM
in reply to: #566106

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Elite
2844
200050010010010025
Reston VA
Subject: RE: Osprey Sprint Triathlon

Wow, that brake issue makes complete sense! Just reminds us all about how triathlons are a pretty technical sport.

Otherwise another outstanding performance! I agree it sure is great to race with friends/family. Thank you for convincing me to do this race.



2006-10-12 7:40 AM
in reply to: #566106

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Veteran
219
100100
Centreville, MD
Subject: RE: Osprey Sprint Triathlon

Awesome race report as always.  Lots of positives out of that race even though you didn't have the day you were looking for.  I say take the brakes off...they just slow you down anyway! 

The brakes got you on the bike, but you're still friggin' FAST!  Congrats on such a phenomenal season, coach.

2006-10-13 1:10 PM
in reply to: #567270

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Cycling Guru
15134
50005000500010025
Fulton, MD
Subject: RE: Osprey Sprint Triathlon
I know all about the brake pad rubbing issue ... now you know how I felt at Eagleman!!

Good job on working through it and doing your best to gut it out!
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