It was 43 degrees when we started so I am glad the swim was in the pool. Laurie and I were around the middle of the line to get into the pool, so we just blabbed with other racers. It is nice to have laur running the races with me, because we can yap before and after. Anyway, the swim was actually better than I hoped. I did four lengths freestyle then backstroke, then the last two lengths again freestyle. I am a pitiful swimmer, so just to get out around the time Laur does is an accomplishment for me.
We hit the first transtion together. She couldn't find the bikes very easy, so I just led her along. My transition was very smooth even though I have never run in a tri with such a cramped transition area. I literally had to pick my bike up to get it through the aisle.
The bike was a little hilly but not bad. It was cold enough that the toes on my right foot started to freeze up, so when I got off the bike it still felt like the pedals were stuck to my feet.
The first 200 meters of the run was a decent climb. I always hate the 1st 1/2 mile of the run, because my legs feel really stiff. Once I got to the first turn around spot (.75), I started going pretty good. I think the last mile I was under 6:45 minutes.
I was shocked to see that I had finished 2nd in my age group, then I started think of all the ways I could have made up the 24 seconds the 1st place guy beat me by. Well, I need to train a little better and decide to run earlier than three days before the race.
I saw lots of people that I knew there, so that was cool. Kire ran the kids tri. He did great, but they didn't direct him into the finish line of the run, so he was mad about that. I think he probably won the kids beginner race, but the times aren't out yet. All and all, it was a great day! | 