Race Report: Steamboat Classic Sprint Triathlon
April 30, 2006, Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Rain and wind was forecasted all weekend throughout Missouri. As I made the two-hour drive to southern Missouri's "boot heel," it looked to be an accurate prediction. I struggled to stay alert, wondering if I had perhaps pushed too hard during the week and not gotten enough rest. I was relieved to see "the bubble" swimming pool and pulled in safely.
I began the swim in heat 3, lane 9. As I lapped my lane partner twice during the 500-yard swim, I incorrectly assumed I was having a fast swim. Doh! Like tri-comedian Larry later said, "When I started the swim, the lap-counter was clean shaven. When I got out of the water, he had a full beard."
Onto the bike and the chase was on. The rain was holding off but there was plenty of wind. I played it safe on the corners, realizing that wet, cracked pavement with strewn grass clippings was not the time to stay aero to save a few seconds. Others weren't so fortunate. There were several crashes and at least one hospital visit. I spotted FOA Mary up the road as we got closer to T2. She held me off until the run with her swim-bike prowess. Strong! (4th woman overall).
I began pushing on the run and the sun was out. Meteorologists?! The mile markers were not coming quickly enough and so I figured I was having a mediocre race - similar to my last go here in 2004. With a couple miles to go on the run, I believe I moved into the lead of my 32-person heat, so it was looking more respectable. My last "mile" was easily the fastest of the day and won't win any awards in the precise measurement category. As I ran down the hill and made a hard right into the finish, I felt good and was happy to take some minutes off my 2004 time.
The results were even better; 6th overall and a 1st place age group award (creative trophy maker - you've been Activated!).
Rain and wind was forecasted all weekend throughout Missouri. As I made the two-hour drive to southern Missouri's "boot heel," it looked to be an accurate prediction. I struggled to stay alert, wondering if I had perhaps pushed too hard during the week and not gotten enough rest. I was relieved to see "the bubble" swimming pool and pulled in safely.
I began the swim in heat 3, lane 9. As I lapped my lane partner twice during the 500-yard swim, I incorrectly assumed I was having a fast swim. Doh! Like tri-comedian Larry later said, "When I started the swim, the lap-counter was clean shaven. When I got out of the water, he had a full beard."
Onto the bike and the chase was on. The rain was holding off but there was plenty of wind. I played it safe on the corners, realizing that wet, cracked pavement with strewn grass clippings was not the time to stay aero to save a few seconds. Others weren't so fortunate. There were several crashes and at least one hospital visit. I spotted FOA Mary up the road as we got closer to T2. She held me off until the run with her swim-bike prowess. Strong! (4th woman overall).
I began pushing on the run and the sun was out. Meteorologists?! The mile markers were not coming quickly enough and so I figured I was having a mediocre race - similar to my last go here in 2004. With a couple miles to go on the run, I believe I moved into the lead of my 32-person heat, so it was looking more respectable. My last "mile" was easily the fastest of the day and won't win any awards in the precise measurement category. As I ran down the hill and made a hard right into the finish, I felt good and was happy to take some minutes off my 2004 time.
The results were even better; 6th overall and a 1st place age group award (creative trophy maker - you've been Activated!).
posted by JPD at Thursday, May 11, 2006
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