This was a first class event with some of the world's best triathletes. The experience started on Saturday as we arrived at registration. Walking by the tent set-up area, several of the professionals were doing Q&A interviews in front of a large, eager to listen audience. In addition, there was a lot of publicity and buzz over Hines Ward being in attendance and doing the race.
Race day morning preparation went well, and I was amazed at the size of the crowd that grew at the swim start. All was fine until the pros went off and then the RD delayed our Elite Amateur wave to announce that the swim would be shortened to 750K because of very choppy water. This also meant we would have to exit the water early and have about a quarter mile run to the transition area. I made a last second decision to switch from my wetsuit to my swimskin feeling I could make up some time on this "extra" run.
Usually, I'm in the top three out of the water but with such a large group of good swimmers, I got caught out of position and could not make my way through the pack, so I came out of the water 15th. As a result of switching to my swimskin, I was able to pass about seven competitors running in wetsuits before getting to the transition area.
The bike went well, helped by the fact, we drove the course the day before, paying particular attention to the speed bumps out on the course. I should probably mention my surprise, though, at the amount of drafting and pack riding; however, I was told later that, with the exception of the first two pro bike leaders, many of the pros came in a big pack as well.
I've been focusing on my run over the past several weeks and had a nice improved time from my previous race at Nautica South Beach. I'll continue to work on improving my run to be competitive with the top Elite Amateur run splits.
My goal coming into the race was a top 5 finish, but without being able to get a decent advantage on the shortened swim, I ended up in 10th. Considering the high level of competition from around the country, I was happy with a top 10 and very much enjoyed the overall experience at this world class event.
ps.....a special thank you goes out to my Aunt Christine and Uncle Pete who made a last minute decision to make a 16 hour non-stop drive through the night to get to the race on time
Race day morning preparation went well, and I was amazed at the size of the crowd that grew at the swim start. All was fine until the pros went off and then the RD delayed our Elite Amateur wave to announce that the swim would be shortened to 750K because of very choppy water. This also meant we would have to exit the water early and have about a quarter mile run to the transition area. I made a last second decision to switch from my wetsuit to my swimskin feeling I could make up some time on this "extra" run.
Usually, I'm in the top three out of the water but with such a large group of good swimmers, I got caught out of position and could not make my way through the pack, so I came out of the water 15th. As a result of switching to my swimskin, I was able to pass about seven competitors running in wetsuits before getting to the transition area.
The bike went well, helped by the fact, we drove the course the day before, paying particular attention to the speed bumps out on the course. I should probably mention my surprise, though, at the amount of drafting and pack riding; however, I was told later that, with the exception of the first two pro bike leaders, many of the pros came in a big pack as well.
I've been focusing on my run over the past several weeks and had a nice improved time from my previous race at Nautica South Beach. I'll continue to work on improving my run to be competitive with the top Elite Amateur run splits.
My goal coming into the race was a top 5 finish, but without being able to get a decent advantage on the shortened swim, I ended up in 10th. Considering the high level of competition from around the country, I was happy with a top 10 and very much enjoyed the overall experience at this world class event.
ps.....a special thank you goes out to my Aunt Christine and Uncle Pete who made a last minute decision to make a 16 hour non-stop drive through the night to get to the race on time