My training and preparations were going well for the TriRock Philadelphia Triathlon. I was looking forward to racing Brian Duffy (2012 US Age Group National Champion) to gauge my training progress. At the St. Anthony's triathlon in St. Petersburg, FL I had the opportunity to race against another former Age Group Champion in Adam Webber, and quickly realized the amount of work I still need to complete if I want to be competitive with the top amateurs in the nation. Nonetheless, I felt good by race day and the weather forecast was just about perfect, so I was excited to race!
Race morning required some extra planning and logistics since my Mom, Dad, Aunt and Cousin were attending the race. We decided to take three cars as my Mom was heading down to Virginia after the race to play in a golf member-guest tournament with my Aunt. As we were on 95 South, we surprisingly realized that we could not see my Dad's car in our rear view mirror. To make matters worse, he was not answering his cell phone as we were trying to locate him. First thoughts were "was he okay? did the car break down? will I get to the race but not have bike (i.e., my bike was in his SUV)?" Thankfully, as we slowed down, he was able to catch up. Nothing wrong with a little extra excitement to ensure I am ready for the race.
Prior to the race, TriRock emailed all participants that it was understandably taking some extra security measures with the race (e.g., using clear bags to bring race gear into the transition area). I decided to just bring my normal tri bag and did not experience any major delays with entering transition area. They quickly searched my bag, and allowed me to enter. With the point-to-point swim, TriTRock had buses to transport the triathletes up to the swim start. The bus ride was pretty quick, and I got the opportunity to sit next to Alex Gorsky, CEO of J&J on the ride up. Also, TriRock provided a nice service by giving us a clear plastic bags to place our shoes and extra clothes in so we could pick up the gear after the race instead of being forced to leave the extra gear at the swim start.
At the swim start, the pros went out over 30 minutes ahead of us so it seemed like our "Open" class was the first to go out. I didn't see the pros start as I was using this time to warm-up and stretch out. We were not provided access to the water to perform an 'in water' warm-up. To adjust, I took my time to ensure I was properly warmed up. Waiting for the first wave to start, I found out that Duffy was not racing today so the amateur field was open for the taking.
Prior to entering the water, I was thinking about the appropriate strategy for the proposed 10 person / 20 second apart send offs in each wave. Thankfully, race organizers let the 'amateur open' (elite amateurs) field have one start with all 40 triathletes. After getting caught behind in the pack at my last race (St. Anthony's), I knew not to make the same mistake again. I jockeyed for position to the front of the line and as we were allowed to head into the water I quickly moved to the far end of the swim start closer to the middle of the river along the buoys. Although it was a straighter path staying on the left side (shore side of the river), I felt the current was fastest toward the middle of the river and wanted to take advantage. Once the horn sounded, I sprinted the first 100 meters to get out in front then settled into my normal pace. TriRock had large buoys well-positioned along the entire course, and unlike last year where we had to climb over beach and rocks to get to T1, they had set up a ramp to help ensure an easy exit. I had a good swim and came out fourth. I also had a good transition and came out of T1 in second.
The bike course was very well-identified including TriRock marking the course with orange cones, paint, identifying pot holes, etc. Remembering how a marshal assessed me a two minute penalty last year that cost me first place in the sprint race, I paid attention to look for marshals. Little did I know that the marshals would be looking for us riding on the back of a motorcycle. Although I was glad to see the marshal ensuring no drafting was taking place, it was distracting having the motorcycle next to you going into some of the turns on the course. The eventual winner passed me around mile 8 on the bike course. I tried to keep his pace, but could not keep up. In the end, I had a good bike although it became obvious that I need to work on my up hill technique. I came in second on the bike with the third place guy right behind me. I had a good T2 transition (although may need to change bike racking technique to a saddle rack instead of bar rack).
The run started to get hot and I may have taken my energy gel too soon as I was exiting T2. The gel appeared to just sit in my stomach. At the 2.5 mile mark, Jason West passed me. I recognized the name on the back of his trisuit. He posted a strong result last year here at Philadelphia. I tried to hold his pace, but he was moving too good. At the second turn-around, I could see that the next triathlete currently in fourth place was closing fast on me. I met Andrew Mueller at St. Anthony's in late April, and knew he was a strong competitor. He had made the trip to this race from Indiana perhaps trying to secure his pro licence as Philadelphia was an Elite Qualifying race with its $25k pro purse. With about .5 miles left, one of the volunteers said I've got someone right on my tail. I didn't turn around, but could hear Andrew trying to make a final push. With the last .2 miles left, I gave everything I had to the finish. Thankfully, it was enough to hold off Andrew and secure 3rd place by four seconds.
Overall, the race went well and I'll continue to work on my running (still not where it needs to be to compete with the top amateurs). I was able to beat 5 of the 9 professional male triathletes in the field. This was also my first TriRock event. First impression is they put on a well-organized event....the swim and bike course markings were great. I should also mention this was my first race as a new member of the Philly Pro Tri Triathlon Club and it was fun meeting fellow club members for the first time. Thank you to team member Andrew Quong for being flexible with the trisuit pickup. Also, thank you fellow teammate Michael Balent for the "words of encouragement" on the bike course.
In addition, I would also like to acknowledge Johnson & Johnson for their terrific event sponsorship and hospitality at their team tent after the race.
Last, but not least, thank you to my Aunt and Cousin making the trip up from Virginia to cheer me on during the race, and to my Coach (Mom) and Manager (Dad) for their help and support during the race.
Race morning required some extra planning and logistics since my Mom, Dad, Aunt and Cousin were attending the race. We decided to take three cars as my Mom was heading down to Virginia after the race to play in a golf member-guest tournament with my Aunt. As we were on 95 South, we surprisingly realized that we could not see my Dad's car in our rear view mirror. To make matters worse, he was not answering his cell phone as we were trying to locate him. First thoughts were "was he okay? did the car break down? will I get to the race but not have bike (i.e., my bike was in his SUV)?" Thankfully, as we slowed down, he was able to catch up. Nothing wrong with a little extra excitement to ensure I am ready for the race.
Prior to the race, TriRock emailed all participants that it was understandably taking some extra security measures with the race (e.g., using clear bags to bring race gear into the transition area). I decided to just bring my normal tri bag and did not experience any major delays with entering transition area. They quickly searched my bag, and allowed me to enter. With the point-to-point swim, TriTRock had buses to transport the triathletes up to the swim start. The bus ride was pretty quick, and I got the opportunity to sit next to Alex Gorsky, CEO of J&J on the ride up. Also, TriRock provided a nice service by giving us a clear plastic bags to place our shoes and extra clothes in so we could pick up the gear after the race instead of being forced to leave the extra gear at the swim start.
At the swim start, the pros went out over 30 minutes ahead of us so it seemed like our "Open" class was the first to go out. I didn't see the pros start as I was using this time to warm-up and stretch out. We were not provided access to the water to perform an 'in water' warm-up. To adjust, I took my time to ensure I was properly warmed up. Waiting for the first wave to start, I found out that Duffy was not racing today so the amateur field was open for the taking.
Prior to entering the water, I was thinking about the appropriate strategy for the proposed 10 person / 20 second apart send offs in each wave. Thankfully, race organizers let the 'amateur open' (elite amateurs) field have one start with all 40 triathletes. After getting caught behind in the pack at my last race (St. Anthony's), I knew not to make the same mistake again. I jockeyed for position to the front of the line and as we were allowed to head into the water I quickly moved to the far end of the swim start closer to the middle of the river along the buoys. Although it was a straighter path staying on the left side (shore side of the river), I felt the current was fastest toward the middle of the river and wanted to take advantage. Once the horn sounded, I sprinted the first 100 meters to get out in front then settled into my normal pace. TriRock had large buoys well-positioned along the entire course, and unlike last year where we had to climb over beach and rocks to get to T1, they had set up a ramp to help ensure an easy exit. I had a good swim and came out fourth. I also had a good transition and came out of T1 in second.
The bike course was very well-identified including TriRock marking the course with orange cones, paint, identifying pot holes, etc. Remembering how a marshal assessed me a two minute penalty last year that cost me first place in the sprint race, I paid attention to look for marshals. Little did I know that the marshals would be looking for us riding on the back of a motorcycle. Although I was glad to see the marshal ensuring no drafting was taking place, it was distracting having the motorcycle next to you going into some of the turns on the course. The eventual winner passed me around mile 8 on the bike course. I tried to keep his pace, but could not keep up. In the end, I had a good bike although it became obvious that I need to work on my up hill technique. I came in second on the bike with the third place guy right behind me. I had a good T2 transition (although may need to change bike racking technique to a saddle rack instead of bar rack).
The run started to get hot and I may have taken my energy gel too soon as I was exiting T2. The gel appeared to just sit in my stomach. At the 2.5 mile mark, Jason West passed me. I recognized the name on the back of his trisuit. He posted a strong result last year here at Philadelphia. I tried to hold his pace, but he was moving too good. At the second turn-around, I could see that the next triathlete currently in fourth place was closing fast on me. I met Andrew Mueller at St. Anthony's in late April, and knew he was a strong competitor. He had made the trip to this race from Indiana perhaps trying to secure his pro licence as Philadelphia was an Elite Qualifying race with its $25k pro purse. With about .5 miles left, one of the volunteers said I've got someone right on my tail. I didn't turn around, but could hear Andrew trying to make a final push. With the last .2 miles left, I gave everything I had to the finish. Thankfully, it was enough to hold off Andrew and secure 3rd place by four seconds.
Overall, the race went well and I'll continue to work on my running (still not where it needs to be to compete with the top amateurs). I was able to beat 5 of the 9 professional male triathletes in the field. This was also my first TriRock event. First impression is they put on a well-organized event....the swim and bike course markings were great. I should also mention this was my first race as a new member of the Philly Pro Tri Triathlon Club and it was fun meeting fellow club members for the first time. Thank you to team member Andrew Quong for being flexible with the trisuit pickup. Also, thank you fellow teammate Michael Balent for the "words of encouragement" on the bike course.
In addition, I would also like to acknowledge Johnson & Johnson for their terrific event sponsorship and hospitality at their team tent after the race.
Last, but not least, thank you to my Aunt and Cousin making the trip up from Virginia to cheer me on during the race, and to my Coach (Mom) and Manager (Dad) for their help and support during the race.