Sharpshooter Race Report

Triathlon - Mini Sprint
Total Time = 1h 02m 41s
Overall Rank = 41/146
Age Group = 35-39
Age Group Rank = 8/26

Pre-race routine:
Got up and made sure my bag had everything I needed, loaded up my bike. I hit the restroom a few times and then kissed the wife bye (she would come later) and headed out to the race site.

Event warmup:
Mainly just got in the water and swam alittle, nothing intense.

Swimming
08:09 437 yards 01m 50s / 100yards
Age Group: 6/26

Comments:Again I was very calm before the swim. The time trial start helps with my nerves, but my plan was to get into a good pace until the first buoy, then gradually start rockin and rolling to the end. The swim was a dive start off a dock. Alot of people gingerly stepped off the dock in the water, but I went for a dive. It wasn't the most graceful looking dive, but I passed the guy ahead of me right off the bat. After the first turn, about mid way through that section, some guy swam across me! He was way off course and I was unsure of where he was heading. It actually made me stop for a second to get my bearings, then I was able to get back in my pace.

What would you do differently?:
Maybe go a little harder at the start. I did not want to burn out. Also I think I need to work on my diving! I thought I nailed it, but as you can see from the splash, it was actually more like a belly flop than a dive!


T1
Time: 00:54
Comments:
I came out of the water feeling really good. I made it to my bike, easily got shoes, helmet and glasses on and off I went. The bike mount line was up a little hill, so I was not able to run and jump on the bike, but I was happy with my transition. I did feel a lot better than the guy in the blue shirt looks!

What would you do differently?:
Nada

Biking
33:28 11 miles 19.72 mile/hr
Age Group: 7/26

Comments:
I went out to crush this course. I figured since it was only 11 miles, I might as well go for broke. I felt like I was doing great until the last 3 miles where there are some significant hills, at one point downhill, I topped out at 37 mph and then heading up the next hill I crapped out at 12 mph. I was happy with my effort on the bike.

What would you do differently?:
Take my aero bottle. I took no liquid on the bike due to the length of the ride, I figured I would have been ok, but I think next time, I definitely need something.

T2
Time: 00:55

Comments:
The longest dismount run EVA! It was downhill and a gravel road and I have the tenderest feet around! Trying to slow down bare footed while running with my bike was tough!

What would you do differently?:
Maybe run in my bike shoes, and then change shoes?? Once I got to the bike rack, everything went smooth, running shoes on quickly and I grabbed my race belt and I was out.

Running
19:22 02 miles 09m 41s min/mile
Age Group: 8/26

Comments:
The 1/4 mile levy run seemed awfully far for a 1/4 mile! Once you got into the woods, it was hot, sticky and humid. I just tried to keep moving and to not lose my footing. Twice I thought I had really twisted an ankle, but I was able to continue. The 1 mile sign seemed like it took forever to reach. It was pure joy to come running out of those woods, only to see the long levy run in front of me. I just kept plowing along. I was surprised to learn that I ran the same time as last year!

What would you do differently?:
Still need to work on running after the bike!

I definitely enjoy doing this race. The short distance of it makes it a challenge in itself because you really want to go all out. Save nothing for later, empty the tanks, go for broke! My goal time was an hour, and even though I did not achieve that goal, I was still over 2 minutes faster than last year. I was also happy with my first Top 10 finish in my age group! I can tell I am getting faster with each race, which always makes it more fun. My wife and son did an awesome job again taking some great pictures!