After finishing this race last year I knew that I needed a second go at it. Wanted to patch a few regrets from my race a year ago, going back was a no-brainer. Not only is this race fun but it's for a good cause too. All to often triathletes/races get caught up in their own agenda yet this race is different. Proceeds from this race went to improving the facilities at Camp Courageous, "a year-round therapeutic camp for people of all ages with various disabilities", in Monticello, Iowa. I was more then happy to race while giving back to a local charity.
Driving to the race site during the early morning hours with Kennon and Kallie, who were also doing the race, we joked about the most ridiculous things. As usual. We followed their friends and fellow racers to the race and all unpacked our gear together. Setting up in transition went without a hiccup and set me up nicely or a smooth race. Unlike Omaha, I actually had some extra time to warm up the legs and lungs. Kennon, Kallie, and I all went for a quick jog to preview a bit of the run course. After doing some drills and stretches the legs were ready to go. Now to warmup the arms and lungs. The water was the perfect temperature and a wetsuit wouldn't be needed. I swam to the first buoy and back twice which was enough to get the arm ready.
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Getting all lined up in a good spot.
(photo cred: my mom) |
Now time to line up for the start. This race started with a time trial start. One person going every 5 seconds. I wanted to be near the front but not in the front. I placed myself 6th in line and my confidence began to grow. With other swimmers of my same ability around me I knew that I'd be able to hang onto the feet in front of me to make it a bit easier. When it was my turn to start I was able to make up the 5 second gap within the first 15-20 seconds. Because of my longer legs I was able to jump through the water farther than the people in front of me. Catching a nice draft for the entire swim was more than ok with me. I was even able to pass a few people in front of me within the last 100 metes to post the second fastest swim split. Off to a good start!
My T1 went quickly. 19 seconds to be exact. It was by far the fastest T1 split and I was out of the water and on my bike faster than ever before. Getting on two wheels, I was in third place and moving up quickly. I passed a biker on a team quickly and I could see the lead moto out in front of me. Over the rolling hills for the entire bike course the leader was just out of touch. I could see the leader and motorcycle from time to time but couldn't ever close the gap. Besides making that one pass I was out on my own for the entire 15.5 mile course. A pretty boring way to spend roughly 40 minutes of the race. But I posted the second fastest bike split as well so I can live with the slight boredom.
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This sweet pic some random guy took of me in 2nd place.
(photo cred: some random guy) |
Coming in hot into T2 I jumped off my bike a little out of control. I mean it's a sprint triathlon. Every second counts. I was in and out onto the run course in 20 second. Another quick change from sport to sport. This run course was advertised as "some cross country" running. Ok, make that ALL cross country running. Up, down, twists and turns. For the majority of the run it was so bad that you couldn't see more than 10 yards in front of you because of another 90 degree turn through the thick forest. Shortly after the first mile the forest stopped and there was the first straightaway. But not really. Yes it was straight but it was through the water way of a corn field so it doesn't really count. I mean it's Iowa. What else do you expect. Dodging massive tracker ruts in the ground make for a very tricky run.
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That shit was 100% cross country.
Football cleats would have been a better shoe choice.
(Photo cred: my mom) |
Coming into the finish line I was greeted by the winner. He won this round but I had beat him earlier in the year so I knew that climbing atop the podium, and not one to the side, is possible. And hey, second place. Not a bad day at all. While chatting with my parents I watch as Kallie and Kennon finished up their day. Both weren't to happy about the run course and neither was I. It seemed to be a common theme among the racers. But that's racing I guess. Each venue has to have something unique. Looking for results we learned that Kallie got second in her age group and Kennon got third in hers. Everyone was a winner. Triple bonus.
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Winner winner chicken dinner
(Photo cred: Dan) |
Oh and another big thanks for David R. for covering for me at the bike shop. I was scheduled to work, but he was clutch once again and covered for me at the last minute. Next for me is Age Group Nationals in Milwaukee, WI. It'll be race number two of the three races in three weekends. An Olympic distance race with 3,000 other people. Wish me luck ha. Until next time, thanks for the read and happy training!
