Vassar Brothers Triathlon - Race Report
Well after the big hurricane and heavy rains things were not looking good for the triathlon world. With many of the water ways flooded and polluted it was questionable all week if we would have a swim or even a race for that matter. So once I heard that the park wasn't under water anymore I was relieved, this was the last local race of the year and I wanted to see it go off whether it turned into a duathlon or not.
I was mentally prepared for the run bike run. I knew I could run a fast mile..... how fast I wasn't sure about that?? With over three hundred people starting on one wave for the triathlon race it was a bit of a mess, people every where and the starting line was only 20 feet wide. So I immediately ran down the road from the parking lot while everyone was battling for position and just ran the starting line stretch backwards and there I was , pole position. I love it when a plan works out!! They said go and I leap forward and the race begins. Within the first 200 meters it thinned out up front and you could tell who the runners were, and I quietly tucked in right behind them, after the turn around there was just one guy out front who had a little gap but nothing to be too worried about. The pace kept getting faster and faster, and once there was the last quarter mile I picked up the pace as well. I wish I ran harder on the first run but I was playing it safe.
I was hoping to have a fast transition and gain some time on the leader, not the case, seems like the competition at every race is just getting faster and faster and more well refined. So no time was gained.
As soon as I got on the bike I could tell I needed to wait for my legs to catch up, some races my legs are ready to go and sometimes I have to talk them into it a little, So I took the first few miles easy and gradually picked up the pace, about 3/4 of the way through the first bike loop I started hammering, and within two miles I was in the lead, from there I pulled approximately 30 more seconds on second loop and it was back into transition. In and out I went in a timely fashion and it was time to run.
I felt tired but I knew this Army guy was close enough to do some damage. At mile one he caught me, we exchanged words a bit and it was time to draft him and see if I can hold on until the finish for a sprint. That lasted for a while until mile two where there was the tiniest incline in the road and my heart rate just spiked and he picked up the pace, I made two attempts to catch back up with no success. He ended up beating me and there was no dramatic photo finish. It was a good race and I have to thank everyone from the team and all participants for cheering me on. It really seemed like I was the local favorite and every one wanted to see me victorious, it really made me feel at home in this sport..... so THANK YOU!!
Also another race that took place that day was between two bikeway team mates. SHAWN JACKSON vs. AUDREY SCOTT For the last year I had the pleasure of harassing Audrey since I had a faster bike split that her last year. This year I get the pleasure of being harassed as I was not victorious. She out biked me by 20-30 seconds this year. I say best out of 3. Sign me up for 2012!!
Also, another highlight of the day was to be able to race against and with my coach. He is a fierce competitor and came in a 3rd overall not very far behind me. A little plug for him...... he has free race plans available for the 2012 season for sprint, olympic and beginners if anyone is interested. His name is Mike Donnelly ( donnellyx4@yahoo.com ).
Oh yeah, almost forgot, the drama of the day for me.... the race promoter penalized me 2 minutes due to the fact I swung a turn really wide and was riding really aggressively.... oh well.... luckily it didnt affect my overall position, I thought it was a silly penalty!
My final race of the season is in two weeks, a last minute shuffle of races had occurred for me and I will be doing the Jarden Westchester Olympic Triathlon. I am very excited for this race and am hoping to win my age group and secure a spot for the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon for 2012.
Woodsy
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