Kinetic Sprint Race Recap

Before the race I was ready to compete and push myself to see how well I could start the season off.  I had set some goals for myself for the swim, bike, and run.  I had rehearsed transitions in my head, but hadn't done one since Sept. 12, 2010.  Seeing all the athletes, the course set and marked, the tents, the volunteers and the staff was great!  Finally time to race again!

THE SWIM - 750m - Time 15:37
I was in the 3rd wave to start, 6 minutes into the race.  This was my first time doing a beach start - pretty fun especially when you do still slightly have a quick burst of speed from your soccer days.  Despite being the first one into the water and to start swimming I was quickly passed by many a swimmer!  I was able to get into a good and comfortable rhythm within the first couple hundred yards.  The water was a little chilly and it was my first time wearing a wetsuit for the swim.  I felt good during the swim, I would have like to push myself a little harder and come in under 15:00.

T1 - Time 3:39
The biggest learning point of this race!  What not to do in T1 during a sprint triathlon!  Next time I won't waste time putting biking gloves on or running socks that are difficult to get on.  I'll tape my gels to my bike frame and figure out a better way to deal with the hair!  All in all the transition was a bit of a run from the beach and up hill.  I was disappointed with this time as I know I can do better and this is a silly place to give up minutes in a race.

The Bike - 18 Miles - 56:26
Biggest success of this race!  Averaged 19.1 mph on the bike.  Last year the bike was an event that I was only decent at, at best.  I have put in some work on the bike and continue to put in work getting my mileage and speed up in preparation for Augusta 70.3.  The course was somewhat hilly with open roads.  I took a gel about 12 miles in.  I had the 2nd best time on the bike in my age group, looking to continue this throughout the season!

T2 - 1:29
Good news is this was my fastest T2 time yet.  Pretty much average time for this race, would like to continue to knock some seconds off of this transition as I prepare to move up an age group next year.

Run - 5k - 26:10
At first look, horrible for me, but compared to other racers times not bad at all.  The first mile of the course is up hill! Quite difficult when coming off a hard bike.  3 water stops on the course were nice, though paper cups are more conducive to drinking on the run than Styrofoam! I was 3rd in my age group on the run.  I would have like to see the time in the 24s.  I am looking to improve this and get it into the 23s in future races this season.  Helps me know where to focus in on training!

This was a good race and nice to be able to drive down the morning off and not need a hotel room.  The post race festivities were decent.  Not much going on other than chit chatting and food!  Every racer got a personal sized Papa John's Pizza, there were also Mike & Ike's, Oreo's, Trail mix, Chex mix, bananas, oranges, watermelon, soda and water.  Definitely didn't need to look to hard to refuel.  The awards ceremony was nice.  Winners were call down and given there prize and got their picture taken.

I finished 3rd in the Women's 20-24 age group with a total time of 1:43:19.  I was pleased with the podium finish and the learning points taken away from this race.  Overall a great race to start the season with and much to look forward to at future 2011 races!