Dam Tri race report

Dam Tri @ Gardener Park, Amesbury MA

swim = 11:48 (20th)
bike =  33:45 (15th)
run =    19:30 (7 th)
    Total = 1:07:05 (6th OA 3rd AG)

This is a race that I have done the past few years and keep coming back to it.  I have not been to specific in my tri training this year.  I am not sure if I am getting burnt of the short course or if it is a combination of the new house, kids,work, and other commitments that have been taking up my time.  I know that I have only swam 3 times since the JCC and was curious to see if CrossFit would be a big factor in keeping my fitness high.

The swim went off and I was in the 3rd wave with my brother, I told myself not to push it and and go long stroke and steady pace. I felt great, not fatigued and never worried about my time.  The pack went out slow and I quickly moved to the front.  There were 4 or 5 of us that got to the 1st turn buoy and then we met up with wave 2. Trying to swim through them was tough but I managed and as I headed into the finish Ipicked up my pace a bit.  exited the water and saw 11:48 as I crossed the mat to T1. Not bad with all considered.

The bike was simple and straight forward.  There are quite a few hills that are big enough to make push out of comfort but not long enough to drain you.  I was moving up the field passing riders and settled into my own at around mile 6.  One mistake I made was missing a turn at mile 10.  My own fault and maybe lost a few seconds with the turn around.  I think I could have pushed a little bit harder but in the back of my mind I knew I wanted to run under 19:40 for the 5K.  I entered into T2 and off for the run.

Then run was good.  I forgot the first 1.5 was slightly uphill.   I was wondering if it was me and that I was not in shape because I was laboring.  I also knew there were some age groupers who were hunting me down.  I passed a couple of people on the run and saw at the turn I was in 6th over all.  But I also saw the 7th place was on my tail.  The good thing was I was now heading downhill and my legs were loosening up.  I started to clip away and got my pace to around 6:05 for the last mile. With the .2 to go I really dug down so that I could hold off the chase.  The turn into the park I glanced over my shoulder and saw I had about 5 seconds on the closest runner  and with about 50 yards I was able to hold my spot.   My run time was 19:30 for the 3.2.

I was happy. I know that I have not been putting in the same volume as last year and I think that is why I am a few seconds off my times from last year.  The other not is that I do not have the nagging injuries that I had last year.   I have the Witch City this weekend and it should be a great day.   There will be some top notch athletes there.  I hope to do well in my age group 35-39.