Witch City Race Report

I raced the Witch City this year and was very pleased with the way things turned out. It was an early start at 7 am so I was up early and things were going without a hitch. Had a great night sleep. It was the first night in a while that I slept for at more than 6 hours straight. Any way....

Swim : 10:34 (including T1) half mile

I got into the water and it was dam cold. Face numbing cold, neoprene cap wearing cold. A half mile that seemed longer b/c it was so cold. But it was cold for everyone. There were 2 waves that went off. So it was a bit crowded and once I made the first turn buoy I got bumped. Not a big deal until my goggles started to fill up with water. I finally had to fix them and that meant I had to turn over on my back so I could keep kicking while I put them back on. I finally reached land and made my way to my bike. I don't know if the water had an effect on my brain but i could not do a thing right in T1. I messed up my bike shoes trying to hope on my bike but after some time i managed to get going and off I went on the bike.

Bike : 32:44 (by my bike computer) 13 miles

Once I made my way out onto Rt 114 I was hammering. I fueled my fire b/c I was pretty po'd at myself for my T1 mistakes. I got into a groove and just pedaled as hard as I could. This is a bit against my style b/c of my power tap but i wanted to make up time and this was the only way how. The rest of the course was uneventful. Three loops around the neck and back for the run. I was able to get some good speed coming down the backside of the neck and that gave me a slingshot over the causeway. I could see the lead bike on the other side of the causeway getting back onto Rt114. I tried to get closer and I wasn't sure what place I was in. By the time I got back to Salem State I passed another bike. Entered T2 and a better exit.

Run : 16:40 = 3 miles

I did notice my feet were numb, almost like they were asleep. The leader was about 100 yards ahead of me and looked like he was running well. I quickly got to pace and kept him at about 50 yards. My legs felt good but was hoping my feet would warm up. At about the 1 and 1/4 mark we went onto a trail along Salem harbor. It was about a .25 mile out and back. The turn around was there and figured I would wait to see what he would do. I closed the gap to about 15 yards and when we got back onto the street I started to make a pass. The lead runner kept with me for about 10 seconds then I figured I would push a little more. I was able to get some separation and finish with the overall win.

I was proud of the way I fought back after such a tough start. I had a little reason to because I was in my new Fit Werx race suit. I will be racing primarily for them the rest of this year and for the long future to come. Marty and Dean had supported me tremendously I was honored when the asked me to wear their gear. Why not, I ride on all their stuff too! Thanks guys.

It was bummer not being able to race with my brother as he is till recovering from a bike accident. He was there in support along with my wife and 2 sons. Jack liked the fact , as he puts it, I was chasing a police motorcycle as I headed back to the finish line. Classic.