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Since my high school days I've always wanted to do a triathlon. As a runner and fitness freak, I've been impressed by people who compete in triathlons. It's not easy to be able to swim, bike, and run well. In the beginning of 2013, I set out to complete the Block Island Tri. After training with various WTAC Athletes, primarily Gazelle Walker, my enthusiasm for the sport increased and I signed up for the Crabman. On Saturday, I picked up my race number and swag and put all of my gear together at night for my early morning Sunday adventure. The coolest part of the whole endeavor was that I had my "home boys" to race with (Thank you Gazelle, Captain Crutch, Mark, Matthew, & Dave).
After cruising down to the race at 5 am with Crutch (yes, Wakey Wakey was up bright and early), I got marked up, set up my transition area, and took a short warmup run and talked strategy with Gazelle. Prior to the start of the race, I was slightly nervous in a good way and wondered how it would all come together for me?
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I hung with the crew before the start and before I knew it, my wave was off on the swim. Upon entering the ocean, my goggles immediately filled with water and I frantically tightened them up and pushed the swim. As I tried to progress through the water, I felt constant kicks and grabs. On some occasions, I was also the guy grabbing and trying not to kick anyone. I felt strong in the water, but also felt like I could have went a bit quicker (the crowd didn't help). As I got out of the water, I realized I was in a pretty good spot. "Sweet!" I ran up the beach, saw my parents and gave them a thumbs up, and shot off to T1 as quickly as possible. As I flipped off my wetsuit and switched up my gear, I immediately realized my transition was anything but smooth. Oh well, first tri...get after it on the bike.
The bike portion was really cool. I'm happy to say that I didn't get passed by anyone. I battled with this one guy the entire time. I was highly impressed by the biking skills of many of the athletes out there. The bike was the one area where I passed a number of athletes, but was not able to chase any of the big boys down. Overall, I averaged 21.5 mph on the bike. I'll take it...for now!!
I ran my bike through the field over to T2 where the biggest transition I had to make was switching my bike shoes to running shoes. The real deal tri athletes have special laces that save them time from having to tie shoes. Prior to Crabman, I didn't think this was a big deal and opted to stick with tying my shoelaces. Lesson learned.
Run time=my time! I felt surprisingly good coming off the bike. In my head, I hoped to hammer out the run. Besides my first mile (5:25), I'm not sure of any of my splits. I do know that I passed a number of people, but was feeling some fatigue during miles 2 & 3. Being Tommy 5k, I've never finished a big/long race and it felt really rewarding to cross the finish line. Shortly after finishing, I felt pretty good and headed back out on the course to cheer on the other guys who were still out there.
While I have some improvements I want to make, I felt really satisfied with my first tri. Since I enjoyed racing the event and love the training, I'm hooked now. Running will always be my first love, but I think I found a mistress who I'm really in to!!! I plan on chasing for CRABS in 2014.
Congratulations/ Thank-yous
Gazelle Walker-for placing in his age group and being a general beast. Thanks for all of the training tips, your positive attitude, and always pushing me.
Captain Crutch-finishing your first tri. I knew you had it and you finished really strong. I also appreciate you picking up my bike and the ride down. Hope you are back at this one next year!
Mark & Matthew-placing in your age groups. It's just a matter of time before you go flying by all of us old guys. We'll go down fighting!
Boumenot-thanks for getting me started by letting me borrow your wetsuit!
Schonning-for all of the tips about swim technique and transitions (it's a work in progress)
Jana-as always, thanks for catching the action with your photos. It's always nice to view them afterwards. I know all of the WTAC crew appreciates it. Also, thanks for getting up at 4:30 to watch a bunch of nuts in their endurance endeavors.
Mom & Dad-thanks for waking up, coming out to cheer us on, and for listening to my non-stop stories about training, racing, and the crew.
Monday-
am-1300 yd swim at the Y. Complete with the 50s on a minute.
pm-16 mile cruise through Watch Hill on the bike.
Tuesday-
am-3X200-200-400 with Boumenot at WHS..445 style.
Felt kind of flat, but still got a really good workout in.
pm Dog Watch Fun Run 5k, 18:21
Felt completely spent and tired.
On the first lap, Gazelle told me he would stay with me and then would let me go on the second lap. Truth is, I was toast. Kept pace on the second lap, but was really feeling it when I finished.
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Wednesday-
am-close to 1 mile swim from Town Beach w/Gazelle, Schonning, and Orlando. Felt pretty good out there. Followed up the swim with an easy 3 miles on the beach.
pm-WTAC McCoy Fun Run with Muddy.
Talked Muddy into running 630 pace with me and promised him I would keep things under control. My main goal tonight was not to push or take the bait with the BI Tri on Saturday. My plan is to be all rested up for that show.
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Thursday-17 mile bike ride..usually roads..tried to push a Strava segment on Ocean View Highway. Unfortunately, a car stopped to let some golf carts pass..bye, bye awesome Strava segment!
Friday-6th Installment of our weekly Run/Splash with the WTAC Crew. 5+ mile shakedown at close to 8:30 pace on Watch Hill roads and beach. Nice turnout this morning (Gazelle, Boumenot, Crutch, Matthew, and new guy Chet). We finished the morning off with a light 10 minute swim. I think I swallowed a gallon of salt water this morning..delicious.
Saturday-BI Triathlon, 1:17:16, 5/326, 1st in age group
Results
1/4 Mile Swim: 9:23, 10th
12 Mike Bike: 40:31, 34th
4 Mile Beach Run: 27:22, 3rd
*Race Report to come
Run Miles: 5X, 32 miles
Lulu's Miles: 0
Swim: 5X, 3800yds
Bike miles: 4X, 56 miles
Core/Stretch/Strength: 1X, 20 minutes
Great work out there. You looked really strong!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your take on your Crabman and first tri experience. There are always things to improve on, but that's what keeps it fresh and interesting. I'd say job quite well done for your first tri.
ReplyDeleteNow onto Block ...
Great job at the Crabman!!! That was some good fun, and although I'm still in need of my beauty rest, I'm getting a bit closer to that early run...good luck on the Block!
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