2003 Red Hills Triathlon Race Report

Red Hills Race Report, 3/29/03:
590yd/.29m Swim = 11.59.15, 2.02/100
T1 = 1.42.80
18m Bike + T2 = 52.42.34, 20.49 mph
3.2m Run = 20.48
M1 - 6.09.13
M2 - 6.32.39
M3 - 6.29.74
.2 - 1.37.38
TOTAL = 1h 27m 12s
OA = 24/229...AG = 4/21

The Red Hills Tri is self-labeled 'the toughest sprint in Florida.' That is accurate, with a long swim, HILLY bike, and some trail running. Weather was perfect. Let's get to it...

Swim: 1/3M swim in Lake Hall, with calm, cool water, so I wore a wetsuit. I had high hopes for this segment. Out in first wave, men 0-29. Rectangular course and on the way in, I noticed I was waj off course by about 75 yards. Oops. I also think the course was a bit too long. Came into transition disappointed. Time = 11m 59s

T1: Out of water and longish uphill run up boat ramp to transition area. Disappointed with swim time and started cussing at myself. Got off wetsuit easily. Couldn't get socks on easily. (Next time, I'll practice putting on socks with wet feet!). Had problems getting into shoes that are pre-clipped in pedals. More self-cussing. Not as smooth as practice. T1 Time = 1m 42s

Bike + T2: VERY hilly course. All rollers plus a few short, but steep, inclines. With the new P2K (affectionately named The Blue Pony) and Coach Mike's workouts, I really expected a lot. Finally shut out swim fiasco. Got passed by some, and passed plenty too. Really tried to push the whole time. The Bessie (wife) counted 24 (!) in front of me coming into Transition 2. T2: Getting off bike (keep shoes clipped) went very smoothly...except shades fell off when I took off helmet. I wish Bike/T2 were timed separately. Bike+T2 Time = 52m 42s

Run: First 1/4 mile starts uphill (ugh!) with first 3/4 mile on pavement. Mile 1 = 6.09. Went into trails, which had loosely packed dirt. Passed 'Speedo' (a competitor I enjoyed passing!) and others. Mile 2 = 6.32. Thought I picked pace up for M3, picking a few folks off on the way in. Passed one last guy with 3/4 mile left, and he just stayed on my hip. At 3 Mile marker (Mile 3 = 6.29), guy said, "Thanks for pulling my fat ass in." Don't know why, but that pissed me off (he tailed me for 3/4 mile). Finished very strong. Run time = 20.48

TOTAL = 1h 27m 12s
OA = 24 of 229/ AG = 4 of 21

If you live in the southeast, come to Tallahassee and do this race. It ain't typical Florida!

2003 Furry Scurry Race Report

OA=5, AG=1
M1=6.16.74
M2=6.38.85; 12.55.59
M3=6.39.60; 19.35.19
.1=1.59.87
T=21.04.85

Distance anywhere b/w 3.2-3.4 miles, it was NOT a 3.1M run, that much I know. I'll just count it as 3.25. I think this is great prep for next week's race.

1st ".1" DOWNHILL, treacherous footing, lots of holes, and uneven footing. Took it easy for ankles.
.1 to .75 on paved trail, a bit hilly
.75 to 2.25 on soft trails, a bit hilly, but not too bad
2.25 to 3 paved trail, a bit hilly
3 to finish UPHILL, treacherous footing

2003 Rails to Trails 5K Race Report

9/130 OA, 1st AG
5.58.04
5.51.66 - 11.49.70
6.02.85 - 17.52.55
38.44 - 18.30.99

Notes - I was passed by two people within 1/2 mile of the finish. (one man was a grand master. As Austin Powers says, ouch baby, very ouch!) I could have stayed with them. BUT it would have been major suffering, and this race was more training than anything else. I know...that is wimpy, but I also had some doubts about my leg, too. I will not lay off when it is time for an A race, that is for sure. I finished 9th overall, 1 in my age group. I got a mug. Too bad I don't drink coffee.