Race Report

Yesterday I ran the Pinchot Park Triathlon. Before I get to the report for that race, I'd like to mention that last weekend I ran in the "Got The Nerve" (GTN) triathlon held in Mount Gretna, PA. Since I'm only now beginning a blog, rather than write up a report for that race, I'll begin with yesterday's race. I will say that the GTN was my first triathlon with an open-water swim. I made a lot of mistakes, but gave the race my best effort. I finished, and only missed my goal by 30 seconds...and those 30 seconds were the impetus behind me arising at 4:30 a.m. yesterday.

Pre-Race

Last week, I tried to do everything right: taper, hydrate, rest, diet. This week, I rode when I felt like it, ran hard or easy depending on my mood and only swam for 15 minutes in our community pool - and those 15 minutes were broken up with "daddy, can I get a snack; daddy, when are you going to be done; etc." I ate what I was hungry for, and the night before the race, my wife and I hosted a red wine tasting party. As the co-host, I had to set the example and do my part in selecting a winner (Congratulations to Scott and Cindy). I was in bed by 11:00. Unlike the night before GTN, I slept like a baby. I arose without the alarm clock at 4:30 a.m.

Race Day

So, who gets up at 4:30 to race? Someone who was not happy with missing their goal by 30 seconds the week before. I was determined to learn from my mistakes and I was determined to swim/bike/run more relaxed. I arrived at Pinchot by 5:45 and already people were there setting up in the transition area. I made my way to the registration table, paid my money and got my number.

This race was not as big as GTN, which was nice. I got a good spot in the transition area, right on the edge, and had plenty of room to spread out my gear. I got everything set-up, and then was able to mingle and talk with the other racers. A former student of mine and his father who were also at GTN arrived shortly after I did. we had a good laugh about how these races are a sickness and wished each other well. Unlike at GTN, I didn't warm-up, but I wasn't nervous either. At 7:15 , I donned my wetsuit, and along with everyone else, made my way to the shores of Lake Conewago.

Swim

The swim was a half-mile inverted triangle. This was 300 yards farther than GTN. Announcements were made, and then the first wave entered the water. Now that I'm an old-head, I was assigned to the second wave. The command was given, and the first wave was off. Three minutes later, so was I with the second wave. I decided that this time I was going to enjoy the swim for what it was: a leisurely dip in Lake Conewago on a Sunday morning. I started at the back and was able to get into a rhythm almost immediately. I wasn't swimming fast, but I was smooth and relaxed and I was able to maintain a good breathing pattern. I rounded the first buoy, looked up and made my way for the next one. I couldn't believe how good I felt, no one was around me and I was enjoying the swim. Then, I heard a voice. The sound of that voice, brought me out of my daydream, and I thought that I should probably look up and mark the buoy. Good thing I did, in front of my was a kayak, and the voice was directing me to "swim in, swim in." I was swimming at least 45 degrees off course, heading to the far side of the lake. But, with my newly acquired philosophy of relax and enjoy, I merely laughed and got back on course. I came in behind most, ahead of a few, but most importantly, I wasn't winded.

Bike

I'm new to road biking. I bought my first road bike, a Giant OCR 3, last year to help me cross-train for the Marine Corps Marathon. Since then, I upgraded to a Felt F75. Although I'm a newbie, I feel I can hold my own on two wheels. My transition was good, but once again, in my haste, I had trouble getting clipped into my pedals. It was a temporary set-back and soon I was off and spinning. The course was 18 miles and much harder than GTN. I quickly got my legs into the race and started picking off people. I am especially fond of attacking on hills, and every hill gave up a new victim. I passed many and was only passed by one that stayed in front of me. I even got into a dual with a pack riders. We exchanged the lead two or three times, but near the end on the second lap we came to my favorite incline and I was able to spin up, while they had to stand. I gained a lot of ground. I had a fast transition to the run and away I went.

Run

My legs returned quick and I was able to pick up my pace sooner than at GTN. The run was on trails and it was very scenic. I was relaxed and once again, I was able to pick people off. Then I heard the sound of feet gaining on me. In a flash, one of the dualists from the bike leg was by me. Turns out he was an All-American runner for Millersville U. back in the 80s'. Oh well, I had my moment of glory, now he was returning the favor. Happily, he was the only one to pass me and I moved up in the standings as I caught and passed runners ahead of me. I had a strong finish and was able to raise my arms in triumph. My efforts were awarded with a third place finish in my age group: My first medal, WOOHOO!

Post Race

I'm taking it easy this week, and next weekend, instead of swimming/biking/running, I'm going fly-fishing for flounder in what has been billed as "Flounderpalooza." Of course, the guy who assigned the title is also the guy who invited me to Smallmouthpalooza" two years ago which resulted in me catching a 3" green sunfish (and since all anglers stretch the truth, you can surmise how big that green sunfish really was).