Race season has begun! I have had two great races on back to back weekends to kick off my 2009 season!
The first race was Saturday April 4th on the Oregon State University Campus (The Beaver Freezer Sprint Triathlon). I really love this race because:
1- its the first race of the season and I am just itching to get out and let loose
2- i used to be a lard-ass when i attended that university my freshman year...ahhh the memories!
This year was my second time racing the Freezer and last year it lived true to its name as I charged into transition in third place, right behind the others, only to have my hands so cold and frozen that i could not grasp or feel the buckle to get my helmet off. I spent and extra 1min 30sec in T2!! I finished second last year and was disappointed to not at least have a chance to try and run with Nathan Smith for the victory. Well this year not only have i been improving on my swim and bike, but I also practiced grasping and memorizing where my helmet buckle is in case i ever have numb hands again.
The weather turned out great (clear blue skies and in the 50's the entire race). I came out of the 500yard swim in 6:59 (28 second improvement over last years place) and about 9 seconds of that includes run from the pool to the timing mat outside. Again this year I felt good on the bike and worked my way up to 3rd place coming into T2. Nick Alden was leading the race at that point, and Jared Wilson was right in front of me. I had a great transition but still exited t2 behind Jared and in 3rd. We quickly caught and past Alden, but I could not match Jared's speed as he zipped through the 3lap 5k run course in 16:42. I was able to hold a strong and steady 17:19 ( a pr off the bike and 2nd fastest run of the day) to finish 2nd overall. Nathan Smith ran strong into third place to round out the podium.
results here
On April 11th, I went to defend my Spring Classic Duathlon title from last year. I have to admit I was a little nervous before the race, especially see Jay Cech show up (one of the fastest athletes I know in the area). Dave Campbell (another fast and respectable multisport athlete in the region) recaps the day better than I can on this Racecenter.com blog
I just want to say I had a blast and really really really felt on fire on Saturday. I think that is probably the strongest and fastest I have felt since I started competing in endurance sports four years ago. The good new is I am not tapered yet! Huge thanks to Pops, my biggest fan, for supporting me andcheering me on at both races. You make a great "Tri-Caddy" Dad!
Thanks to my wife, Kelsey, for being extra supportive this year. And all my family and friends who find their way out to spectate at the races and those who cheer from far away. I know its not the most interesting or spectator friendly sport but I work my butt off to be the best I can. I appreciate your appreciation for that!
Next up Wildflower Half Iron!
