Issaquah Sprint Triathlon 05/31/2009
I got my 2009 Triathlon Season off to a fast start with the Issquah Sprint Triathlon. I always like to jump in a sprint race a couple weeks before my first big race of the season in this case that will be Boise 70.3 in two weeks.  Moving into 1st in AG into T1 passing slower swimmers in earlier waves.  Heading out of T1 onto the bike I ran out stripping off my suit and quickly passed the leader in my AG during transition. I was first out of T1 by 10 seconds. I had a quick running mount onto my bike and was quickly into my shoes. I quickly got up to speed and then I came to a screeching slowdown. There is nearly a mile at the beginning and end of the bike which is a "no pass" or restricted pass zone and this is where the no elite wave really hurt as I was stuck behind riders from the earlier waves who were slow. When I hit the pile up I was about 20 seconds up and then I was joined by a couple others in my AG as we slowing made out way through the limited pass zone. I traded the AG lead with fellow AG racer Tony Gerbino who I have raced a few times previously but have never beaten. We were quickly making our way through the maze of slower riders from the others in the earlier waves. I finished up the ride in 35:35 (25.29 mph avg.) the 11th fastest bike split overall. Many probably though a locomotive was coming as we were both riding with disc wheels and we were moving fast. We were slowed again as came back to the park. Tony and I had side by side high speed running dismounts and had to do some cyclocross style with our bikes to get around slower participants in transition. I had a solid T2 but struggled with getting one of my shoes on. Quickly out and about 5 seconds down to Tony. I quickly got into my easy rhythm and was continuing to dodge slower runners on the tight twisty and uneven trail run. At about half way Tony made a move and with all the twists and turns I lost sight of him and he put a little time on me. It was tough but I continued to run strong and finished well finishing the run in 18:21 (6:07 mile pace) and the 17th fastest run split. Overall I fninshed up in 1:01:20, 2nd in my Age Group (and 2nd Male Master as well) and 10th Overall.  Finishing Strong with 100 yds to go. This placing was both nice and a little disappointing. It was disappointing in the sense that if I hadn't been slowed by all the slower waves on the bike I very likely would have won my AG and may very well moved up several places in the overall. I don't think a race should be sanctioned by the USAT if it can't provide a "fair" opporunity to race and compete for all athletes and clearly those in the first couple of waves had an advantage. After the race I watched a bit of the Kids triathlon which was really funny but great to see all these little kids out there giving it there all. All in all it was a good day and I feel good heading into Boise 70.3 in two weeks. More to come in the two weeks from Boise!! CommentsLeave a Reply | 2010 Race ScheduleIssaquah Sprint Tri
Ironman Boise 70.3 Mountain to Sound Relay - Solo Whirlpool Ironman 70.3 Steelhead Beaver Lake Sprint Tri Grand Columbian Half Iron Longhorn Ironman 70.3 Austin Ironman Western Australia 2009 Race SceduleCapitol City Half Marathon 10th OA/2nd AG 1:22:46 2008 Race ResultsKirkland Half Marathon 1:25:27 2nd AG/10th OA ArchivesSeptember 2009 |
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