Nashua YMCA tri

It was a hot one. It was hot and steamy. Did I mention that it was hot? The swim started at a fairly pedestrian pace, and I wound up taking the lead...this should not have been the case, as this was my second swim since last Sept...or maybe it was Aug. I cant remember for sure. Well, anyway, I have not made swimming my priority. My I came out of the water and decided to try taking off my wetsuit in the water rather than in the transition since there was a fairly lengthly run to the transition. Not sure if it saved me any time, but I definately have to work on my stripping...wetsuit stripping that is. The bike was a flattish two looper, which was pretty uneventful until the end of the second lap. I was pretty sure that we were supposed to go straight on the second lap, and the officer was directing me to the right (to repeat the loop). I had to slow down and scrub some of my time to clarify that I was going in the correct direction; but it turned out fine. The run was hot. It was very hot, and my legs were toasted. Im not sure if they had not recovered from the previous week, or they were dehydrated, or I was just tired, but I was SLOW! I think that I saw a couple of turtles meander past me (OK, Iwas not quite that slow, but it sure felt that way). It turns out that I was able to hold it together for a first overall; although a woman from Maine who races professionally on the ITU circut came in less than 25 seconds behind. Overall it was a really good race, especially for a first year event. They had some great things for the kids, including a bouncy house, and blow-up obstacle course, and a bunch of games. The only thing that they could have had was some cheaper choices of food available....but I really should not complain much about that. We were able to go swimming on the other side of the lake, and the kids seemed to have a good time. It was a pretty good father's day; and I could not have had it so good without the help of my wife (she is great!).

King Pine Tri

I did my first tri of the season on a bicycle that I finished putting together two nights before. I was sick for a week, and it was my first swim from the previous September (No more YMCA for me). Result: 5th OA with less than 30 sec out of third place. Not too shabby. I did what I wanted to, and had as good a race as I could. I felt very good on the bike, and kinda slow on the run...I wont even mention the swim. My new Titanflex was awesome! I love that bike. It feels sooooooo good to ride. I also have a new saddle that it was my first time riding with the exception of a couple minutes to get the derailleurs adjusted. It was also very nice to have the family there. It is too bad that they did not have some more activities for the kids though. I think that if the kids are going to come along, I have to find races that have stuff for them to do at the race...no point in having them be bored. Not sure if Ill race next weekend on father's day...it kind of depends on how I feel and how the week goes. There is a small race in Nashua NH which is a first year race. They are advertizing stuff for the kids to do, as well as a lake to swim in; so that would be better if the whole family decides to take the trek.

Below is the bike out. I have not even gotten my feet into my shoes yet.

King Pine tri.