(My title for this report was inspired by Anne Haug -if you don’t know who she is, you should- who at the pro meeting, after we greeted each other, hugged etc… looked at me puzzled and said “Are you racing?”)
When the 2013 season was in the planning phase, both Clint and I felt that I should try to add a couple Olympic distance races to my plan, mostly as good strong sessions for my Ironman and 70.3 races. With this, we also decided to focus a little more on speed and intensity in general.
St Anthony’s Triathlon hit my radar because of its proximity to St. Croix (it is literally on the way) and because I could use the race as part of my race prep, to acclimatize etc. And so it was decided.
And then everybody else decided to go as well.
The race had the strongest field I have raced in outside of Kona. And it was short-course strong, not long-course strong, and definitely not in my comfort zone. Going in, I knew I would be completely out of my element, and there was every chance that I could have a good race and finish last.
Paradoxically and for some unknown reason, I was very excited to do the race. I really enjoy racing Olympic distance. If the race starts at 7, you can be done before breakfast! It’s a different kind of hurt, its fast and furious, and the possibility of making a fool of myself notwithstanding, I was pumped.
Race morning brought blustering winds and big waves. The swim was crazy. Huge swells. After our wave of pro women went through they shortened the course for safety reasons. It was a wise choice but I am also glad I got to do the whole course. I like waves.
Despite the choppy seas, I somehow came out of the water with the girls I expected to swim with and even a couple that are usually a little faster. It was a good start.
The bike and the run were… ummm… a bike and run. I was pleased to have girls around me the whole time. Even though I was minutes back from the lead, I had girls in front of me and behind me to race against. I had a race on my hands! I overtook a couple girls, a couple overtook me. I felt ok, but not on fire. I finished 24th out of 30-something that started, 10mins back from the winner. My race was strong and steady but I definitely felt like I was missing my top gear. It may have been the travel or the heat/humidity or both that stole my edge. I’m not 100% sure and I don’t really need to know.
Last year at this time I couldn’t have conceived of pitting myself against 30+ ITU speedsters. I feel satisfied that I have made enough progress to get to this point. I had a “meh” day and still did ok. And so, I’m going to call it a success. St. Anthony’s triathlon- check.
St. Petersburg is a wonderful place and I would definitely like to return. The town is quaint with its little shops and restaurants and the beach is beautiful. It was definitely the nicest part of Florida I’ve ever seen! I had a wonderful homestay with Janna and Sean Black (thanks guys!) and the race treats the pros very well. It was fun to see my girl Megan and race alongside her (perhaps for the first time?) and a relaxed trip to the beach on Monday capped off a great weekend (thanks Martina!).
Now I sit in Miami airport awaiting a flight to one of my favourite places and races. St. Croix here I come!
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| Post-race beach lunch! |
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| Fish tacos! Yum! |
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