Kirkland Triathlon at Carillon Point 2010
Life has been very busy recently, and training has not always been the top priority, but racing without due preparation was nothing new to me, so I was not too worried before my first triathlon event since I moved to Seattle. However, I have grossly underestimated the role of the geographical layout of the race course: What used to be a "hilly" course in Melbourne turned out to be a lot flatter than a "largely flat" course around western Washington State. However, although the difficult course resulted in slower times compared to what I was used to in Australia, I am happy with my placement relative to other competitors.
My swim training was the worst. My first real fresh water competitive swim was also the first time I have been in water for about 2 months. I do not like the ProClub swimming pool near work that much - why do they need to build it 25 yards long? Who the hell swims that? Why not 25 metres? And if people prefer counting in yards - no problem, just call it a 27.5 yards pool! The 2-and-a-bit metres difference are actually more significant than one might think: I have the feeling that I constantly change directions and it makes it more difficult to find a good rhythm.
The my bike preparation was not great either, but the caveat turned out to be elsewhere: The Hills. My whole understanding of the physics of time and space was turned upside down: It was a circular course, so how was that possible to always go upwards and never downwards?! Well, al least, that was how it felt. :)
The run course was, for a change, the one I that prepared the most for and it was also fairly flat (even for my standards). So I was happy with the run considering the daunting ride that preceded it.
Overall, as a result of the the difficult course I finished not as fast as I was used to in Melbourne, however everyone was affected by these difficulties, and so I am satisfied with how I placed in comparison to other competitors.
| Event: | Kirkland Triathlon at Carillon Point 2010 (18 Sep 2010) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance: | 750m / 20km / 5km (Full Sprint) |
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| Category position (male, 30-34 yrs): | 25/63 (beat 60.3%) | ||||
| Overall position: | 170/572 (beat 70.3%) | ||||
| Total time | Swim | T1 | Cycle | T2 | Run |
| 1:27:58 | 16:19 (02:10 min/100m) |
2:46 | 43:26 (21:43 min/10km) |
1:13 | 24:14 (4:51 min/km) |
I am looking forward to more hills and more races, but I think as far as triathlon goes, the weather will make me wait until the next season. In the meantime I am looking forward to discovering the local winter sports!
Comments
:) This is a really fun reflection to the Kirkland's Tri! Can't wait to read the next one!
Grade A stuff. I'm unquestinobaly in your debt.
Tom Selleck hides on picture number two. Very sneaky.
I find it really cool that you say that because most people immediately say he is the spitting image of Sasha Cohen in his most famous role to date.
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