It was another smaller race and the possibility of hardware was there, giving a push comparable to the flood-stage river. What I wasn't counting on was my sighting technique, or lack thereof. Coasting with a current isn't enough to keep you on track, and after a substantial veer to the right (and the struggle to get back where I belonged), I shamefully climbed out on the beach with a swim time a good two minutes longer than it needed to be.
A quick T1 and I was off. On the map the bike course had a moderate climb for the first four miles or so, but it felt more like normal rollers. It's a nice change of pace when hills are not as bad as you anticipate. Not much to write home about this bike--pace was one of my highest, and I was only passed once.
One of my longstanding short-term goals stuck in my brain throughout this run: "9 minute miles". When I hit the quarter-mile cliff-of-a-hill about halfway through I wondered if it was still possible, but..."9 minute miles". The results page posted after my finish gave me 8:27 miles, and I took it with a smile. So why I look so uptight in this photo I'll never know:
In the end I was 3rd in my Age Group, missing 2nd by three seconds and first by 30 seconds. Stupid swim.
Beautiful weather, great volunteers, fun ride in the river (just watch where you're going), scenic bike and fast run....I'll be back.
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