First Annual Naval Station Newport Sprint Triathlon

Today was the first Annual Sprint Triathlon put on by the Naval Station MWR.  For a first run of an event, the volunteers and race coordinators put on a great race for over 100 participants.  Many were new to triathlon and experiencing multisport racing for the first time.  It’s great to see the sport growing and newbies hooked after their first race.  I know I sure was. 

My plan was to use this race as a tune-up for the Timberman 70.3 in two weeks.  The only real goal was to have the fastest swim split.  I lined up in the front (sans wetsuit – the water was great) at 0800 for the race start after 30 minutes of warming up.  When the horn sounded I took off sprinting for the first bouy in first place.  I managed to make the first turn and then took a brief second to site the second bouy.  I couldn’t see it.  The bouys were small and white making them difficult to see.  There was no one in front of me to draft off of….I actually stopped for a brief second to find my line then took off again.  There was suppose to be a lead kayaker but she ended up behind me and not offering much help.  No worries though, I finally found the second bouy and made the turn for shore still in first place.  All the open water in front of me was a new and exciting experience.  Usually, I’m swimming over and around age groupers in front of me.  This must be what it’s like to be Andy Potts on race day.  I exited the water with the fastest swim split of the day and raced through T1.  The bike course was two out and back laps on the Defense Highway along the bay.  I found the big gears and put the hammer down, too afraid to look back and see second and third place gunning for me.  Again, an all new sensation in triathlon racing for me.  I made the first turn and started to count the seconds until I passed the pursuit riders.  I seemed to have about a 1 minute lead on second place which I mamaged to loose a little of by the end of the bike.  However, I blazed into T2 still in first place – I know crazy right? I’m not usually in this position.  As I flew out onto the run I noticed second place fly in out of the corner of my eye…maybe 30 seconds back.  I tried to quickly find a rythm and didn’t dare look back.  I hit the half way point of the out and back run and was forced to see my pursurer right on my heels – 10 seconds back.  With about a mile to go I finally heard his footsteps pounding the pavement behind me.  As he came up for the pass I tried to keep step with him, but the legs just didn’t have anymore juice.  I had led from start to about a mile to go and was finally caught.  I finished about 45 seconds behind the winner in second place.  When it was all said and done, I finished fourth overall and second in my age group.  

My running pace seemed relaxed and undercontrol.  Not exactly what I needed to win a sprint race, but the real goal is to finish Timberman strong.  Right now I think the legs will be there. 

Thanks to MWR, the race coordinators and all the volunteers who turned out a top notch race the first time out.  Post Race food included freshly made blueberry pancakes, fruit, bagels, muffins, and plenty of H20.  I’m just sorry I won’t be back next year give it another shot.

Swim – 9:28; Bike – 44:28; Run – 24:45; Total – 1:18:40

http://www.finishright.com/MULTI/2008/NAVY081.htm

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