This last Saturday I opened up my 2013 season in San Diego. The race was a draft-legal open race called the Tritonman. It was the first ever draft-legal collegiate race (the NCAA is considering making draft-legal triathlon a sanctioned sport... too bad I already used up all my eligibility!) and it was put on entirely by the UCSD Tri Club. All that considered, it was a pretty well-run race.
It had been a long, cold winter, and I was very excited to get out and take the Lambo for a spin. It was super early to get up at 4:45 (I miss ITU races... 3 PM start time? Hells yeah!) but since I was so excited I was pretty much already awake. With my brother Andrew, his fiance Heather, and my sister Libbie I had quite a cheering section, even during my warmup!
It was a super chilly morning, and I didn't happen to bring my man-Uggs (yes, I have man-Uggs... no, not the boots, the slippers...) so after I'd warmed up and put my wetsuit on, I had to stand around while my feet got numb. Fortunately, the water was warmer than the air (which is not to say it was warm water!) so I did a swim warmup and got ready to go.
My only real complaint about this race was the start. The website had listed a beach start, so I was mentally and physically prepared for that. However, when we got to the start, they announced that it was an in-water start... or at least this was the first I'd heard of that. On top of that, we were supposed to line up between two buoys... but a bunch of dudes just went way to the left and got a better line! There was no official out there to tell them they couldn't! Ok, done ranting...
The swim was just not good. It was cold water, I'm not used to using a wetsuit, I don't think I warmed up enough, but it the end I just didn't perform. I came out 8th and we were way strung out behind the leaders. 30 seconds back.
Getting onto the bike was odd with numb feet (am I strapped in or not?? I can't tell!!) but once I got with a group of about 4 other guys... well... it was chaos. Now I realize this was a lot of these guys' first DL race, but I was getting very frustrated with them.
Dear Guys in My Group,
Sorry for cussing so much.
Sincerely, Sam.
A couple guys basically took turns attacking, trying to bridge solo to the first group of 3 guys. Now for those who don't know, 30 seconds behind a well-organized group is a REALLY large gap to bridge by yourself. We might have stood a chance if we worked together, but nobody wanted to until the second lap. I settled in, and didn't overwork as our group grew from catching some and being caught by some. Going into the run I was feeling good, but my feet were still numb... 2 minutes back. (Yeah, the lead group was hammering it)
The run was solid. Actually, it was the fastest I've ever run off the bike. I kept my turnover high and drove my elbows. I ended up coming in 12th, with a 16:50 5k off the bike. That's 1:25 faster than Clermont, which was roughly a year ago!
All in all, it was a decent first race. I give it a B- on the whole. It was good to shake the rust off, and I am glad I made these mistakes here and not in Florida in a couple weeks. Until next time, FOLLOW THE PACE RABBIT!
