Year 2.
This event is held at the Denton Aqautics Center. Since this event last year, I've raced at this venue several times, including the Monster Denton Tri, Best of the Best Tri, Wildfire Half. As a result, the course and venue are familiar.
The format today: 250 yard swim, 12 mile bike, 5k run.
My times have been improving lately, and, I have wanted that to continue today.
I was out the door by 5:15 to allow for commute, prep, and transition set up prior to 7 o'clock start time.
Swim: I felt great for the 1st 50 yards. I encountered no traffic and felt strong. Then, like last year, I ran into traffic. I'm not sure why the swim is so congested at this race. At one point, I got to the wall and there were 5 people there. 5! 5:38 for 250 yards. Slightly better than last year, but, slow due to traffic.
Bike: I wanted to put the hammer down on the bike, as this should be my strong suit and it was only 12 miles. I got out quickly and noticed that my mile splits were north of 20 mph. I felt great. I made the turn and headed back and was maintaining a pace near 20 mph. I suspect I passed 20 - 30 cyclists. I felt good. The last 2 miles were slightly slower, but, a good bike leg, and, much faster than last year.
A quick transition, and, off to...
Run: my run pace in tris has been improving of late. I wanted today to be the same. However, I was a little stiff getting off the bike and it was quite humid. I started a slow and steady run. I picked it up for the last mile and sprinted the last few hundred yards. 9:26 / mile. Meh. Although, much better than last year.
Last year, in this event, I clocked a 1:21:20, plus a 2 minute penalty. I really wanted today to be in the 1:15's...and...it was. 1:15:59. I'll take it. I certainly could have been better on the run, but, overall, good day. Almost 6 minutes faster than last year (8 if you factor in 2 minute penalty).
I'm still not a fast guy, especially for my AG, but, I'm improving.
Nice
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