Cascade Race Report:

 

Well, for my first tri this was quite an experience. I went in with the mindset of just finishing. Yes, I am hooked! It rained as everyone set up in the transition area and it was a bit chilly, but by the time we hit the water it had stopped. The wetsuit helped keep me warm of course.

 

The swim was a short .31 mile and my first in open water. Between all the flailing arms and legs, my own adrenaline, and bad technique I lost time. I never felt comfortable in the water as I would in the pool so I need some advice on where to swim open water around Frederick. I could use the practice. I was also dizzy when I came out of the water even though I used ear plugs. I wonder if hydration was an issue though I felt I was hydrated enough. Once out of the water we had to run up a steep grassy grade to T1. The water did not smell as I had heard.

 

T1 was definitely a challenge for me as a first timer. Putting on socks with wet feet after I yanked the wetsuit off was interesting. But, once I got my bike stuff on I was out of T1 and felt better. I think I will leave the socks for the run!

 

The bike course was 15 miles with rolling hills. A couple of steep grades further into the course had my legs screaming for mercy, but I had fun. I passed a guy at the base of one hill and he was wearing a “Savage Man” jersey and I said to him this hill should be a piece of cake. He admitted that he had a flat at last year’s race. He eventually blew by me on the hill, but I caught him and passed him on the run.

 

T2 was a bit faster and I got on the run course rather quick. The sun was shining and it was warming up. There is a fine art to throwing all your gear around! Ha!

 

The run started with a very steep down hill start. It was a relatively flat double loop run and the end was back up the steep grade thru the finish line.

 

Results are here if you are interested: http://www.piranha-sports.com/Results/EntryDetail.aspx?RegistrationID=7328 I registered as Clydesdale, but have since dropped below 200 lbs.

 

Next race event for me is the Killington, VT Sprint on July 4th!

 

AND CONGRATS TO ANNE! YOU DID IT!

 

David Warner