This past weekend I had the opportunity
to participate in the St. George triathlon. As I was planning my
race season I knew I needed an open water race before Boise 70.3 in
June. After discussing things over with my coaches it was decided
this would be a good race to do 3 weeks before Boise. I have done
this race a couple times and haven't had a great experience there. I
love swimming in Sand Hollow, but I haven't been able to put together
a solid run on this course which is unusual for me because it is
definitely my strength. So, as I was coming into this race I just
really wanted to put together a solid race. This wasn't an A race
for me...just a preparation race so I didn't really have any
expectations. Coach told me it was a long tempo day for me.
I made plans with good friend and
teammate, Laura, to go down with our families and make a fun weekend
of it which is always fun! I also knew several friends who were
doing this race as well and I looked forward to seeing so many people
out on the course. I made my strategy for the race with the coaches
and learned a little more strategy on my ride down in terms of the
course.
We arrived to Sand Hollow Friday
afternoon to find some wind. Heath, Laura, Carlee, and I put in a
700 swim and I remembered how much I loved swimming in this lake! If
only Utah Lake could be half as clear! Laura and I had the
traditional Cafe Rio dinner and went to the condo to ensure we had
everything set out. Race morning would come early!
The conditions for this race were
downright PERFECT! No wind, good temperatures, and good
competition....my favorite! This race brings in so many people! We got to the race early and got a good
spot in transition. I really focused on what my race was going to
look like today. There were so many friends to talk with that it
made pre-race a lot of fun and I wasn't full of stress and worry.
The water temperature was perfect....I
really wanted to put together a good swim as it was my weakness. I
felt great in the swim and felt like I was moving a good pace. I
spotted well and came out several minutes faster then last
year...good motivation rolling into the bike. I was excited to bike
on the new race wheels Coach had set me up with the week before the
race. Can I just say...I loved them! I am so excited to ride on
them this year! I nailed the bike right where I wanted to and came
off the bike feeling good. Now it was time to conquer the past run
experiences on this course and put together something good. As I ran
out of transition I heard Colleen shout some words of encouragement
and then passed Sarah to hear more words that rang in my head the
entire run! I just really focused on what I had heard as I ran out
of transition from them and kept a smile on my face. The turn around
came quickly and at that time I knew I was going to put together a
good run and push it to the end. It was so great high fiving
friends, and shouting words of encouragement as I was out on the run.
I was really enjoying myself!
As I ran up the hill to the finish line
I knew I had given it all I had that day and gave myself 5 seconds to
walk before finishing that last hill and ran to the finish.
I finished much faster then in previous
years and received 3rd overall and winner of age group!
One valuable lesson I learned....walking for just 5 seconds can cost
you 2nd overall. There was only .5 seconds between me and
the 2nd place finisher. I love a race with good
competition, friendly teammates, and great weather. This was one of
the funnest races I have done and I continue to learn so much in the
race of triathlon.
A special thanks to our sponsors:
TriEdge, Flexr Sports, HEAD, Gu, and Bearpaw for helping make my
races great!
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