I'm finally returning to the site of my first triathlon... again. Last year it was cancelled just before the swim start due to storms. Can't say I was that disappointed because it was snowing a few weeks earlier. I know, I know... stop complaining about the weather. I did my ironman with temps starting in the mid-30s.
So my goals? Top 10 age group for sure. Top 10% age group even better (assuming less than 100 participants in my age group). Considering my recent marathon focus, my focus on cycling training hasn't been the priority over the previous four months and I have a feeling it will show compared to the others in my age group. I'm still going to try to crush it nonetheless. My run should shine and my swimming should see some major gains this year. On Sunday I did an Open Water Swim (OWS) with Kevin and Kristen. While the water was very turbulent, I felt like my stroke was keeping form. Even at Wednesday's supported OWS (put on by Coach Ken and Midwest Triathlon Coaching), my form felt pretty spot on compared to a pool. It helped that the water was extremely calm.
Swim: 1:40 / 100 meters : 25 minutes
Bike: 22.5 mph : 1 hour, 7 minutes
Run: 6:45 pace : 42 minutes
Transitions: 3 minutes
Total: 2 hours, 16 minutes
Looking at that, it would put me in a top 5 age group place based on the last time this course was completed (2012). In 2012, this was one of the first races in the WTC 5150 series, so the competition was much higher. It's no longer part of that series. The bike goal may be rather lofty considering my comments above.
While many are complaining about the weather, I'm taking it as a good thing to keep me from overheating.
All that being said, this race will set me up for my "A" race in August, the Chicago Triathlon. It will be my baseline to improve upon over the next 3 months. A 2:16 finish would be over a 20 minute PR at this distance. I'm stoked about the challenge!
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