Metroplex Sprint RR - 6/13/05

Executive Summary - Metroplex Sprint (800m, 16.7m, 5K):
Swim: 12:44
T1 1:16
Bike: 43:29 (23.2 mph 5th fastest female bike split)
T2: 1:00
Run: 24:16 (7:47 pace)
Total: 1:22:47
1/8 Athena, 3/18 AG, 10/115 Female OA
Really pleased w. my bike split & overall time, almost 4 min. PR over last year.
Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/TriFilly/Metroplex05/photo#s5118347714703054818

Long Version:
For someone who is training for IM LP (in just six short weeks), I really didn't know what to expect going into this sprint. I'd done a long run (18+ miles) on Thursday and a 2.5 hour ride on Saturday (after a major bike re-fit w. the saddle raised 3/4" and handlebars dropped 1/2"), so I wasn't exactly "fresh" for yesterday's race. Despite new "fit" on bike, didn't have any issues, except my saddle which has been on-going.

Got us to the race site on time and got set up. Todd & I were set up on the same rack, which I knew would be a good indicator of how my swim went (I didn't expect his bike to be there when I got to mine). Got in my warm-up run by jogging to the bathrooms a couple times & then headed for a quick swim.

Pre-race meeting & off we go. I was in the third wave with Michelle & Todd and it was pretty rough & crowded at the buoys. But, outta the water and into T1 to find Todd's bike still there - woohoo, must've had a good swim.

Climbed on the bike & immediately realized that I MUST address the saddle issue this week. But, put the hammer down & tried the push the whole time to distract me. It worked & my quads didn't burn nearly as much as they had in my last two races, so apparently my intervals are paying off. Saw lots of teammates out there (out & back) and despite three construction areas, had no issues.

Started running w. a teammate who's had a knee injury for the last month or so, just a few yards in front of me. She's a faster runner than I am, but thought maybe today could be my day to catch her on the run - NOT! Despite her not running much, she still just ran away from me. At least she served as a good rabbit for my run & I kept her in sight the whole time (her run time was about 45 sec. faster than mine, but she was also in the wave in front of me).

Stuck around for the hardware, since both Michelle & I got some & they actually did the Relays & then Athenas - how cool that we were not the last awards like usual :)

Overall, pleased with my performance and happy that both Todd & Michelle had good races too, despite Todd's run-in w. wildlife on the bike (look for his RR later). Lots of teammates out there cheering really helped me push too. Too bad IM LP won't as flat as this course was....

Thanks for reading,
Katie