Grand Rapids Triathlon!

Well another race was in the books this past Sunday. The Grand Rapids triathlon was a success story for me. It was not as stacked with competition as I though it would be, BUT it played out in the end for me pretty well. Taking first out of 400 some competitors, but that is male and female all together. Let me break down the race for you overall :)

The swim portion was the same as everytime. Left me scratching my head as always. Still trying to figure out how to transfer my practice swim into my race pace. I am always slower in races then I am in the practice open swims. I started the swim off pretty slow, but as soon as I hit that first bouy my stroke was just fantastic.. then after the last turn home bouy, I was pulling as if a shark was chasing me. I came out of the water with a 1:40 cadence and in 14th place. Had a 200 meter run to get to the transition, but I made it work.

The bike portion was a solid performance and I knew right after the turn around that the race was mine. I let up on the hammering and just cruised in a little bit. I did the 20k bike in just above 30 minutes. I took the lead at about the 3.5 mile marker and had another motorcycle escort. It was a pretty amazing feeling to be in that position again.

Coming into the transition off of the bike I had a great feeling of anxiety when I heard people shouting for me. Sends chills all the way down your legs and an amazing feeling with out a doubt. Leaving the transition I had to let out a huge "Hooooray" for the people cheering for me. Then off to the run I was feeling strong and confident with my running. Turning in a 5:30 for the 1st mile and then realized the LEAD I had coming in after the 1st mile. Coming into the 2.5 mile mark I seen more supporters and they were rooting for me. The tingly sensation came back in my legs, so I had to sprout a big ol smile for the remainder of the run. Coming across the finish line and being able to hold the banner up was something I have never done that before.

At the end of the race I was the winner of roughly 3 minutes. My swim time was a 9:59 for 600 meter, 30:30ish for a 20k bike, and then a 17:40 for a 5k.. Also won a whomping 300 bucks and a new wet suit.. Overall the race was well supported and well organized! Syracuse should be a very interesting race. Feeling pretty dang good about my body!