First Capital Sprint Triathlon Recap
Warm-up strokes as the sun comes up over the lake.
This past Saturday, July 21st was the first installment of the Guthrie First Capital Sprint Triathlon. I have to be upfront in saying that I am not an avid triathlete (hope to become one) or a knowledgable one as well. After my chip beeped crossing the finish line I was able to say I have completed two Sprint Tri’s. This experience far exceeded the previous.
For this event to have been the first of its title, it concluded as if it had been going for 10 years. The event staff, volunteers, timing company, Police Officers, spectators, first responders, transition attendants, parking crew, and the porta-potty company all did an excellent job. The only complaint was stickers in the grass while trying to walk to the lake shore, minor though.
The course was incredible, starting with a triangular 500M swim from shoreline to boat ramp. the water was calm(well before 200 people started flailing around), a little warm almost like bath water. There were 3 waves; Men, Women, and Special Consideration. All spread 3 minutes apart. Not being a terribly confident swimmer I was satisfied with a 11 minute split.
After climbing out of the water we mounted up and headed south of the lake for a 12.5 mile out and back cycle. Again this being my second tri to compete in(and I compete lightly) I ride a Trek hybrid, not entirely meant for speed and agility, more like comfort and cruising. I felt as though I was holding my own for a while until I was getting creamed by much better technology and torque ability. Although I was seeing multiple back tires, I knew in my head that I would see these cats again. I knew I would make up good ground in the run, that being my comfort. The bike course was a great and challenging course. Multiple hills, smooth pavement, a few no passing zones due to road construction, and the rush of interstate traffic beneath you. A Great Course!!
Approaching second transition was a beautiful 100 meter downhill glide. Dismount, bike racked and headed North from the lake into a slightly hilly neighborhood. I was feeling very good at this point. I love 5K’s and this was my joy now. I was in my element. I started seeing the backs of people who had blown up dust in my face in the previous leg and now I was quickly approaching their heals. I started picking them off one by one(definitely the guy in the speedo, tired of seeing that). I made my 1.55 trip out and then picked up the pace coming back in, it was pretty much all downhill at that point as I opened up my gate and and once again picked off a handful or so more competitors and crossed the finished at 1:22:30 completely satisfied.
Post Race sporting my icedot snap
Following the race there was plenty of food and drink. They were also offering it to the spectators, something you rarely see. All and all a great event and I can only imagine what kind of response they will get in the years to come. Looking forward to my next tri. I was also very thankful for my fantastic family being there to support me, it was a great day!!
I would love to know if any of you were there and what your experience was like?
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