Karen 70.3IM Princeton
HI Coaches,
EN also grabbed a 3rd place in the old lady category (60-65)!!! Yahoo!
Princeton was a great venue, beautiful bike ride, GREAT volunteers
Observations:
1. The exit of the swim, the dock juts out into the water and poses a problem if you don't know it's there.....yes.....I ran into it
. Water tem a cozy 70 and wet suits were allowed. The swim is marked the entire way with a lane marker.....they use this venue for crew training and it's marked which is great if the swim makes you a little nervous. I'm really comfortable in the swim and I didn't need it but I thought it was a great thing for those that are a little nervous.
2.The bike is 57.6 miles instead of 56. The course is first 8 miles of flat, followed by 40 miles of rolling (easy) hills and ends flat. Beautiful course, 48 turns......I saw a few wipe outs as the turns were severe. It was well marked with lots of volunteers.....I didn't wipe out 
3. Parking was a nightmare!!!! It took over 40 minutes to park......many folks missed their wave as the race started on time. I made my start. Those who missed their wave started in a different wave. I'm not sure if they were able to switch their start time.
All in all a really nice race! Weather was perfect 70 and overcast!
My race: I was happy with the swim and my bike. Again, coming off the bike and running was a problem. Hamstring cramps for the first 3 miles but calmed down a bit as the miles rolled on. I'm not sure why I'm still having problems. This transition I practice EVERYTIME I ride. I can say it is getting a little better but still happens and is totally annoying. I was patient on the bike and did what I practiced and knew I could do. It as tempting to "go for it" as the course is a fast course. But, I know the run is my struggle and I wanted to nail it. I wasn't able to "nail it" and was only suffering the expected amount. I think if I can figure out the cramping issue, I'll be able to execute the run better.
So, that's it for me.
Thanks for getting me to the finish line and I brought home some bling to boot!!!
Karen
Comments
Took me 25 minutes to park too! Think they just needed more volunteers cause they have plenty of room for parking.
I loved the swim too and ended up following the rowing buoys on the way in. I knew about the ramp as I've done other races in park.
Bike course is nice except the first / last 6-7 miles of road conditions.
Pretty good job considering an inaugural event.
Congrats again!
Thanks......how was your race?
Was able to achieve PB with 5:21, had best HM of all 7 Half Irons I did at 1:46