Barbara Feinstein's Race Reports
5/21/16 - First tri of the season...a sprint under cool conditions. I've done this one in the past but overall or age group placement has been out of reach. So, my goal for this race - as the oldest in the age group, earn a podium spot and improve over last year's time. My goals were met under less than ideal conditions (but better than originally anticipated). Original predictions was for rain all day, but the rain held out, but cloudy, cool weather prevailed.
Water was about 60 degrees putting me in a full wetsuit, neoprene cap and booties (I get chilled very easily). 1/2 mile swim (my weak link) - official time of 15:39 - 33 seconds faster than last year. I was the 21st woman out of the water (75th overall). I had work to do. A slower than normal T1 chalked up to my watch getting stopped with wetsuit removal, sunglasses needed wiping due to heavy drips from wet hair, and a little out of practice - won't make those mistakes again.
Bike - listed as 16 miles, but was actually 15 miles. I did not have race wheels on since they hadn't been put on and gearing adjusted for them. But, I did opt to wear my new Rudy Project Aero Helmet (which I loved!).An out and back with a false flat on the way out, more downhillish with a few slight climbs and then had to work a little harder on the way back to maintain desired pace despite the slight climbing. Worked at keeping cadence close to 90 (average was 87). I made up some time on the bike, with the 6th fastest female/45th overall bike split (21 seconds faster than last year). T2 was fairly quick as other than changing shoes everything else was done as I ran out of transition.
Run - 4 miles, basically flat. My legs and left knee (has old meniscus tear) were protesting a bit for about 1 1/2 miles, but I pushed through and worked a bit with a friend, encouraging each other to run the competition down. The run is my best event so I always leave something behind on the bike to allow for a good run. My run time of 28:18 (7:05 average) was 41 seconds faster than last year. I was the 2nd fastest female/24th overall.
I was pleased to finish 38th overall, 6th woman, 1st in the 45 - 49 Age Group.
Thanks to my husband taking some photos and video, I got to see myself in action and have some pics to share.
Comments
Been watching your training on Strava and you have really been working! Looks like the Work worked coming 1st in your AG!!
Running that 7:05 pace at the end shows a lot of toughness indeed!!!
Way to represent and hold that line!
Congratulations!
SS