Cartagena report
You know, EN was the winner of the Division 1 tri-clubs at this race... Wow!
Quick info for those wanting to go in the future:
1. Don't plan on practicing on the course. Swimming in the bay was not looked upon kindly and is potentially dangerous due to the marina. riding your bike is nuts in the city streets.... running around in the heat the week before the race is not a good idea
2. The swim course buoys were difficult to distinguish...
3. do not push on the bike heading out but maintain the same power. My power started and ended the same but my speed went from 14 mph in the wind to 30 mph coming back. Gatorade bottles were stiff and not great for drinking from
4. plan on a hot run. bring salt tabs and EFS for adequate hydration...
My race:
it was fun! I was the only one in my age group so I took extra time to pee and let people pass me on the bike who were acting crazy. I did not eat much prior to race but drank a lot prior to and during the bike. The swim was tough as it was hot water... and coming back was against the current. I could not see feet but managed to jam my finger on someone's foot while kicking.
I loved the bike. It as so hard to stay patient going out against the wind! but it was so rewarding zipping back like a pro to T2.
I improved my position in the group quite a bit on the run. My overall rank after getting off the bike was about 811 and at the end of the run about 670 so you can do the math and tell I passed about 140 people on the run!
I was able to beat the group below me by about 30 minutes and almost beat the AG below them (winner I think was 6:04 and I was 6:07). Experience and racing the EN way really made a big difference.
I really like competition so I was super pleased to have beaten the times of my juniors. It's hard not to get stupid out there, especially if you are only racing yourself... It was great fun and a good lesson on keeping my head in the game!
Highlight of the trip? going to dinner with Juan Vergara and his family and seeing awesome Juan del Mar singing and eating gourmet pizza! Cool!
Quick info for those wanting to go in the future:
1. Don't plan on practicing on the course. Swimming in the bay was not looked upon kindly and is potentially dangerous due to the marina. riding your bike is nuts in the city streets.... running around in the heat the week before the race is not a good idea
2. The swim course buoys were difficult to distinguish...
3. do not push on the bike heading out but maintain the same power. My power started and ended the same but my speed went from 14 mph in the wind to 30 mph coming back. Gatorade bottles were stiff and not great for drinking from
4. plan on a hot run. bring salt tabs and EFS for adequate hydration...
My race:
it was fun! I was the only one in my age group so I took extra time to pee and let people pass me on the bike who were acting crazy. I did not eat much prior to race but drank a lot prior to and during the bike. The swim was tough as it was hot water... and coming back was against the current. I could not see feet but managed to jam my finger on someone's foot while kicking.
I loved the bike. It as so hard to stay patient going out against the wind! but it was so rewarding zipping back like a pro to T2.
I improved my position in the group quite a bit on the run. My overall rank after getting off the bike was about 811 and at the end of the run about 670 so you can do the math and tell I passed about 140 people on the run!
I was able to beat the group below me by about 30 minutes and almost beat the AG below them (winner I think was 6:04 and I was 6:07). Experience and racing the EN way really made a big difference.
I really like competition so I was super pleased to have beaten the times of my juniors. It's hard not to get stupid out there, especially if you are only racing yourself... It was great fun and a good lesson on keeping my head in the game!
Highlight of the trip? going to dinner with Juan Vergara and his family and seeing awesome Juan del Mar singing and eating gourmet pizza! Cool!
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