Xterra O.N.E.

Sunday was the Xterra Tri at Westbranch State Park. It was a 1/2 mile swim, 11 or 12 mile mountain bike, then a 4.5 mile trail run. It was a perfect morning to hold a race. The start of the swim was crazy for me. I tried to swim in front the whole time but I started to swim off course. But I quickly went back into my straight line toward the turn around buoy. The whole swim I was in-between 5-7 place. I felt like I had a strong swim and I was excited to run into transition to start mountain biking. In order to get to transition, the racers had to exit the water on a VERY slippery boat ramp. So instead of running out of the water, everyone was walking like turtles so that they wouldn't slip. Also, we set our mountain bike shoes right after we exited the water because it was a long uphill run to transition. Once I got to T1, all I had to do was slip on my helmet and glasses and go. I had a fast T1 mainly because I already had my shoes on before I entered. Once on the bike course, I felt like I was really doing good. At this point I was in about 5th or 6th overall. The bike course was the Westbranch Mountain Bike Race course backwards. About 10 minutes or so into the bike, I heard bikes coming up behind me. At this point I was just trying not to get a flat tire because the whole course is roots and rocks. As the bike went on, I was passed by 5 or 6 people I would have to say. I did not freak out though. I kept calm and just focused on getting through without a flat. I ended up finishing the bike and probably had one of my fastest transitions ever. I already had my feet out of my shoes before I entered the transition area. Once I had my running shoes on, I sprinted out of transition and right off the bat, I caught and passed 3 of the racers that passed me on the bike. The run course was very fun. Lots of rocks and uphills. About 2 miles into the run, I started catching all the racers that passed me and even guys that were in front of me the whole race. I felt like I was running the trails faster than I was riding them on the bike. I kept my breathing in control and kept myself cool when the heat started. I poured water over me and drank at both aid stations. Once I finished I figured I was going to be maybe in the top 5, but when I crossed the line, I only saw two other finishers. I did end up finishing 3rd overall. I was very surprised, but very happy at the same time. I was surprised because I did not do good at all on the mountain bike and guys were flying past me left and right. I am glad that I still had the legs to finish the race with a good run though.

Dad raced awesome as well. He said he had a great swim. By the way the water was about 80 degrees, so wetsuits were not allowed. We both decided that wetsuits on shorter swims like that will actually slow us down because it will take so long to strip in transition. But we will need them in longer swims of course. Dad had a great swim and he also said his bump in the race was the bike. The last mountain bike we both did was Westbranch two years ago. So that just shows you how much we've been on the mountain bikes. After Dad's bike, he felt like he was running faster than he was riding as well. He said he felt great on the run and his result showed it. He finished 14th overall and 1st in his AG. Awesome job Dad and I hope all my teammates did good this weekend at the TOV.

Later days.