K-Town Triathlon

I don't normally do race reports, and I really don't need to now after reading A.W.'s. It seems we were a minute apart all the way through the race. He was the guy behind me at the finish line that I told "thank god you don't kick at the end, I was toast!"

However, this was my first year at the long course after 6 years of success at the short course (a few age group plaques), and the longest race I have ever done, so I am compelled to write in. The race went well, I had hoped to be under four hours and would have been really happy to be under 3:45. So my time of 3:46:51 with a bathroom stop was encouraging.

I did learn some things though, and my race report is more about sharing those things;

1. When you are told to slow down on a wet bridge, slow down. I did and got across just fine
2. When you are used to finishing at the front of the short course, and you finish in the middle of the long race, relax, your ego takes a quick hit 'till you realize what you just accomplished by going that distance.
3. After awhile, energy gels are not easily digestible. I'll need to figure that out for next year.
4. If you see a port-a-potti at the turn around and think "do I need that or not?" you probably do and you should stop then and take advantage!
5. If you disregard #4 above the doors to Portsmouth Olympic Harbour are open on sunday morning, about 4kms later (thank goodness)
6. Volunteers are always worthy of our thanks. Volunteers who stand out in a storm for hours are saints!
7. Rain pellets hitting your body at 40 km/hr sting, but you still have to laugh that you're out there riding in it.
8. Paul Monroe thinks the red disc wheel on my bike is really ugly (I think he may be right....)
9. After exchanging funny comments and smiles with countless others on the bike and run, I learn again that in general, triathletes are a pretty fun bunch.
10. It's never that wavy at the pool!

In closing, Thanks to Mike and Joe, and all of the volunteers for the great food, great venue, super atmosphere and the great day. This is my favourite race of the year, and every year I am reminded why. Again, if you have never made the drive to do this race, try it once and you'll be back year after year.

See you all next year