I knew this race was going to be
fast. There were a lot of points on the
line for Hy-Vee and the race was fast last year with a stacked field. However, the level of competition pushed the
pace of this race above and beyond anything I expected. Fortunately, I went about 6:00 faster
than I went at this same race in 2010.
Unfortunately, I finished 8 places lower and finished 21st.
My overall finish was something
that I was a bit disappointed with. I was a little off on the swim that put me in a tough position on the
bike. I did all that I could to make up
the time I lost on the swim during the early part of the bike and I paid for it
later in the bike leg when I felt like I was going backwards. I ended up having a much better run than I
thought I would have; especially after what was a poorly paced bike effort and
of course the long lay off from running that was due to my glut injury.
This was a tough race to go to for
my first race of the year; but, as usual, I learned a lot. I still feel as if I am pretty new to
triathlon, although this is my 3rd year, and I still think
that I learn something valuable every time I race. I am looking forward to racing again next
weekend in Knoxville, TN for my first Rev3 race. I am fortunate enough to get to spend the
week with my homestay and friend Todd Fedyszyn in St. Petersburg for the
week. Maybe do some sailing and paddle
boarding while relaxing and recovering from this race and getting ready for the
next one.
