Race 11: 2009 Sanman Triathlon

Date: August 2nd, 2009
Distance: .75 Mile Swim, 13 Mile Bike, 4 Mile Run

I was determined not to allow the swim to dictate my race to me again this year at sea cliff state beach for the 24th Annual sandman triathlon. I knew that if I was able to make it though the swim while keeping my cool, I could let my bike and run throw me across the finish line with a much improved time over last year. The water this year was just as cold as last, but at least I was ready for it. After a few of my races being in the ocean or San Francisco bay, I knew what to expect, and how to deal with the challenges. Unfortunately, my sighting was still not the best, and navigating myself though a small later of fog between the buoys was difficult. Good thing there were some lifeguards on paddle boards there to help me out and send me in the right direction, otherwise the 23 and a half minute swim might have been much longer! My plan worked though, and I came out of the water ready to tackle the next two disciplines head on.

I was mentally more ready for the bike that year, although that may have lead to my slower than usual average MPH. I knew there were going to be lots of hills, and I reserved my energy to make sure I could make strong successful climbs. This only meant that during any of the flat portions of the race where I could have build speed, I instead kept myself in easy gears making sure I still had plenty left in the tank for the 4 mile run. I still finished the ride in under 50 minutes, and after being able to look at the official clock at the transition area, knew I was capable of setting a new personal best for this course.

I still ran hard even though I knew I had my PR in the bag. I kept steady around 8 minute miles for the whole run (which was a hard pace for me at the time) and finished in 1 hour, 50 minutes and 10 seconds. More than 11 minutes faster than the previous year. Needless to say, I really had fun during Sandman this year, and it was quickly becoming one of my favorite short course races of the season.

Links:

Webpage: http://www.sandman-triathlon.com/
Official Results: http://www.scsla.org/sandman/results_2010.html