Well, this is the third year I've done this race and this is the third different course. First year you swam, then ran, then biked to the finish - pretty cool actually. Last year was a traditional triathlon - USAT sanctioned that one. This year they went ass backwards - you ran , then you biked, then you swam to the finish! It was certainly different to do it that way.

Anyways, this is truly a sprint triathlon regardless of the order. A 2.9 mile run, then a 5.7 mile bike, then a 1/4 mile swim. Just go hell bent for leather because its less than an hour.

That's basically what I did (or tried to do). I used this race as a heart rate training exercise. I wanted to average between 80 & 85% of my max HR for the race.

The run was what it was - a few hills but no big deal. I managed to finish in 25:55 - fast for me (just under 9 minute miles)but not for the rest of the world, especially since everyone had fresh legs. I knew I was towards the tail end of the pack (121st overall out 185 individual racers, to be precise), so I was going to have to really hump it on the bike to make up ground.

On the bike I truly did kick some butt. I did it in 18:16 (16th overall). With the exception of the long climb up 114 as you leave Buckland Beach on Little Lake Sunapee the course is very flat. My mantra was that no one would pass me. I succeeded and made up a good chunk of time.

I continued that mantra into the swim with not quite as much success. My last post on the Eastman triathlon talked about my lack of swim time this year. Well, Eastman was the last time I swam before this race. It was hard being out of breath from pushing on the bike and trying to use muscles you're not used to working, but nice in that you didn't have the aqua scrum you have in a traditional tri. Just transition, run to the water, get your goggles on and go. Despite being winded and not in good swimming shape I relied on maintaining good form and was able to keep all but three people from passing me. I managed a 7:57 time (36th overall)including transition, for a total race time of 52:07 and 70th place. The run, of course is what does it every time.

I did achieve my heart rate goal. I averaged 82% of my max for the race, spent about 8 minutes above 86% of my max, and peaked out at 93% of my max (I'm assuming that was the hill on 114 - I hammered it hard).

All in all a fun race. The ass backward concept made for easy transitions. Considering my overall lack of consistent training this year I was pretty happy with my performance.

Next year maybe they'll do the swim in the middle.

Good Job Joe. It's hard to come back in a short race like that, but it sounds like you did a pretty good job of it.

Ryan

I'll have to keep an eye on this date next year it sounds like a fun event. Good job Joe.