My third and final triathlon of the year is coming up this Saturday. It's held at Presque Isle State Park in Erie, PA and entry fees go towards the upkeep of the park. I've never been to the park - much to the surprise of most that I talk to. It sounds like a wonderful place for families and kids. With a nice beach area and miles of a paved multipurpose trail, we may have to put this on our destination list for next summer.
The tri was capped at 400 entrants and sold out for the 3rd straight year. It is a .35 mile (616y) swim, 13 mile bike and 3.5 mile run. The bike and run are both flat and fast (highest elevation on PI is 7'). Last week they reported that the water in the bay was a balmy 78 degrees. I still plan to wear my wetsuit (if it's legal) as I feel much more confident in it.
According to initial reports, there will be 5 waves. That equates to ~80 racers in my wave. In my biggest race to date there were ~50 in my swim wave so this will be "fun." We will wade out into the water before getting the GO signal. Based upon the participant list (which isn't always correct), there are ~26 in my age group. This is down from 31 last year. From my research of past results and events, there look to be 3-4 racers that I'll be contending with for a top-3 spot in my group.
Overall my 'happy' goal time is sub 1:08. I believe that if all goes well and smooth that a sub 1:06 time is definitely achievable. Both times should put me in the top 10-15 overall in the race.
Other Bradfordians racing include: Sam Johnson, Sam Johnson Sr., John Marasco and Mariann Kahle. Sam and Sam Sr just recently finished Ironman Lake Placid and are currently training for the Presque Isle Marathon on 9/18. This is John's 2nd tri.
I'll post a race report next week.
It seems like that the run is a little longer than normal triathlons. Is that the case?
ReplyDeleteDo you have specific goals for the swim, bike, and run? Or, just an overall goal?
Looking forward to the race report, and good luck!
The run is longer than the standard 5k for sprints. Must be just the way the course is laid out. I think the longer run works in my favor.
ReplyDeleteNo specific goals. I estimated what I could do for all 3 and included transitions to get an overall goal time.