A couple of weekends ago, Dustin and Craig competed in their 3rd triathlon together this year. It was up at Belwood Conservation area (near Fergus) and it was a near perfect day. The night before a giant thunderstorm had ripped through the area, which meant that, although the course was a bit damp in places, the humidity was down and the air temperature was perfect. The water was warm too, so Dustin decided to swim naked (don't get too excited, as I've learned this year, that it means he swam without a wetsuit).
Everything went well this race. We were on the road in the morning with lots of time, Abby slept on the way up and wasn't too cranky by the time we got there. D had lots of time to register and set up. The water was warm and not too choppy. The course was apparently hilly enough to be a slight challenge, but flat enough to get some speed in. D's bike was in perfect condition (he's had minor issues the other two races). The run was mostly on trails - which works well for D and his body mechanics.
Dustin came out of the water looking amazingly strong. I thought he must have been in the top 10 out of the water (but I was corrected and told that it was only the top 20 - still!!). I guess the decision to go without a wetsuit was a good one. There was a long run up to the bike, so we missed the boys transitions. Apparently D had no problems in transition, but Craig got hung up during T1 (from swim to bike).
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| Craig rips off his wetsuit before running all the way up to transition. |
There is always a long wait for the bike - as it's the longest time and the most difficult to see. This is also the point when we find out if D has an edge on Craig. D is usually out of the water before C, but Craig has an amazingly strong bike, and if he catches D on the bike, it has previously been game over and C comes out on top. So, Lindsay and I usually anxiously wait to see who comes into transition first.
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| Always my little helper, Alyssa takes great care of Abigail |
So, much to our amazement and dare I say, surprise, D came in off the bike first - and looked strong. He even arrived way sooner than I thought, as I barely got the camera ready to take his photo. Craig came in a few minutes behind, but by that time, we all knew D had the race over Craig. (About time - Craig's up 2/3 this season! Not that anyone is keeping track.)
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| This is how fast D came into T2 - I wasn't even ready with the camera |
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| There he goes - D runs into T2 transition |
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| Here comes Craig |
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| Alyssa checking in on Abby |
D said that the run went smoothly and everything worked in his favour. He came in strong, finishing in 1:43:51, putting him 16th overall, 15/103 for the men, and 3/14 in the M30-34 age group. We're so proud of D... and happy that all the time spent on the bike, in the water and on the road has paid off. It's great to race, but sometimes it's nice to get the validation that all the time and energy in the sport is paying off, by getting up on the podium.
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| Coming in strong |
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| Craig coming in |
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| Alyssa cheering for her Daddy |
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| Knowing D's already in, C grabs Alyssa and runs across the line with her. So cute! And will get Alyssa excited for her triathlon at the end of the season. |
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| It's a good thing we bring the stroller - it's piled high. Yep - two pairs of shoes, assorted water bottles and other tri paraphernalia, not to mention the sleeping baby |
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| Ya - D makes the podium - Third place! |
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| Age group winners |
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| D's win came because of his "Lil' Personal Trainer" - as Abby's shirt says |
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