Thursday, August 21, 2008

BIB 106

The Sprint Splash & Spin Tri has given me a start time of 8:40 and let me know my bib number is 106. Last year I was 78. I have no idea how they hand out bib #'s. Last year it was based on what you thought your swim time was going to be. This year they told me based on what I thought my overall time would be. I was 93 last year in the race, so I figured my bib would be close to this. 2006 my bib was 105, so maybe this is my happy place.

I am really pumped for this race. I once again believe my swim will be close to 6:00 min range, probably over. I hate to even speculate on the rest of the race, I have a goal time best case and a range of what I don't want to drop out of. I feel strong, and I plan to attack rather than sit back and wait to see how I feel at the end.

Last year in the swim I did a length of breast then free then breast until the last 4 lengths, I went all out free. Matt asked if I was going to do this again, I said no I thought all free this year because I was able to hold free through the whole Spirit of Morgantown race (my time was awful). Well, I was doing 100 yd sprints in the pool last night on 2 mins. After 4 of these I was struggling to make the 2 min, so I decided to do breast-free-breast-free per 100. I easily went 2 mins and felt good. I have some real issues getting enough air when swimming, so I am back to last years plan, with just 330m (yds, can't remember which) I think my heart rate will stay down doing this.

No socks, no socks. I am doing this sprint sock less. Bare bones. I will only need a shirt helmet and shoes already on the bike. Run just throw off helmet put on shoes. No gloves or glasses or hats or swim caps. All time wasters and later concerns, that bother me a minute into whatever I am doing.

I was thinking about going shirtless the whole time, but I am modest enough and pale enough that this won't work. I may have to get a full tri suit to eliminate this problem.

I will let you know how the kiddos and I do.

4 comments:

catmarlson said...

I can't help but think about how much Shawn would enjoy this race. Nice flat bike and run and he doesn't have to keep going for 3+ hours.
It is funny that Shawn has only done Olympic distance events.

I think Maija would approve of your minimalist approach in terms of gear. With the exception of pulling a shirt on after the swim. Some sort of tri top or suit is in order. Which may mean a number belt is in your future too.
Are you going to leave the shoes on the bike at the end of the ride? I'd think you'd want to be getting your feet out as soon as you make the last turn into the park. Better too early than too late from what I've witnessed as a spectator at these races.
I'm looking forward to your Race Report!

CSquared said...

My feet will be coming out after the last turn. It is so flat, I can keep my speed up with my feet on the pedals. The only trick I cannot do is to do a flying leap off the bike and continue to run. I always have to stop then dismount. My balance is screwed up with the effort I guess.

CSquared said...

Oh, Shawn would enjoy this tri immensely. Maybe next year.

m said...

Good luck in your race. I have serveral race belts that I get free from races, so you can have one if you need one (I can give it to matt to give to you next time he sees you).

Minimalist is the way to go!