Had a great weekend in New Orleans. I was there with 14 other people and we all said we were there for the weekend and just happened to have a race on Sunday. With Haines City coming up this was just a training race. Its a shame because it could have been a fast race. But, I told a friend that Id stay with him.
Swim was a stupid time trial can you tell I didnt like it
Someone started every 3 seconds. We didnt start until after 9 am (out of transition at 6:30 am) and other waves were closer to 9:30. That is unacceptable at a race with about 1500 people. They could have easily started us in water by waves like they did the pros. The water was 64 degrees and just jumping it was a shock. It took my breath away, I could not catch my breath for about 20 seconds. Took about 10 stokes before I could comfortably put my face in the water. Once we got going the swim was fine. My hands were cold but that was about it. Did I say stupid time trial start
I waited in T1 for a friend of mine. My T1 time was over 12 minutes and it wasnt a long transition. I changed clothes, packed my gear bag, went to the bathroom then he was ready. The ride was super windy for the first 25 miles. There was a stretch of about 15 miles that was straight into the wind. So Id go a bit then slow up so he could catch up. Finally after the turn around I let him go ahead so I knew how fast to go. We didnt draft just stayed close.
Last 6 miles there was a strong wind at our back so I told him wed meet in transition and I took off. You guys know that feeling with the wind at your back. Just love it! Got back to T1, changed and packed the rest of my gear. This was only a 6 min transition (getting faster) Took off for the run and walked the first ½ mile as we were verifying dinner reservations. Priorities you know. He cramped up and about this time another teammate was coming by. I took off with her as he would hook up with the next teammate that came by. We were all in the last waves. Had a great run pacing her to her best 70.3 run by over 20 minutes. Also kept me about 1 min over my normal pace which was enough for a workout but not enough to hurt the next day
It was strange crossing the finish line feeling so good. Usually the last mile is brutal but I was feeling good. Overall race was good. I had fun hanging with my peeps.
The race itself needs some work. They cheapened the race this year. Might be because it was only $150 to enter. The Expo was nothing to speak of but I really didnt expect anything else. What did surprise me was we did not get a hat at the finish. Every WTC event I have done we got a hat at the finish. The goody bags really had nothing in them and they were the type of bags you get at a local race. Usually the WTC bags are real nice. The nice ones, like we received previously were on sale for $12.95. Really? Not that I need a bag but come on. The aid stations on the run were great. The aid stations on the bike stunk. Not once did we receive anything cold. Everything was straight out of the box, air temp. No food to speak of, there were gels at one station. Very disappointed. Food was pretty nonexistent at the finish. I hear they had pizza, we didnt see any. Might have to do with our starting position, who knows.
Not sure if Id go back. The race aside we had a total blast in New Orleans. Never laughed so hard in a weekend. I was probably tired just from laughing.
See many of you in Haines City.
Duane
). Bike was flat and fast and windy. Run was good, but you will be on the new/old course going back to FQ which is what we would have liked last year, though it did make the logistics easier to not have to have a split transition/finish. We enjoyed it, overall!
I have a Giant Propel SL3 coming this week so I plan on getting back to Haines City for a ride and run on the 28th if all goes well. This time I will not be riding with tools and a cable lock in my seat bag.
