Sunday, July 12, 2009

Kiwanis Kid's Tri

Hannah and Lane Barron continue their preparation for the USAT Jr National Championships with another winning performance at the Kiwanis Kids Triathlon.

The race was a 100 yard swim, 2 mile bike and a 1/2 mile run. Hannah was 3rd out of the water with a great swim and a blistering T1 to put her in 2nd place heading out onto the bike course. She raced aggressively on the bike and had a solid run to finish in 14:08 and claim 2nd overall in the girls 7-12 age group. She also beat all of the 7-12 year old boys (except her younger brother).

Lane was 2nd out of the water with a strong swim and also had a super fast T1 that allowed him to be first heading out onto the bike course. He never looked back lengthening his lead on both the bike and run to finish in 13:33, first overall and approximately 40 seconds up on the next male competitor.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Play Tri Sprint Tri

The Play Tri Sprint was this years USAT South Mid West Regional Championship race and as such I expected a deeper field. The Dallas race attracted 272 participants over the 4th of July weekend.

I have to tell you that the location is great especially for those that bring the family along. The Marriott at Las Colinas is very nice and the $79 per night room can't be beat. We had a great view of the community fire works from our balcony. The swim and transition are at the hotel so everything is very convenient.

On Saturday the temperature was near 100 degrees but race morning brought rain and temperatures in the high 70's. The 500m swim was definitely long, maybe as much as 100m based on times. The bike course was rolling but too technical at all but was made somewhat treacherous due to the wet roads. The out and back run is flat and fast. No shade along the run course but it was not needed on race day.

Four Finish Strong triathletes participate in the race with Finish Strong associate coach Richard Mac Namee placing 3rd overall and taking the Masters crown. Richard used a blazing, race best swim (7:37) to get a good jump on everyone. Richard finished only 1:10 behind the overall winner.

I overcame a lousy swim to place 9th overall and win the 50-54 age group. I had the 3rd fastest bike and 5th fastest run but gave up over 3 1/2 minutes on the swim to Richard. I must have been day dreaming. Actually I think it was all of the long course training I have been doing.

Ed York placed 17th overall and 2nd in his age group (45-49). Ed was solid in all three disciplines clocking some of the best times in his age group.

David Holsey continues to improve with every race he does. David placed 2nd in the 60-64 age group with the fastest run.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Buffalo Springs 70.3

Lubbock usually offers up some very hot weather and wind which attracts those preparing for Kona. But the day brought rain, cool weather and high winds. It was a tough day with several people being pulled from the swim due to choppy conditions.

Four Finish Strong athletes made the trip this year. Tim Monk was one who wanted the hot temperatures and winds as he is preparing for his first trip to Kona. Tim had a solid race posting a time of 4:45:13 which was good enough to place him 64th overall. Tim is an excellent swimmer and it certainly helped in the conditions. He swam 29:31.

Patrick Sexton just started running again a couple of months ago after recovering from a calf injury. He was till able to post a respectable time of 5:35. Jim Harrington (5:38:11) and Mike Bard (5:38:16) had solid races with Mike placing 2nd in the under 39 Clydesdale Division.

Y Freedom Tri

This is nice pool swim tri that is great for those looking to do their first tri or just looking for a tri that the whole family can do.

The trip to Katy was worth for Kent Morris & his daughter Brittany as both had great races. This was Brittany's first tri and she ended up winning the female 14 & under age group and placed an awesome 140th overall (there were about 400 in the race). I believe Brit is being coached by dad. Kent placed 3rd in the 45-49 AG and 25th overall.

Kyle Mays placed 2nd the 45-49 AG (with the help of the fastest bike split in the AG) and 13 overall.