Pumpkinman Sprint Triathlon

I certainly had a rememorable race at the Pumpkinman Triathlon! The Wednesday before the race I had flown back from Scotland. I was feeling the jet leg since I was up for 22 hours of traveling. The next day I was thinking I could get some sleep but my sister was due with her first baby. Therefore, I was up for another 22 hours! I felt a little sleep deprived going into the race. It certainly was nice to be able to sleep and stay at my sister's house the night before the race. She only lives about 6 miles away from the race venue so I got to the race by hitch-hiking...wait I cycled. Yes, I cycled with Peter Mallet. Wait! Pete forgot his shoes so he had to cycle back to my sister's place to get his shoes. That's Peter Mallet for you! haha

The morning was a brisk ride but when the sun started coming up it quickly warmed up. I made my way down to the lake as I was thankful to wear my wetsuit. It was 9/11 so there was a moment of silence for everyone who lost thier life 9 years ago. Shortly after the cannon went off and all of the elite's took off. Thankfully this was only a 1/3rd mile swim because i haven't been swimming much at all lately. I got out of the swim in arounf 8:27. A solid 2 minutes back from Pete. I knew I had to make some time up on the bike so I quickly ran up the monster hill and hopped on my bike. I had to ride my road bike because that was what i had to use at Duathlon Worlds 6 days ago and it was the only bike I had. I wished i had my TT bike, race wheel and aero helmet but i did what i could on my road bike. I ended up catching all of the guys on the bike except 1 person.

I heard the person in the lead had a 3 minute lead. I wasn't even sure if he was the lead guy because it didn't seem like I passed that many guys on the bike. I was more concerned about holding my position on the run as there was pete and another run on my tail. I started a steady pace and couldn't see anyone infront of me. I kept rolling and right at the end I saw another guy. I started motoring a little faster to try to catch him but ran out of space as I finished only 3 seconds behind him. I had no idea I was gaining on this guy and that he was actually the lead person too! I couldn't complain finishing 2nd overall considering the circumstances I was in. I ended up running a 15:22 for 3 miles. The winner was Dean from Fit Werx, then myself, and Pete wrapped up 3rd overall. It was a great performance from Dean and he is a great guy as well!

Kat (the race director) put on an amazing race weekend! The race was set up well with great food after. I'd certainly recommend this race to anyone and I do plan on racing next year. Maybe i'll do the double?! Sprint on Saturday and Half Ironman on Sunday. race registration opens up on Oct. 31st. http://www.pumpkinmantriathlon.com/

It was a great weekend and race but the bigger milestone is....I am an UNCLE :)