Race date: July 9, 2016 / 7am
A beautiful orange and purple sunrise over Tiger Town
While I'm rounding the final turn on getting my knee back in order, the Physical Therapist told me I could do the Clemson Triathlon if I really wanted to, but they'd be more than happy if I decided not to. I was dead set on doing the race again this year just to see how things compared to last year, so I did it. And I'm so glad I did...
What You Need To Know
There's really only three things worth sharing about this year's race:
- I finished 8 minutes faster than I did last year (woohoo!)
- My knee didn't hurt...even after the race (woohoo!)
- I clocked my fastest pace ever on a triathlon run (sweet sassy molassy!)
The Swim
For some unknown reason, the course last year was changed at the last minute to be an odd triangle. This year, the course went back to its origins: a simple out and around. Total distance: 750m.
Total Swim Time: 00:15:31 (about two minutes faster than last year)
Swim course, as recorded by my watch.
Transition 1
I will never be fully prepared for this transition. Getting out of the lake and then having to run uphill for several hundred feet just plain sucks. Bonus: I didn't have to struggle with a wetsuit this year!
Total T1 Time: 00:02:00 (about a minute faster than last year, but still pretty terrible...what the heck was I doing in there??)
The Bike
The bike route also inexplicably changed at the last minute last year. And I noted in last year's race report, that this bike course had been crafted by the devil himself to destroy my legs. Thankfully, the bike course went back to the original route this year and it was far more enjoyable.
Total Bike Time: 00:35:34 (about three minutes faster than last year)
The bike course, as recorded by my watch.
Transition 2
For some reason, I decided to stop for tea & crumpets during transition 2. It's the only explination for my absurdly slow time in there.
Total T2 Time: 00:01:32 (about one minute slower than last year - wtf?)
The Run
This was the part I was nervous about. Would my knee fall off and die? Surprisingly no, it didn't. In fact, I somehow managed to clock my fastest pace ever for a triathlon (8:07/mile)
As for the run course, you'll never guess: the course last year was inexplicably changed and this year it was back to its original route. I don't think I have a preference...I liked both courses.
Total Run Time: 00:25:03 (about three minutes faster than last year)
The run course, as recorded by my watch.
The Summary
For you fellow data geeks, here's a link to the stats collected by my watch during the race.
As the race that started it all for me, I'm pretty sure I'll always enjoy this one. Plus, it's in Clemson...which is always awesome.
Until next year!