Stow Triathlon

[Samantha]

10 weeks ago I couln't run a mile, swim 2 laps and I'd never rode a bike. Yesturday I completed my first Tri at Stow!


I didn't drown, I didn't fall off my bike and I was able to run the whole 3 miles without walking.

My time was 1:25.

The only unfortunate thing was that as a smaller race they don't have timing chips--so I don't know how I did on everything individually.

I was however, very fortunate to run into Cat and Pam--fellow CTC members who helped me when I felt like puking before the race even started. Cynthia was also there and got 3rd in her age group for her first race!!!

Overall I was very excited, felt I did well and I'm looking forward to the Cleveland Tri in three weeks.

So thank you guys for all of your encouragement throughout all the training practices I've gone to. I'm looking forward to many more tri's!

[andrewjoyce]

Samantha

GREAT job - congratulations you shoudl be very proud.

It only gets more enjoyable now as you continue to compete.

You ARE a triathlete!!!!!!

Andrew

[MarkD]

1:25 is an impressive time (especially for the first time out of the gate) - good work and stay with it.

That was a good event. I was suprised (and pleased) to see the mix of athletes in the event - makes for great individuals races within the race at all levels.

For those of you who read my "newbie tale", the only new mistake I made this week was moving furniture the day before - the legs were a bit tired....

[Angie]

Cheers to all the CTC members who did their first triathlon. I knew you would all be "hooked". Looking forward to racing with you all. Nice job!!!!
ANGIE

[Brent]

Stow was my first triathlon too and other than the swim I did quite well. I don't think I was quite ready to be elbowed and kicked for the first 100 yards but I survived it. I settled in right next to Brian for the next twenty-five yards or so which was pretty funny because he breathes to his left and I breath to my right. Every breath I took, I was staring him right in the face about twelve inches away eventually I started laughing and took in a couple mouthfuls of water and ended up doing the side stroke for most of the swim. I just really don't have what it takes for the swim yet. I soon as I start breathing hard it's over for me. Needless to say when I got to the transition area it looked like a ghost town, fortunately it still looked that way when I got back. I averaged 23mph on the bike! Nothing special for you top dogs, but for a newbie I was moving. A handful of people passed me on the run including Lou who has a habit of making me feel like I am not even moving. Despite my horrible swim and mediocre run I still finished with a 1:07 and change and snagged second place in the 25-29 age group. Next up...the summer tri in Lorain.

[erinj]

yeah, i found it harder to transition than i remembered!...i guess i need to do some more bricks!...couldn't get running - had to walk some of it (fortunately i met up with a first-timer who ran about my pace and she got me going *thanks theresa* and man was it hot)!...but i was happy with a 1.19.20 (i think - don't know official time! - maybe it was 1.21.20 and i got confused) when my goal was 1.30.00...i just started training again in may so i'm not planning a real aggressive season!...don't know real splits but my bike said i avgd 18.2 and i only thought i would do 17ish so yay me!

however - very proud of brent (my bro), and cynthia and christie who i strongarmed into doing it!...and i saw suzi kay on the course - lookin' good!...

way to go newbies! (and veterans too!)

[Charlie]

That was a nice race. I took last year off and only raced once the year before.
In 2001 I had a heat related injury (and a DNF...Smart DNF, but a DNF anyway) and had not been right since. I had lost all confidence.
Last year after a broken engagement I dove head first into the worldly treats that we triatletes stay away from (ciggerettes, Whiskey, Corned beef......) It got ugly.
This year I set out on a mission to run the GCT 1/2 and every thing is running smoothly
I ran a 1:14 and feel great. I am now 37 and this is consistant with my my times at 30.
I am having fun with my training and have more confidence in my training.
Stow allowed camping on the other end of the park. I love camping the night before the race.
Gets me close to the earth..

[Suzi Kay]

Hi,
I had fun and it was good to see Chick, Erin, Cynthia and others. I think I was last on the super sprint course but that's ok. The swim scared me, and I stayed back to regroup - a good idea for me to calm down. It felt like the carp you see at a waterfall or spill way.
It was a good experience and a woman I met on GOBA the week before came along to cheer me on. She and I had gone out in Lake Erie one day between bike rides and practiced in very choppy conditions off Port Clinton.
See you all agian soon, yep, that changing shoes and such is time consuming.

[MarkD]

FYI, the Stow results are in.

Man, am I in a tough age group... Finished 11th overall and couldn't break into the top 3 in the 35-39 age group (4th). I learned earlier this year (running 5Ks) that the late 30's folks tend to be pretty competitive - must be a mid-life crisis thing going on - I guess that's why I got into this sport this year !!

[Kristie]

This was my first tri as well...WOW!! I did this race so I wouldnt be so nervous for the July tri. However, I hope I dont get boxed in, elbowed and kicked in that race.
Overall, I am super happy I did it. Thanks Erin and Cat!!
Less the swim I did OK. Overall time was 46.48 placing 9/26 and 21/47 total in the super sprint .
Looking forward to many more needed practices up at Munroe Falls....
Not to sure about the GCT yet. If nothing else I will volunteer to cheer everyone on!!

[Vertical Runner]

It was nice seeing may of you out there. Yes it was hot, but there were tons of smiling faces nonetheless.

[Charlie]

Kristi, I am not a big fan of being kicked, punched elbowed, swam over, having my goggles knocked off my face, haveing hands grab at my suit (not an issue with a wetsuit.....or doing these things to others.
My plan is to not toe the start. line up on the outside and toward the back unless you plan to win it with your swim. you may swim a little further, but you will have a better opportunity to develop a rythm as you warm up. once you are warmed up jump back in the mix.
I say use the outside so that you dont get caught in a bottle neck round the course markers or cut corners(cheating).
I struggled with my bike shoes in both T1 and T2. I tried keeping my shoes clipped in and fumbled badly, I lost my shoe in T2 and had to retrieve it from the course as it was a hazard and my responsibility. end result, Lost time.
I think I may go with a more conservitive approach at cleveland and take the shoes on and off before and after I am on the bike. I plan to use socks at GCT and may switch to dry ones at T2. So my clipped in trickery will be meaningless.

[The CHAMP Racing Group]

Thank you, Tri Club members, for your participation in this years Tri Kickoff. We are a small, young organization that is always seeking to improve our events. The Tri Kickoff is in its 2nd year, and is looking to improve even the smallest ways. Some of you have been providing some valuable feedback for the future...please keep it coming! Congratulations to the first-time triathletes on conquering your 1st event to begin, hopefully, a nice long tri career. Good luck in the remainder of your season and keep posted as we are developing several new multisport events for late summer and fall. Thank you again and keep up the great work!
The CHAMP Racing, LLC Race Group (www.champracing.net)