Top Gun Triathlon will always hold a special place in my heart. It was my frist triathlon in 2010 and I look forward to it every year. The course is a sprint distance of a 1/4 mile swim, 10 mile bike and 5k run. This year I was able to enjoy the race with a bunch of friends.

We got to the race site a little later than normal and ended up in the longest body marking line I’ve ever seen at a Ft. DeSoto race. Whoops.

A couple of race-ready athletes came to the rescue with Sharpies and helped the line move along. Now thats smart thinking. I think I’ll add a Sharpie to my transition bag for the future.

Once in transition it took me about 2 minutes to set my area. I’m really getting the hang of this set up thing. Of course, since I flew through the set up I was immediately second guessing myself by thinking I was forgetting something.

After getting set up I wandered around transition to find everyone. I found Erika who was already set up.

Then we found our boyfriends. Look at this goofy group

Having such fun friends definitely helps calm the nerves.

There is a bit of a walk from transition to the swim start so shortly after finding everyone we made our way for the beach.

Photo Credit: Meghan

Left to Right: Dirk, Tori, Tiffany, Meghan, Erika, Stephanie, Me, Patrick

Not sure if you can tell from that picture but the water was calm and just about perfect for the swim.

Swim:

Meghan was in my wave for this race and was doing her frist triathlon. I’m not sure if it was being able to chat with her until the gun went off or if I am just getting more comfortable with swimming but I felt almost zero nerves before getting in the water. I definitely think that the Wednesday night swim with the Mad Dogs is building my confidence and strength in open water.

This was the first swim during a race that I wasn’t looking ahead to see how much I had left. I kept sighting the kayaks and buoys on my left and before I knew it I was at the last buoy.

I felt really good getting out of the water. I was really proud of this swim.

Bike:

I mentioned that the transition to my tri bike has been a bit of a challenge for me. I was nervous when I first got it and it took several good rides and some serious time on the trainer for me to really shake out the nerves.

That being said, this race was a turning point for me. I found myself a lot more comfortable on the bike. I found it easier for me to get down and stay down in aero. My pace is picking up and I’m constantly letting go of the fear that was holding me back.

I also got a new seat this week that I really like. It’s much better for me than the stock seat that came with my bike.

The wind was totally in our favor on Saturday. There is normally a pretty wicked head wind for at least part of the out and back bike course at Ft. DeSoto that wasn’t an issue this weekend.

I averaged just over 20mph on the bike. I ranked 41st in my division coming out of the water and finished the bike 21st in my division. It may not seem like a lot but it was an accomplishment for me.

Run:

I’m always really relieved to get on the run.

The back half of the run course at most Ft. DeSoto races is on the sand. It’s really well packed sand and it’s not too bad to run on.

It was a really hot day and the heat definitely took its toll on me by the last mile of the race. They had ice-cold towels at mile 2 that were so refreshing. It’s amazing how such a little thing can make such a big difference in your race.

It wasn’t my best 5k time but it certainly wasn’t my worst either.

Photo Credit: Stephanie

Left to Right: Erika, Dirk, Stephanie, Me, Patrick

Race Times:

• Swim: 7:39
• T1: 3:58
• Bike: 29:50
• T2: 1:35
• Run: 32:58
• Total: 1:16:01 <–NEW PR!

Photo Credit: Stephanie

I finished the race in 1:16:01, that’s a new PR for me (by almost 2.5 minutes)! I really really enjoyed everything about the race. It’s always a bit nostalgic for me to remember my first race out there a few years ago. Plus, what could be better than racing with friends?

Everyone please link your recap below! I can’t wait to read them all!