Powerman Michigan 2015

Two weekends ago I competed in my first duathlon since I switched to triathlons. It turned out to be a rather nice day to race with temps in the mid 50s. The first run was a "long" 5k with two loops of the run course starting from the finish line. The course sported a covered wooden bridge. It also sported some stretches that reminded me of my cross country days with some steep dirt trail climbs and steep grass decents going out of the transition area.

My first 5k went well. I found my other age groupers and was able to get into T1 ahead of him by a few seconds. T1 went well and was out quickly. The bike route was a long 15k with two loops. Turned out to be 10+ mile loops. The covered bridge was part of the bike loop as well and it has a wooden road of boards that made it rather scary going through the bridge. First time through my rear wheel was squirlley as I couldn't hold a straight line down the bridge. Second time through I was better but I took it much slower and nearly unclipped as it wasn't worth a crash. Fortunately the guy behind me felt the same way and waited to pass me until we were through the bridge. The wind picked up the second loop but I was able to finish the 21+ mile ride in 1:03 and change.

T2 went well. Running out of transition was interesting as it was down a relatively steep hill immediately on bricked legs. The run was closer to a 5k and I was able to catch a few athletes. Finished about where I thought I would at 1:51 and change. 8th overall and 1st in my age group. In doing so, I qualified for Nationals in Florida in December. Wish I could make it, but there are changes coming with work and with a young family, kids in school, I just can't make it happen.