Hi All,

I had my last triathlon race of the season on the labour day weekend.  It was the women's triathlon in Milton.  This was actually the first triathlon I had ever raced back  in 2003 and after that was set on training for more triathlons.  I always try to go back to this race whenever I can.  During the last couple of weeks in August I could tell my body was wanting a little break so I made this one the last race.  I had come 2nd overall a couple of times in the past but this year I wanted to win it.

The swim went okay but I found myself swimming by myself as I was in the first wave and the 2 girls ahead of me were just too fast for me to swim with.  I got on the bike and tried to catch up to the other girls.  I managed to pass both of them just before the turn around and was coming back in.  Although it's great to be leading a race I have found it difficult as often the volunteers are not ready for you.  As I was approaching the turn to go back into the conservation area I was told I was going left (to do another loop) but I was fairly certain I was going right.  Fortunately I didn't turn the wrong way but definitely slowed down a lot to make sure I was heading the right way.  It was a simliar thing coming into transition.  Whistles were going etc as they are trying to clear the way for me coming in.  The run course was different than in previous years so I definitely questioned at times whether I was going the right way as there is no one around. 

Anyhow, in the end everything turned out fine.  I managed to finally finish first in the sprint triathlon race and won a pair of running shoes which will be handy.  I also got a sports bag for a draw prize so I figured this was a good race to finish the year with!

I'm taking a little bit of time off now.  I'm hoping to get in a couple of fall running races and then perhaps some Master's swim races in the winter?  I never tried a Master's swim race before so maybe this is the year....

Heather

Wow, what a ride!

First let me start by saying that short distance events are not my strength. The longer the race, the better I perform, but if I wanted to make the 2009 World's Team for the Long Distance Du, I had to qualify using a half-sized event.

The race takes place on Isle Notre-Dame in Monteal. The course was a 10k run, 40k ride followed by a 5k run. The course is smokin' fast! The run takes place around the 1967 Olympic Rowing basin, it's a 5km loop of a dead flat course. The ride consists of 9 laps around the F1 race course (circuit Gilles Villeneuve). Again, with the exception on about a 20m elevation gain/loss each lap, this was also dead flat.

Once the gun went off, the jack-rabbits disappeared around the basin, and I choose the snowball approach, that being start slow and build speeed as my body comes to life. Out on course, the sun beat down on the athletes, with temperatures closing in on 30`, up the south side of the basin, the wind was calm and at you back, but as you rounded the corner, the breeze picked up and was blowing staright into your face. Two laps down, second one faster than the first. Still feeling good - but very hot!

Out on the ride, the course was littered with the Iron distance athletes who started hours earlier, the sprint and olympic athletes and tons of people. First lap helped me get acquainted with the lines and the traffic, but it became very clear as I turned my nose to the wind that aero bars were a BIG advatage. I managed to muscle and spin my way through the remaining 8 laps, in less than record time, but nevertheless, I was closing in on the last run. The only question was - what was left in the legs? Still feeling good - but very hot! (still)

The last lap of the basin and with 50km in my legs, I am feeling better than ever. As the sun beat down, I was passing many of the people who set out on a tear in the first run. I spent about 1.5km following a group of guys including one in my age group, hiding from the wind, but feeling strong. With 500 m to go, I stepped out and headed for the finish. I crossed the line feeling strong (and HOT!).

At the end of the day, I paced myself to a qualifying spot 2009 World's.

Esprit is a FAST race and great course. Consider putting it in your race plan!

Cheers,

Scott