100Triathlons: # 141 Clermont Sprint Triathlon in July

Sunday, July 10, 2016

# 141 Clermont Sprint Triathlon in July

After a very hot week, Saturday was time for the July sprint triathlon in Clermont. The Seminole County Triathletes were out in full force and it was the 2nd tri for many people. I got there earlier than usual and even more people came earlier than me. It was 80' before sunrise so I expected a hot race. While setting up, I prepared a "cold towel" for my run. Not usual for a 5k run but I expected it to be plenty hot. Race started on time but the lake was warm; 86' to 91' depending on who you talked to. My swim was a bit faster but running to my bike I felt the heat effects immediately. Felt tired on the bike for the first 4 miles until I "cooled down". I had a nice time trial alongside a JHOP team member riding a BMC Time Machine with deep dish wheels coming down the first big hill but the Moulton pulled ahead with a top speed of 39.3 mph. I then beat him to the top of the next hill. Zooming into transition to the cheers of my SCT friends, I finished with an average of 17.6, about 1 mph slower than last time. Viewing the splits after the race, many people had slower bike times. Had a great 5k run that was a touch slower and I think the cold wrap helped; 25:51 for 8:19 splits. Final time was 1:14:34, good for 9th out of 19 in my age group. Ken Junkins lost to a new 60 year old, Steve Gallagher. Now more people in Male 60-64! My friend Reeli Reinu fininshed 2nd in Female 40-44 and another friend, Gerry Librada Girona, won Female Overall in only her 2nd triathlon! Great day!