# 197 Clermont Sprint Triathlon in July

Today was my 197th triathlon...sort of. Getting out to Clermont early for the second in the four race Sprint Tri Series, the sky was clear and the sunrise was nice. As I finished my swim warmup, I was standing in knee deep water, chatting with others, when rumblings began and dark clouds loomed on the western horizon. The race director delayed the start for 15 minutes and then asked everyone to exit the water. It began raining heavily a few minutes later as everyone took shelter in the pavilions.

The rain gradually ended and after another 15 minutes, it was announced that for safety reasons, the swim and the bike legs were cancelled. He said they were opening transition, so collect your run gear and the 5k leg would start in five minutes. I hurriedly ran to my bike rack, poured the water out of my running shoes, and got to the start just as the gun sounded. Running out with 220+ people is a bit unusual in a tri but everyone settled into a pace in the cool, damp air. I encountered several friends on the run and got into a good stride.

Crossing the finish line in 29:30 (9:31 splits), I collected my finisher's medal and grabbed a snack. I was scored First out of two in 70-74 Male, 80th out of 180 overall in Sprint Triathlon. My friend Heather Schulz won Female Overall with a 20:41. Other friends, Dawn Lane, Teresa Tinsley and Enrique Mercado all did well too. Got a photo with RD Fred Sommer too.

Always first!

Teresa Tinsley

Rain go away!

Rainbows give us hope

Fred Sommer

Dawn Lane

Heather Schulz