# 219 Clermont Sprint Triathlon in August

I competed in the third race of the Sommer Sports Triathlon Series today, my 219th event. Checking registration on Thursday evening, I saw that five men had signed up in the Male 70-74 Age Group, myself included (the race sold out again). I was feeling a bit under the weather Friday, so decided to just relax and enjoy the race. Arriving at the Waterfront Park at 4:40 AM for a good parking spot, I got my bike into transition and set up my gear. Ran into Dawn Lane in transition; she was doing the Double Tri. I then relaxed, did a lot of stretching, and fueled for the 7:13 start of the Men 45+ wave. Hitting the water, I had a steady swim in the surprisingly cool water, due to a lot of recent rain. Getting onto the bike for the second leg, I accelerated up the first hills and hit 29.3 mph on the downhill. I enjoyed my ride as we circled Lake Minneola and climbed the last hills going into town. I felt a bit fatigued at the run start but pushed through it and with the help of a Hammer Gel, I got stronger. I was looking for my competitors by race number and saw first place, Doc Brown, heading back just after the turn around. I started counting immediately and at 30 seconds, spotted the third-place guy which meant I was one minute ahead of him. I soldiered on, occasionally glancing back but maintained my second place all the way to the finish. I was very pleased with my performance for the day and am looking forward to the final in September.