Lifetime Fitness Triathlon

LTF Triathlon
7:03AM sharp (three minutes behind the pro men) was the start of the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon and the second race in the Toyota Cup Series. This was my first race in the series and the goal of the race was to defend my race title from 2009. The field was relatively small this year, with many other races occurring around the world, but none the less many talented women were at the start line.
The swim was a one-loop course in a calm, warm lake. I have to say that I could not wait to get out of the 82 degree water…it felt warm for racing. I tried to swim with Sara McLarty, but was unable to swim with her for more than 200meters. I exited the swim with a group of other athletes, including Rebeccah Wassner, and had a solid transition through T1.
Once out on the bike, I focused on high cadence riding to make sure not to fatigue my legs too much muscularly. I also wanted to ride as technically smooth as possible, avoid course potholes and try and catch Sara McLarty up the road. I felt much better out on the bike course, than in the warm water and was able to catch up to Sara around mile 18. We exited transition close together and I was ready for my final leg!
On the run course, I started off at a good pace; knowing talented runners were behind me. I had about a 50 second lead over Wassner off the bike. On the second lap of the run, I saw that my lead was extended a little bit, so I felt at this point I could relax a bit and really think about my form the last two miles of the race. It was great to cross the finish line accomplishing my goal….and I finished one second faster than last year…I guess that shows consistency. I finished in 2:00:49 in 2010 and 2:00:50 in 2009!
I had a great time visiting family and friends in Minneapolis and I am very grateful to have so much support on and off the course. After the race, I got a chance to spend time at my in-laws lake house and enjoy the beautiful MN summer afternoon. Sunday I had an early morning back to the airport and headed back to Colorado for a brief block of training before I head to London next week. This was my fourth year competing at the race and this is one I definitely mark as a priority that I don’t want to miss! The crowd is great year after year and the sponsors and race directors do a fantastic job putting on a great event for the Pros and Age Group athletes.
I also can’t thank all my sponsors enough for all their support this year. This was my first chance to check out the new expo set up at the Toyota booth. I love the set up….with my new Fuji on top of the Camery. Also, at the end of the year, a gear gift package is up for grabs with my sponsored product in a drawing taking place. I will be in Chicago, Los Angeles and Dallas at the expo’s the day before the race, so stop by the booth and check out all the prizes you can win and meet Andy Potts, Hunter Kemper and Craig Alexander as well!