2008 Philadelphia Triathlon race report

I'm still waiting for the race photos to be posted. Until then, I'll just report on my pre-race goals:

• Top ten age group: NOPE, finished 27th/34. Entries in my age group more than doubled from last year!
• Sub-3:31:54 finish time (PR): NOPE, finished in 3:37:46, although it was still encouraging since 13:19 of that was devoted to flat-changing. I'm hoping to be ready to go sub-3:20 at my next Olympic-distance (The Nation's Triathlon on September 14).
• Sub-7:30 total transition time: YES! Officially 4:12 + 2:23 = 6:35. Unofficially (from when I exited the water) 5:10 + 2:23 = 7:33. Close enough.
• Sub-33:00 swim: NOPE. 36:34 (watch time 35:13), although it felt faster than that. Too much time wasted wandering around trying to sight and getting caught in traffic.
• Sub-1:10 run: YES! I mentally stayed in the race, walked only at the water stops, and finished the (fortunately flat) run with a blazing (for me) time of 1:09:34.

So, a mixed bag of results, but it's all good! I enjoyed the race, particularly the lovely river swim and the challenging bike course that kept me on my toes every second: working on the flats, climbing and cussing, avoiding crazy riders, swooping around turns, and screaming down the descents just as fast as I dared. Then doing it again for a second loop! Fun! Plus I briefly got to see Brian and Bob and DC Rainmaker and Jeanne!

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Update: I should make a special mention that a member of the management team for the race emailed me afterwards and asked me if I had any reactions or comments, so I sent along a few recommendations for improvements for next year. That's the sign of a management team that's on its toes and doesn't rest on its laurels! Bravo! The Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon race is highly recommended and I think it will get better every year.