St. Anthony's race preview

So this is what a transition area for 4,000 people looks like.  Went by the race site today and they are already setting up for the event.  The field is limited to 4,000 triathletes.  St. Anthony's is in its 28th year.  I will be competing with 450 athletes in my age group this weekend and hope to bring in a top 10 finish.  I have been in races that are 450 total participants not just my age group.  The 40-44 men are divided into three waves, 150 in each wave. This is the biggest race I have ever seen much less participated in.  Driving into transition last night I felt my pulse increase rapidly.  I am looking forward to this opportunity this weekend to see how I stack up with this large age group field. 

Lake Junaluska Duathlon 4/9

First local multi sport race of the year, and I was excited! The weather was perfect and the course was beautiful. We started out the run around the lake and I tried to put some distance between me and the current long course duathlon national champion female Gail Kattouf. I had a quick T1, and was off on the bike with a decent lead. The bike was hairy at times with the traffic and the motorcycle escort I was following. Lets just say it wasnt ideal! It was difficult to keep up the pace when I was all alone with nobody in sight! Not used to that. Coming back towards the lake the escort missed a turn, but I saw the arrows on the road and made the right turn. I wasnt sure if I had gone the wrong way, so I stopped and waited for the bike to come back and lead on.

After traversing some sharp turns and steep hills I made it back to transition and was off on one more tour of the lake. I still couldnt see anyone behind me, so I was able to take it a little easier than the first run. Coming in right behind me were Andrew Stenberge and Gail Kattouf. It was a super fun morning, I wish I didnt have to rush off to Chattanooga right after I finished. 4 hours in the car isnt my first choice of activities after a race. Shout out to Mike Lahm, back in the saddle buddy!

Check out all the race photos @: http://paulchristopher.smugmug.com/
Thanks for the photos Paul!