The Folsom Sprint race was my first official timed triathlon. The event was very well organized, the course was clearly marked except for one breakoff point for the long course on the run as the turn around sign fell down but other than that, the race was awesome!! Great venue!!!

Location- The venue was actually at Lake Natoma at Nimbus Flats.

My Accomodations- I stayed at The Hawthorn right across the street from the lake. I originally booked for $69 but found it online that day for $48. Couldnt pass that up!! Was very convenient as I rode to the event and avoided the $10 parking fee. I even had time to get back and cleanup before check out.

Conditions- The report for the water was mid to high  70s but I frequent Lake Natoma a few times a year and this lake is snow run off and is usually in the mid-high 60s. Definitely needed a wetsuit. Outside temperature was perfect condtions. That area heats up later on in the day and Saturday wasn't too hot for that time of year.

Registration and Transtion area.  Now this is my first race as a SVTC club member and it has it perks. Our rack had prime real estate, right in front of the swim finish. I was up at the buttcrack of dawn and headed over to register at 5:20 am.  I was the first from our club in the area and began introducing myself as the rest of clubmates began trickling in.  I felt very welcomed and that set the mood for the rest of the day which was to HAVE FUN!!! ;-)

Swim start- Very well organized starts. Not to chaotic for my age gpoup/ division.

My division- Clydesdale Male 44

Swim- :00:19:58- This was my longest open water swim to date. I jumped in and the cold immediately took my breath away but after a few minutes of warmup I was fine. I had some issues 50yards into the start with a bit of anxiety and hyperventaling and quickly put that in check and finished the rest of my race at a nice pace. I came in the back and caught up to a couple of racers from the previous wave but hey,overall  I was very happy with my swim. Cant wait for the next race!

(My only  worry about the swim was the very rocky off shore boulders. Very easy to bust your ankle if you are not careful getting into or out of the water.)

Bike- 00:42:16- I spent 2:20 in the transition and would like to reduce that time in furture races. I cranked it out on the bike and was able to make up alot of ground that I lost on the swim. I kept reminding myself to stop trying to catch up and slow down so as not to burn my legs out for the run.

Run 00:28:53- Now running is not my forte and I have been trying to improve my run times. I usually train at a 9-10 minute pace so doing the shorter distances is a good start for me. As I started the run my legs were a bit fatigued from pushing on the bike and was thinking maybe bring it down a notch for the next race.

 Definitely looking forward to the next club race!!!

 Award ceremony and raffle- I did not stay for the remainderof the awards but saw one of our clubmates receive an award. I want to give a shout out to Rhonda Bagarino for placing!! Cheee Hooo!!! Nice job!!! and Great job to all who participated!! I had a blast!!

 I want to give shots out to the coaches at the workouts for kicking our butts. All the workouts grealy helped me finish the race and not sure how I would have done especially during my swim. Thanks!!!

-Richard

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