Kelowna Apple Triathlon (Race #3 BC series) *Provincials*

I wasn’t sure who would show up on the day. Not everyone went to the pre race meeting on Friday night.  It was short and painless. At the race the next morning, I walked onto the beach to see a STRONG group. Especially swimmers. I knew it was going to be fast. It seems odd, but probably one of the most important parts of the whole race, was the first 75 metres to the first buoy. It was brutal! Someone was trying to swim on my left, constantly stroking onto of my legs, slowing me down. No doubt that he was probably experiencing the same problem! Luckily, I had one of the best starts. Top 3 at the first few metres, clear of the vas majority of chaos behind me.  In the field was Jackson, a strong swimmer and junior elite. I knew it was him as he slowly but surely came up on my right, and passed. I partly swam over his legs, just to move into clearer water as he went by. At the first buoy, he nada clear body length on second, and about 10 seconds later, he had 2 and a half. The advantage to been out front, is that he doesn’t have to be in a wrestling match at the buoy each time. It makes for a much more pleasant and effortless swim (besides the fact that you have to swim so fast to be in front.) I was third out of the water, first for youth elite. Jackson was 15 seconds up the carpet and into transition. I tried to run fast into transition, and tried to be as quick as possible when I got there. I managed to make the lead pack. Just me, Jackson, and Neo, both junior Elites. Ideal for my race against other youths, but they weren’t of my concern at the moment. We started fast, and then settled into a good pace, keeping our distance front he chasers behind. Not much action went on, a few minor surges, slight chances to drop us, done my Jackson. I was first off the bike and first onto the run. I managed to get a gap right off the start, but just didn’t feel great. Soreness in my quads from Tuesday made me stiff. I kept my initial lead starting the run, and lengthened it by just 8 seconds. I won by 14 seconds to Jackson who claimed the silver, and another youth named Solen who took the bronze overall. Overall, I'm happy with my ability to execute on the day, despite it not being my best this year. The made me the provincial champion, Braden from Tri Power in Vernon for the silver, and my brother Lincoln who had an EXCELLENT race for the bronze.

I'm ready to have some more fast sessions and maximize my recovery before Edmonton in September. If I’m rested, ill be ready for whatever the race throws at me.

Cheers,

Brock