The inaugural YMCA INDOOR/OUTDOOR Summer Triathlon Sprint took place yesterday morning at the Family Y Center in Hattiesburg. The event included a 400 yards swim in the pool, a 15 mile bike ride on Star Trak Spinners, and a 5K outdoor run through the Timberton neighborhood. Around 18 people participated in the triathlon with the assistance of at least 30 volunteers of the YMCA led by Ms Nan Bryant. The Pine Belt Pacers were represented by Charles "Michael Phelps" Jackson, Nestor "Coach Potato" Anzola, and Jodi "The Rocket" Lee. Becky The Boss Ryder, Joni Dunbar, and Shelia Eaton were also present there helping the organizers, and supporting and cheering the pacers. Jason Wade was the overall winner in a time of 1:02:21. Nicole Giger was the top female in 1:07:27. Charles finished third overall in 1:05:59 and Jodi placed fourth in the women category in 1:11:38. Oooops! What a surprise! Nestor Raul placed.... last in the men category crossing the finish line in 1:11:03! :)
As expected, I had a weak performance in the pool. While almost everyone was already gone and running to the bikes after 10 minutes, I was still doing the last 2 lengths of the swim. I got out of the pool after 12:29, put on my running shorts, t-shirt, and shoes, and went to the place where the bikes were set. In this leg I made 2 big mistakes (well... it seems it would be a good idea for me to train a little bit and check the equipment before the next triathlon!). First, I started pedaling, hit the on bottom but the speedometer did not show any progress at all for a while. Someone had to come and help to fix the problem. Once I started to ride again, I tried to pedal at a faster cadence. Since the bike screen showed a maximum cadence of 120 rpm, I thought I could not or should not go faster because it would not be reflected in the distance recorded by the speedometer (Now I think I was wrong!). So, I kept the cadence at 120 rpm to make it easier on the legs and "saving" them for the running. After 29:36 minutes I jumped from the bike. To my surprise the running leg was not good at all. Saving my legs? What legs? I was running really tired and had to stop and walk three times during the course; at mile one, at the return point, and after mile two. I was just lucky that some of my fellow competitors were more exhausted than I was, so I managed to pass a couple of them and finish fourth in my wave and eight overall. On the other hand, Charles and Jodi were very strong and consistent in their performance all the time. Congratulation to them for a work well done! Kudos also go to Ms Bryant and all the volunteers for an excellent organization.
© Pijume Diwesi Pic1: Y family Center
Pic2: Overall winner Jason Wade with Pacers Charles, Jodi, Joni, and Becky
Pic3: Eric Reynolds was first in the second wave
Pic4: Nicole Giger finishes the run
Pic5: People chatting and waiting for the results
Pic6: Pine Belt Pacers, Charles Jackson and Sheila Eaton
Pic7: Becky the Boss Ryder and Nestor Raul Coach Potato Anzola
Pic8: Hollie Ryder is back walking, running, and dancing!
Pic9: Top female, Nicole Giger (1:07:27)
Pic10: Second place overall, Eric Reynolds (1:03:52)
Pic11: Second female overall, Karla Cannon (1:07:49)
Pic12: Third place males, Charles Jackson (1:05:59)
Pic13: Third female, Sarah Campbell (1:08:49)
Pic14: Fourth place male category, Jeffrey Beaty (1:09:59)
Pic15: Fourth female, Jodi Lee (1:11:38)
Pic16: Jason, Charles, Jodi, Joni, and Becky |
