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Race Result

Racer: Shawn Clark
Race: Giant Acorn Triathlon
Date: Saturday, October 6, 2007
Location: Bumpass, VA
Race Type: Triathlon - Sprint
Age Group: Male 30 - 34
Time: 1:16:42
Overall Place: 86 / 534
Age Group Place: 5 / 27
Comment: Fun end to an amazing season!! Thanks



Race Report:



I'll keep this short. As alway setup did a great job setting up the race with a few bumps in the road. They need to work on possible alternative routes in and out of the park for the run and bike as it got really crowded. They need to do a better job of sweeping the corner coming in and out of the park. Thank God Debbi was there tell us to slow down or I think I would bit it hard.

One nice thing about this race is you can drive down the morning of since it doesn't start until 10. so we got up early and KK and Eric Dempster picked me up and after a quick stop for grease we were on the road.

The Swim: 15:59 9th clydesdale (I know, I'll be at practice all winter katie)

The swim started out decent but my goggles were leaking and I had to clear them twice for fear my contacts would fall out, odds are they wouldn't but just in case I cleared them. I don't think this really affected my time. I came out of the water feeling pretty good, transitioned, and headed out on my bike.

The Bike: 33:39 1st Clydesdale 40th overall

I felt a little weak on the bike which is no surprise as it has been just sitting in my house collecting dust for the most part in the last few weeks. I did manage one or two rides and work commute but really I've just been avoiding it. The course was extremely fast and I think at my peak this season this would be my perfect course, lots of small rollers and some good flat sections to hammer. I'm happy with my bike time but wish I could have gained some more time on the other Clydesdales.

The Run: 23:31 8th clydesdale

I think I just didn't have the juice. Not a horrible run for me by any means I think that averages out to about a 7:34 which is good for me, I've run slower and won just not today. I ended up 5th clydesdale which is a little hard to swallow but at the same time I feel I had a pretty good race for me so I can't be too upset. All the other big horses were a blast to race with, (we were racked together), to the point that I even got a high five or two on the run.

summary: Great race that I did last year 1:31, so I've improved and when it's all said and done that is all you can ask for. Now I look forward to the off season or the marathon season whichever you prefer and I am watching my '08 calendar fill up ever so slowly.

It's been a fantastic season with the RATS and I have to say I don't think it would have been nearly as fun without such a great group of people with which to train from reid's calm, methodical methods to KK's tri-geek training weekends and everything in between it's been a Blast. Now let's get competing for the frozen RAT award!