in successfully defending my title at the Alabama State Games. It was a brutally hot day with index temperatures reaching over 102ยบF but much better to race in an oven-of-a-day like today than in monsoon like conditions when I raced the Buster Britton Triathlon (finishing 7th) last week. After such a disappointing result, it was nice to redeem myself and be on top once again.
After exiting the water in 4th place a few seconds behind the lead group of 3, I had a fast first transition and by the half mile mark on the bike I had the lead. I am fairly familiar with the 21k rolling bike course, and played it to my advantage to start the bike with a 2 1/2 minute advantage.
Onto the run I started off fast but quickly realized the heat would take the best out of my legs on the day. I was able to play around with my lead, and even slightly increase it as everyone else also succumbed to the scorching heat. I am now a 2x State Games Gold Medalist!!!
Next on my calendar will be a 7 week long "training camp" at my own home, focusing on the upcoming 1/2 Ironman events I am currently scheduling for the summer. I am still unsure which exact races I will attend, but should have decisions soon.
