IPTMan Recap

The ITP race is always a source of both trepidation and joy; trepidation in that every year of its existence thus far - this was the fourth edition - it's been FREEZING. Well, usually that means an air temp near 50 degrees at the start, but after a summer of racing, that's a shock. The joy relates to the last comment -- ITP, for me anyway, has always been my season ending race. Some years, I'd approach ITP having been unable to sit or stand without pain resulting from the other races I'd done. But it's a chance to begin to ease off and even relax - a bit - at a race that isn't a killer distance-wise.

So this year's race, the week after the Westchester Tri at which I had statistically (against the field) the best tri of my career, I think, and after a summer-long bout with my achilles, was a bit different. First, the weather was WARM, so the toe and arm warmers, gloves and hat I'd packed went for naught. Second, I wasn't in pain, at least nothing that vitamin advil wouldn't fix, and lastly, my achilles was pretty much stable (I'd also begun NYC Marathon training in August this year as my achilles improved). AND the tide was in...AND there was no blinding sun to hamper swim sighting! Woohoo!

I accepted a race challenge from our illustrious realy team of West, Stewart and Mosse, and notwithstanding Mosse's rib issue, gave each a good luck thump before the start (sorry, Dave!). I was in the 2nd wave, so I was able to watch Dom leave his customary wake at the front of Wave 1 for a bit. Then the start and into the water! I trust I can have another off season of swimming as good as this last one was, because I ended up 1 minute faster here than last year (amid a season of very good swims) AND even sighted correctly. Turns out that Mitch "Fins" West still obliterated my swim with his time, but who knew? He was in the wave after me. Out of the water, pleased to still see bikes on my rack.

Took off on the bike, maybe not quite as intensely as in other races, but still fairly strong. Another coup this year -- Eneas didn't pass me until after the Merritt Parkway entrance! I biked steadily until I was caught be a few guys and then woke up, passing back all but one before T2.

Surprise! I exit T2 with a trash talking Mosse right on my side. I considered giving him an elbow in the ribs but then figured I'd be "nice" and just give the race the old college try. OK, never mind that he didn't have to swim or bike, but I'll give him his props. So out of T2, I picked up a bit and passed the only other guy I could see. I didn't see Dom or Eneas until about the 2-2.5 mile mark of the run (and they were both comfortably ahead), but I didn't see anyone else, and was trying to ensure that TT went 1, 2, 3. I saw only one person behind me that was close but didn't know who it was. Turns out it was Mr. Mosse, who gamely maintained contact and ended up only 13 seconds behind me (did I mention he didn't have to swim, bike or do transitions?). Also turned out that someone from another wave snuck in ahead of me, taking me off the podium. However, I did gain the satisfaction of improving over last year's time and both winning the 40-44 (my last ITP in the 40-44 group - YEEHAAA) and hitting the fastest splits for EACH discipline in my AG. THAT is rare for me and was a great way to close the Tri season.

So on to the NYC Marathon and another off season of maintenace and technique focus (especially in swimming - Mitch, give me another 3 years and you're mine).