Smithfield Sprint

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Lauren, my niece, says I'm lucky to ride my bike in March in shorts and repot plants in Virginia; she's in Pittsburgh. I must agree though, I am lucky - Friday in Virginia Beach is 82 degrees.

However, Saturday in Smithfield is <50 degrees. Will pneumonia sneak up on me by swimming and then cycling in wet clothes? I'm uncertain, but this is the difference between a 3 minute swim/bike transition time vs. a 1.5 minute transition time. With a quick transition time, I could gain an advantage and rank higher by saving that minute. Especially, since I really haven't been training.

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Photos

JFCOM Triathlon Competitors
We wait inside the warm YMCA for the competition to begin. No one is looking forward to the goosebump-temperature outside.

Bike to Run Transition
Ten miles in the cold, wet clothing wasn't so bad. Off to the three mile run I go.

Hot or Cold
Finish time: 1:15:45. I think I'm hot, but that wind sure is cold. Just give me a few minutes to breathe. Oh, and I have to thank the athlete who is standing behind me having his ankle timing chip cut off. We kept the same pace and had a nice conversation which made the last mile go by quickly.

Number 273 is heading home
Favorite part of triathlon: exiting the pool. New discovery: lots of little braids keeps the hair out of my face and eyes. Looking forward to: heated car and hot shower. Come on, stop taking photos and lets get in the car.