MSC Bracebridge Post Race Report-2'nd Overall, 1:56:01

It was time to get back to some serious racing this past weekend at the MSC Bracebridge Olympic distance Triathlon.  After breaking out a retro speedo two weeks ago for the Bala retro race, I was happy to be back in my wetsuit and regular race attire (although the speedo was quite liberating...).  Going into the race, I was feeling strong (I am a national champion after all), and I was really hoping for a good fast race with the possibility of getting my first overall win for the season (this 2'nd place thing is getting a bit repetitive...).  Well, despite a solid effort (and even a swim PB), I walked away with another second place, this time to the speedy Cody Beals (perhaps we could call him my arch rival...perhaps...).   

Top 5 Overall

But to be honest, another second place doesn't sit too negatively with me.  This is partly due to the fact that I like to be optimistic (a pessimist might say I was the first loser...), but is also due to the fact that this was NOT a slow race!  Lets break it down and see how it went.

Swim

I have always managed to have a good swim in Bracebridge in my three years doing the race, and this year was no exception.  With the water as smooth as glass, and a course that is outlined by the shore, a fast time was just asking to be had.  

Yes folks, that is one fine looking Nineteen Frequency

This event has the unique feature of a time trial start, which means it is everyone for themselves (no packs, and no real drafting).  I knew the course, and was feeling good in the water, so I knew I was going to have a fast swim.  How fast of a swim I actually had however, still surprised me, as I was just able to duck under the 19 minute mark and finish with a big PB of 18:59 for the 1500m (2 seconds off the best swim of the day)!  Can't complain about that...

Bike

With only Cody and Mike Greenberg ahead of me (due to the time trial start), I got to do some chasing on the bike before I caught up and passed both of them at maybe 7.5-10km into the bike.  Now in the lead position, I was able to get into a good rhythm and start putting some distance between me and my chasers.  I don't have much to report in the way of watts, speed, or other such numerical statistics (No computer for me), but I can tell you I was going pretty quick, rounding out the 40km in a solid 58 minutes and change.  Now, I did have a bit of a scare on the bike when what looked like a Pitbull ran into the middle of the road without a leash or owner in sight.  Luckily, there was no issue with the doggie, and I went by without an issue (he was probably realized how fast I was going).    

Heading into T2, and looking flashy with my new eLoad kit

Run

So, just like last years race, it was me in the lead with Cody chasing (except this year I had a time buffer due to the TT start).  I went out strong, and was able to settle into a good pace.  Just after the 5km turn around, Cody caught up, and put distance between us.  I knew I had the buffer to work with, so I tried my best to banish any negative thoughts that surfaced as I watched him gradually pull ahead.  I ran hard (and was happy with my effort) but in the end it was just shy of a first place, and I had to settle for another second place finish.

Crossing the line 

Post Race
Like I mentioned in the beginning, this was not a slow or easy race.  The pace for the swim was really cooking, and the bike had its fair share of hills.  Although the run was relatively flat, both of the previous efforts made for a tough run to finish off the race.  Second place is nothing to be ashamed of here.

Top 5 Overall M/F (showing off my MSC/eLoad gear)

  

I was really happy with my time.  My overall time for this years race was far superior to my last years time (and was even much faster than Cody's time from last year), so I know I put in a good effort and raced well (and am making progress).

And to top off a good day at the races, my family and I headed down the road to Santa's Village for some go-carting before the drive home (maybe a new tradition in Bracebridge...).    

Getting ready to rip it up

Concluding Remarks

A big thanks goes out to all the people who have helped me get to where I am.  Both my coaches Brent and Derek have been amazing teachers, knowledgable guides, and have really help me to learn and improve.  New support has also come with a sponsorship from eLoad, who have given me backing and supplied me with some fantastic sport nutrition to train and race with (and also a fancy new kit).  A big thanks also goes to Multisport Canada for putting on another great race, and for the opportunity to race as a member of the MSC Development Team.  Thanks is also extended to Nineteen Wetsuits, who helped me with the purchase of my frequency (which has been a fantastic suit for me).   

And lets not forget my amazing family, who woke up super early to come and watch me race (and take some great pictures).  Both my Mom and Dad are big supporters, and my brother Dan (who you should watch for in a few years)...well...we call him my most medium supporter...

Thats all for now everyone.  Look for me at both the Wasaga and Lakeside Olympic distance tri's in just under a months time.  An appearance at the Provincial Time Trial may also be a possibility.  

Thanks for reading