Back to back racing

Well, my first 2 races of the year are under my belt. This past weekend was spent in Galveston, TX. for the LoneStar Triathlon Festival. It was put on by Keith Jordan at EndorFun Sports. They run the Timberman, Mooseman and several other triathlons and runs on the East coast. My racing consisted of a Sprint race on Saturday and a 1/2 IM on Sunday. I haven't raced a sprint in about 6 years, so I thought why not do something different. Plus, with the travelling down I wanted to get as much racing in as possible, especially on my new Kuota Kalibur. It would be my first chance to try it out with the full race set up.
Saturday was an interesting day to say the least. The forecast was for rain, heavy rain, but not until 10. I was in the first wave and we headed off at 7:30. The .3 mile swim was done before I even felt warmed up. I was 2nd out of the water about 20 sec. back. On the 12.5 mile out and back bike I felt good, but didn't have that extra gear for the short course speed. I lost some time and came into T2 about 1 minute down. Heading out for the run I didn't think I had a shot at catching the leader, but spectators kept telling me I could catch him. The course was very twisty, and I didn't see him until I was about 50 yards back. At around mile 2 I overtook him and went into the lead. Crossing the finish tape first was cool, but I knew there were fast guys in the waves behind me. Sure enough 4 guys pipped me and I was relegated to 5th, about 2:15 back of the winner. The bright spot was that I had the day's fastest run posting a 15:55 for the 3 mile course.
On Sunday I woke up at 4:45 AM, had my breakfast of hot cereal and a banana, did some yoga poses, some extra coffee and headed down to the race. Setting my gear up in transition I checked over my Kalibur, laid out my nutrition, put my shoes on the pedals and started warming up. Making my way to the swim start I was visualizing myself having a strong race and feeling strong on the entire course.
I was in the third start wave and finally I was in the water and racing. The swim felt great and I had a good rhythm from the start. The only problem was that I didn't have an extra gear to really move. I felt like I could go further, but not faster. Oh well, I just need more speed work in the pool. I exited the water in 28 and change, slower than I hoped, but I didn't let it get to me. On the bike I was able to get into a rhythm early and settle in for a tough ride. The course was an out and back done twice. On the way out it was slightly uphill and into a nasty headwind. I was putting out 275-300 watts and doing only 20 MPH. The reward was a screaming ride back at 30+ MPH. The bike was great and I was happy that I felt comfortable for the whole ride.
Getting to the run, I knew I had to make up some time on the guys from the waves in front of me. Normally I start steady and build into the run. This time I decided to go out hard and hope for the best. I grabbed coke and water at every opportunity and kept the legs turning over. I went through the half way point in roughly 36 minutes. I was feeling good, but the sprint on Saturday was really starting to kick in. I felt like I did on the swim, I could have gone longer, but not faster. I slowed a bit on the second loop but hung tough and finished strong. Overall I ended up third and again I had the fastest run of the day with a 1 15 and change.
Thanks to the guys at BeginnerTriathlete.com. They let me crash at their beach house for the weekend and were great hosts. Ron and the gang of about 20 also ran an aid station for all 3 races.
EndorFun Sports put on a great series of races. There was Mavic support at transition and on the course. The course was well marked, accurate and there were plenty of aid stations. Registration, the expo, awards, volunteers, it was all top notch. Anyone looking for a good early season race should definitely check this race out.
I am now back in Colorado and resting up. My next race is the Wildflower 1/2 IM May 5th. From now until then I will be concentrating on building power on the bike and upping my tempo/speed work. With plenty of base it's time to work on speed.