2012 Amica 19.7 Boston Triathlon

This triathlon was set in the beautiful setting of Myles Standish State Forest in Carver, Massachusetts. The venue is spectacular with all the venders and sponsors set up right next to the lake and beach. The transition area and finish line are also set up there and parking is nice and close so it’s just GREAT for spectators because they don’t have to walk far to enjoy the entire race. They can easily see the start, entire swim, transitions, bike, run and finish all from 1 main area right by the lake and beach. It’s also nice for us athletes because we can easily unpack our vehicles and then easily pack them back up at the end of the race. We don’t have to go far to get to our vehicles which usually isn’t the case for most races. The race started out with an out and back half mile open water swim followed by a 16.1 mile bike ride and then a 3.1 mile run. The entire race was all within the beautiful park so there was very little traffic making this a very safe and fun course for both athletes and spectators. I woke up very early at 2:15 a.m. to get ready to be set to leave by 3:15 a.m. because I live a little over 2 hours away from Carver, MA and the race was going to start at 7:30 a.m. I did not mind getting up at this time because I know what GREAT races the Amica Triathlons are. They are one of the most professionally run events that I have competed in and I always look forward to racing in them. This was my 3rd year racing in this race and I was excited but nervous because this was also my first race getting back to running after resting from it for 2 weeks due to a right Achilles injury. I got to the registration and packet pickup table around 5:30 a.m. and was welcomed with warm greetings by the race director, the volunteers and other workers that I usually see at other triathlons in the area. It’s always nice to see familiar faces. I quickly picked up my race packet and entered transition to get my spot all set up. After setting everything up I took my bike out for a quick ride to loosen up my legs and to set it in the right gear for the start up a small hill. My bike was set to go, transition area was set so next was to get into the water and get in a good warm-up swimming. The weather was a little cold at the beginning of the race but this meant that it was going to be nice and cool for the entire bike and even better on the run. I was a little nervous as to if I would be too cold on the bike but once the time got closer to 7:30 a.m. the weather warmed up fast and I began to get even more excited. I had no problem jumping into the beautiful lake to warm-up because the water temp was a nice 72 degrees and warmer than the air at that time. I did a fairly long warm up consisting of going out to the 1st buoy and then back to shore practicing my spotting of the shore flags as well as the buoys. I have had some bad luck at some races this year and have swum off course because I was not spotting correctly so I’ve been trying to make sure I prepare better for it. The race director gave the last race meeting, then the national anthem was played and the first wave of all men was sent off at 7:30 a.m. and then the second wave of all women and teams at 7:35 a.m. I positioned myself at the front and I chose to pick a line as straight to the first buoy as I could. The race horn sounded and we ran and dove into the water. I always go out very hard to try to get out in front and then I do my best to try to stay there or try to stay with the top pack. I quickly pulled into 1st and just kept a strong steady pace breathing every 4 stokes with a couple of every other in between. I could easily spot the first and second buoys without any problem. I did have to go around a lot of men from the first wave but this was not a problem. I easily found lines that got me through them. After I turned to head back to shore I noticed it was a bit harder to see. The sun was rising so it made it a little more difficult but I could still see the first buoy and swam pushing it a bit harder. Then I spotted the swim finish flags on shore and pushed even harder towards them. I exited the water in a time of 8:55 and in first place for females. After a somewhat fast transition I quickly started to push it up the first hill on my bike. The bike course was beautiful and like I mentioned earlier all within the park so there was very little if any traffic and this I loved. The course consisted of rolling hills and some fast flat areas with one tight u turn. I remember I started to see the first 3 guys heading back after the turn around point and I was counting to see how many where in front of me and I only counted 3. I was shocked and thought to myself I must have missed some. I came to the turnaround point and slowed way down to make the sharp turn then after making it I started to hammer it back. The course was pretty fast but I found I had to do a lot of shifting and quickly to effectively ride as fast as I could up and down the many rolling hills. I finished the bike in a time of 42.19 averaging 22.8 mph. I remember coming into transition and hearing the announcer call out my name and he said she’s in 4th overall. Let’s see if she can catch those men. The crowd was GREAT and cheered myself as well as all the other athletes on. After an o.k. transition because I didn’t give myself enough time to get my bike shoes off while I was biking (lol) and I had to wipe off some sand from my feet before putting on my sneakers I headed out onto the run course. The run course was again beautiful and all within the park so it too had little if any traffic. I remember not knowing how my Achilles was going to feel and I was nervous. My breathing felt good and I remember just hoping and praying I was not going to feel any pain in my Achilles. I’m very HAPPY to say I did not. I did feel some pain, a good pain in my calves from taking off 2ish weeks and then getting back to running this race being the 3rd day I was running on it. They were just sore and a good sore. I remember hearing someone coming up behind me on the run. I could tell it was a guy and was not too worried. He caught up to me and passed me but I was telling myself it’s o.k. you were sent off 5 minutes behind him (lol). The water stops were stocked with the bags of water which I love because you can easily squeeze the water into your mouth and you get a bit more than with the cups. As I was approaching the last mile one of the spectators said you can win the whole thing, push it, you can do it. This brought a smile to my face but I still did not know how far in front the other men were and if I was going to cross in a time that would win it. I tried to focus on my running form and tried to be careful a bit not to push too hard with my right foot. I was so happy it was not hurting and well I want it to stay that way (lol). I came up the last hill and the rest was all downhill to the beautiful finish line right by transition. I crossed the finish line and broke the tape and come to find out I did cross in a time that gave me the overall win. I was very HAPPY and surprised. I finished the run in a time of 23:21 averaging a little over 7:30 minute miles. My overall time was 1:16.21. I highly recommend the Amica Events to all athletes from professionals to beginners. They are extremely well run events that attract a nice group of athletes from all over. They are professional and friendly. The post race breakfast sandwiches of your choice of: egg & cheese with your choice of bacon, sausage or ham were delicious. They had plenty for fruit and even bagels with cream cheese. The awards ceremony was also professionally done and they even raffled off a GARMIN. Congrats to all that competed and all that helped put on and make this an AWESOME triathlon to race in and watch. My family truly enjoyed watching this race. I’m looking forward to racing in more of these events in the future. GOOD TIMES!