First run - different shirt and new visor
62m46s 23rd out of 218 finishers. Breakdown: 9:46, 0:52 T1, 13:56, 0:45 T2, 11:13, 0:49 T3, 14:19, 0:47 T4, 10:23.
Garmin data
I had 4 good training sessions prior to the race so I felt well prepared. I surprised myself by having good final runs, presumably from my training for the recent 5 mile race.
I had butterflies in the hours coming up to the race but they quickly disappeared once Brian Crinion sounded the starter.
I flew out of the blocks and saw pace readings like 5:15min/miles on my Garmin. I eased off as I knew that I could not maintain that. I finished the first run in 9:46, very similar to other races, though it felt faster.
Former Dublin footballer Paul Clarke passed me on the run but we left T1 right beside each other.
Comfortable on the first cycle
The first cycle went well. I was passed by a guy who beat me in the last race. I went through T2 quick enough. During the second run I passed him and passed Paul Clarke too.
T2 went well too. During the second cycle I passed Marie on her first cycle. At the end of my first lap I spotted Gus, Helen, Finn and my dad close to the finish line. I shouted to Gus to get his camera out. Again I was passed by the guy, with his aero helmet and aero wheels.
Gus got a photo as I entered T2. I was feeling good going into the final run so I immediately started closing on others. I soon passed the guy (no repeat of last time!!) and caught a few others (including a guy who kept beating me out of transition because he didn’t have to change shoes). I opened a comfortable gap on the person behind me and the person ahead was too far to even think of catching.
Flying home on the final run
Gus got some video footage and photos of my finish and we got some group photos (Gus, Dad, Finn and I) after the race. I cheered Marie into T3 and then I headed off.
I finished in 62m46s, beating my previous PB by 1m1s, mainly from improved transitions and cycles. The race results show me as 1st in my age group (40-44 years) though a number of those ahead of me do not have their age specified. So, until I get evidence to the contrary I will celebrate my first AG win.