Splash & Dash Race Report

This morning I got up early for the 2nd in the series of four local splash&dash events. I missed the first one and wasn't sure what to expect.

Showed up at the location and discovered that this would be a VERY SMALL event. Maybe 25 participants. Guess it is a bad weekend for them. There's another local race this morning, one this evening, plus the serious local triathletes are in Lubbuck for BSLT 70.3.

No worries, I like small events.

The format was 250yd pool swim with a seeded start. Up and back in each lane, then over and so on until you make your way to the end. Out to transition on a patio area. Then a short run over to the Bosque trail with the bulk of the run on dirt.

Set my transition area up and chatted with the other participants as we waited for the start. Got comments again on my too cute Turtle bag.

Seems that most of the people were nervous about the swim. Not Me. I was actually nervous about the run. I've missed my long runs the past few weekends for various reasons, our hill repeats were cut short by a thunderstorm, as was my 'make-up' run on Friday. Just wasn't sure how this was going to work out for me today

They lined us up by number (based on estimated swim time) and started us 30 seconds apart. I had estimated 5:25 based on my past few swims which put me at #11. It looked like most everyone was lined up in a reasonable order except for one lady who seeded herself way too far in the front. Plus the 30 secs between starts provided plenty of room.

The swim was comfortable and I felt strong. I noticed that I was gaining on the guy in front of me and losing the lady behind me. I was surprised and happy afterwards with my actual swim split which works out to 2:01 per 100 yds. That's smokin' fast for me. I'm very happy with my swim.

swim (250 yd) : 5:05

Removed the swim cap and goggles as I was getting out of the pool. Jogged to the transition area to put on my socks and shoes and grab my hat. I hadn't remembered to put my fast laces in, so I had to take time to tie my shoes (vs slip them on). Still, my transition time wasn't too bad.

transition: 0:59

Then it was time to run. Uggh. Right from the beginning, I could tell it was going to be a struggle. Luckily it was a short course. My favorite part of the run was seeing the other participants out on the course. Everyone was encouraging to each other which made me smile. My run time wasn't great, but it wasn't terrible either. It worked out to a 9:49 pace which is just a bit off my 5K pace. Coming off a swim, it's basically what I should have expected.

run (3 mi): 29:28
total : 35:32

Here I am shortly after finishing. Still breathing hard and squinting from the sun, but happy.


I hung around the finish area to cheer for the final participants as they crossed the line. Everyone seemed to be happy and was talking about whether or not they would be able to do #3 and #4 in the series. If they work out with my schedule, I'm in!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend folks. :-)