I had a great experience getting to race in the U23 National Championships that were held in conjuncture with the Elite National Championships! Buffalo was a great venue to have the race at and I was lucky enough to have my mom AND Coach Jennifer there as support crew.
The swim was barely wetsuit legal, which meant that the temperature was not bad with a wetsuit on. The swim was 2 laps and in between laps we had to get out, run around a boat ramp then dive back in. By the first turn buoy I thought I was right with the front pack only to realize I was with the chase pack. About halfway through the first lap I made the decision to try to put as much time between me and that chase pack as I could. The only problem with this was that I ended up swimming the remainder of the first lap and all of the second lap solo.
Once I got on the bike I was able to see a couple girls right up ahead. I caught up to them and tried to work together but couldn't get organized. I saw the next group (the true chase pack) just under 2 minutes ahead of me and decided to go for it. I was able to catch that group about half way through the bike but again we couldn't get much organized and ended up being caught by the 3rd pack. Laura Bennett and Helen Jenkins were out front putting time on us every lap - they were working together like a fine tuned machine!
Once we got on the run I settled into a "comfortable" pace a little too early but ended up finishing strong and clinched my first U23 National Title and 4th overall! I couldn't be much happier with how the race went and how the season has gone! One more race in Myrtle Beach, SC to finish the USAT Elite Racing Series then off-season!
