The day started off with us clearing out camp early and heading back to New Hampshire. We dropped off Lady and we both realized just exactly how sore we were from our races the day before. Nothing to do but shrug it off and hope for the best. We drove the 30 minutes to the race site, and checked in. We caught up with some team mates from Great Bay Masters and I took a quick warm up to try and loosen up my stiff muscles. Despite the rain the week before and the less than stellar weather, the water wasn't too bad.
Eventually I start feeling decent, although my legs still felt like anchors and I get ready to start. The race started and I was able to get out in front with a couple of GBM team mates, Travis and Guy. These guys are distance open water stalwarts and I knew my only shot at winning would be to use my strength at sprinting to push the pace early to get seperation and try to hold on. However, the body just didn't have it on that day and Travis got by me right around the turnaround.
Despite being exhausted, I felt okay and my stroke was smooth so I just kept to my pace. Unfortunately though, the conditions made sighting difficult. It was overcast, and the buoys were right at the surface of the water so I had to stop a couple times to get my bearings. As a result, Guy was able to pull up next to me. As we got closer to the finish, I was somehow being pushed off course and Guy was able to pass me. At this point, I was just spent and knew I had nothing left. I cruised the rest of the way to finish third.
My time was a 20:21 which is not bad, especially given my troubles sighting and just how fatigued I was. The weekend was a huge confidence booster and a good indication of my fitness going into the Xterra East championships. I feel with a good taper and some rest, I can really do well. Only 9 more days and I am ready to go...
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