Race: Queen’s Spring Fling Triathlon & Duathlon
Date: Sunday April 1, 2007
Location: Amherstview, ON
Sport: Duathlon
Queen’s Triathlon Club played host to the 2007 University Multisport Championships held on Sunday April 1st, 2007 in Amherstview, ON. While the triathlon was open to university students only, a community duathlon was held at the same location with 50% of profits going to Kingston’s P.R.O Kid’s Charity. The 5km/20km/5km duathlon was an OAT sanctioned event with Sportstats timing. I thought this would be a nice low-key way to start off the multisport season and see how the training is going! I really enjoyed this race and must thank the race director, David Barbic, for being so accommodating for me. I waited until the day before to register without realizing that online registration had ended and that there was no way I could get to Kingston to register in person and pick up my race kit at the Running Room. David, although busy and stressed out with all the last minute details and organizational challenges that inevitably pop up, took the time and effort to register for me and ensure I was able to start on race day. Thank you David!! The duathlon was scheduled to start at 8:30am with the university triathlon following at 9:30am. Conditions were challenging (both to race in and dress for!) with a forecast of rain, wind and cool temperatures throughout the day (high around 7-8degrees). The run course was an out and back on sidewalk (ouch!) on neighbourhood streets. The first ½ was mainly downhill and then the second ½ uphill. It was quickly obvious from our times that the course was well short of 5km, likely more around 4.3km or so. This was corrected for the triathlon which followed. The bike course followed well-paved rolling county roads for 2 loops of 10kms, accurate by my bike computer. Both courses were well marked and manned with volunteers and OPP directing traffic. All in all I had a great time. I was a little disappointed that the run was short, since I was interested in seeing my 5km times, but both my run splits were relatively equal, which at least tells me that my pacing is good. It was nice to get out on the bike and really go for it for the first time this year. I felt strong but realized that I need to work on: 1. my 180degree turns; 2. downhill corners; 3. powering uphill after a corner or downhill. In all three cases I just need to become more confident and increase my speed/acceleration. After the race, I took advantage of being in the area to cycle one of Lennex & Addington County “County Trails”, which are marked routes on roads and trails in the area of Kingston and Napanee. While a banquet was held later in the day, I opted not to stay for that. To my surprise, there were prizes for the Duathlon. As 1st Female (and 2nd Overall) I was presented with a medal and a short-sleeved cycling jersey…sweet!! Lots of fun and would definitely do it again!
