Rocky Hill Triathlon

Tomorrow I’m racing Exeter’s inaugural Rocky Hill Triathlon Olympic Course: 800 yard swim, 24.8 mile bike, 6.2 mile run.  I anticipate leaving the pool in a pack with a few guys off the front to chase.  Out of the gate, I’ll pick off a few one by one then plan to settle my heart rate down climbing Rocky and take in my nutrition with a paced climb; no KOM is a smart tactic.  Starting with the descent is when the bike race starts with a gradual slight uphill time trial until the power line turn around point.  Staying aero will make the difference on avg. speed.  After turn around, it’s a negative split type course with a gradual descent time trial so this section is when the leaders need to get chased down.  Coming back up badger hill, I’ll let off the throttle and get nutrition in pacing the climb, no KOM is a smart tactic. The 3 turns will require intervals to pace going into T2 and not mash the legs saving it for the run.  The run is an out and back.  The first 2 minutes need to be slow to let my heart rate adjust and not spike.  Then it’s an all-out race pace until the base of the climb.  The climb will be moderately paced based on heart rate or an off interval until the left hand turn half way up Rocky then the second half is a surge to crest the top and bomb the down until the turn around point.  The turnaround climb back up is an off interval to pace and let the heart rate settle.  From the top of rocky to the finish line is all out where placing amongst the front pack will be determined.   Given the hills, this is a token paced course and that’s my plan when to step on the throttle to see what I’ve got.

http://www.rockyhilltriathlon.com