I opened my 2015 Tri season in my favorite location: Phoenix. I've never competed in a Lifetime Tri before and I was very impressed. This was a well run race with lots of support - they even provided wetsuit strippers which is rare for an Olympic distance race.
This was my first time riding outside since October, my first open water swim since September and my first warm weather run since Halloween so I was pleased with the results. That's probably enough excuses. It was a great day - not too hot - and there weren't any annoying hills like I had in California for my first race of the year.
I was passed by a 61 year old (my age group) in the last 1/4 mile. I cleverly decided to just stay a few feet behind him and save myself for the finish when I would burst passed him. Unfortunately he had sort of a similar plan and his burst was better than mine. I finished 4th in my age group but all the guys ahead of me were from Arizona so I think they had a home court advantage.
Another really neat thing about this race is that they make all their race photos available for free. And while all my race photos look alike usually, these guys came up with some interesting new angles:
 |
| While this looks like the END it's really the beginning |
 |
| Checking my watch after they stripped off wetsuit
|
 |
| Smiling for the cameraman |
 |
| Not smiling so much at the finish |
