Pasadena Triathlon and new found fitness

Last weekend I participated in the Pasadena Triathlon. The Pasadena Tri is a reverse triathlon that goes around the rose Bowl. There are about 800 people completing the triathlon and another bunch doing the duathlon/5K.  That means the course gets REALLY crowded so on the bike it is practically impossible to get going.

Swimming in Pasadena Tri

The first portion is the 5K and I felt great. What used to feel like uphills to me no longer do. Also I felt like i could keep running forever. There were quite a few girls that took off super fast at the start of the 5K that I was able to catch once I got going. Once I got on the bike I sort of took it easy. There were so many people on the bike course that it was like a giant peloton with poor bike handling skills. There was no point of getting into a crash so I just passed when it was safe. I don't think my HR ever really picked up. Again on the bike there were sections that used to feel like uphills that no longer do.

also at Pasadena tri

The swim was pretty interesting. Again the pool was crowded with 800 triathletes trying to swim 150 meters but in the middle of the swim I recognized a TV show personality. It took me a full day to figure out who it was but I am almost certain it was Josh Hopkins from Cougar town. After the swim I also saw he was with James Marsden who came out in 27 dresses. Now I think I saw these guys but it is very possible I didn't since I am pretty bad with names these days. 

Although it wasn't the greatest race the pasadena tri served its purpose - Reminded me what it was like to feel like race morning and let me test out some of my gear. 

Slowly but surely I am starting to feel stronger on bike/swim/run and my pace has been getting faster. Also I am starting to drop weight. I just might be almost ready for the big races coming up.