Racer: Kenrick Smith Age: 33 Division: 30-34 Hometown: Schnecksville, PA Race Location: Middlebury, CT Travel Distance: 190 miles Drive Time: 3-1/2 hr | Hotel: None - stayed at friends house in Cheshire, CT - 25min commute to race Cost per night: N/A Race Entry Cost: $250 Length of Stay: 3 nights - 3 days |


I heard my Dad yell to me that I was 2nd out of the water from my wave, so I tried to make quick work of transition. I was greeted by my family who were standing just outside of transition and were screaming my name and words of encouragement. I quickly gathered my gear for my ride - GU BREW, GU Roctane GELS, Fig Newtons, and my Honey Stinger Waffles.
I tried to stay with riders, making myself push my cycling limits, at times, before settling back into my zone. The course had me going up, down, and all around at times. I don't think there was more than a 2 mile stretch that was flat. It made for a fun and exciting ride, constantly having to switch gears to climb and then zipping down the downhills listening to my ZIPP wheels cut through the thick humid air. I cranked to my little hearts content trying to hold my position as long as I could and trying to conserve some energy for the long 13.1 mile run that was going to be coming after this grinding ride.
As I came into about mile 50-52 I started to stand up and test the legs out to see how they were feeling. They felt pretty good and was definitely ready to get on to the run course. I came down the final stretch and headed to transition and thought I was around 5th-6th place but wasn't sure since a lot of people wear compression socks hiding their age.
I felt that my strategy worked and when I hit a hill I just hit it hard and kept moving forward. I would take it one step at a time and focused on nothing but the task at hand. I was constantly evaluating the way I felt and would make nutrition decisions as I progressed through the course. I took as many liquids as I could hold through the aid stations - I would grab as many waters and ices I could hold dumping in suit, pouring on my head, and drinking Gatorade if anything was left in by the time I was done going through the aid station. It seemed as I was going up the hills they might never end but when they did they seemed short lived as then we would need to climb again. I tell you what though, there was some beautiful scenery to be had on this course and some HUGE homes.
I made my way out of the forest and hills and back onto the main road back to Quassy, where we ran on a paved running trail. Right before mile 9 we came to civilization and caught a glimpse of the crowds. I was very happy to once again see the K-Krew yelling and cheering for me.
I rounded one of the last hills and came to my last steep hill, dug deep, and charged it to make my way to the top. That was the longest mile ever. I rounded the final turn and headed back to the main road for the final 1/8th of a mile to the finish line, used my last burst of energy to hold off the guy behind me or the phantom guy (the guy you think might be behind you but are hoping he's not) behind me and crossed the finished line - exhausted. Tough race!! Finished 12th Overall and reached the podium for my division - 2nd Place. I was very pleased with my strategy, how the race unfolded, and the final result. I know what I need to work on to keep moving forward and am looking forward to my next race - Philly Tri.

Special thanks to PX Triathlon for helping get second out of the water in my Age Group, and to Fitness Central for having my bike dialed in as always.
Had a great experience at the Rev3 Quassy Event and am looking forward to my next one. They did a great job and treat the racers very well.

12th overall finish
2nd in Age Group
Podium Finish
REV3 Does the awards right look at all the swag we got for putting it all there!!