Messia Valley Triathlon review

  As always Tri Sports put on a great triathlon at NMSU.  They supplied the athletes with a technical t-shirt and nice plaques for awards.  This race was a reverse sprint triathlon.  The 5k run was out and back and mostly flat with very slight inclines that really were not noticable.  I was able to run a personal best for the run so I was pleased.  The bike was also out and back, and was a fifteen mile ride with slight rolling hills that were not difficult.  What made the ride a little more challenging is that it felt like there was a head wind through out the race.  Unfortunately, one of my competitors and friends, Robert Lovett crashed on the bike.  He is such a fast runner that I had to chase him on the bike.  To my suprise he had not racked his bike when I reached T2.  The swim was held at NMSU at the Olympic size out door pool.  The total distance of the swim was 500 meters and the water felt great!  I did finish first but was disappointed that Robert was delayed with his crash.  In my opinion the thrill of racing in triathlons comes from the competition. Robert did get 2nd place despite his mishap but I am sure he will be back stronger than ever.
  I would also like to mention that Christy Jones, who is head of the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), got first place in her division.  She is an inspiration as an athlete and most importantly as a  Christian.
  This was a great sprint triathlon and I highly recommend it and sure hope that they will have it again next year.  I especially like the timing that Tri Sports supply.  They provide timing for all legs of the race, however, T1 is included with the bike split and T2 is included with the swim split.
  The South West series Challenge awards were also presented after the race and of coarse the awards were great.  I would just like to thank all who are involved in putting the series together and for all your hard work and also all of the volunteers and workers of the MV Triathlon.