Returning to triathlon racing as a new season begins was a bit daunting for me this year, specifically because my prior race in August 2011 left me the souvenir of a broken clavicle. Sufficiently healed physically though with lingering doubts mentally, I approached this first sprint triathlon of 2012 with a modest goal: finish in one piece.

So I behaved prudently, particularly on the bike. Due to a combination of ideal weather conditions, the flattest bike course I’ve ever experienced, and my excessive caution early on, I entered the run segment feeling springtime fresh. The result was my fastest sprint run split and a perfectly respectable finish. It’s great to be back.