The best swim of Jen Annett’s triathlon career led to her fifth overall finish at Subaru Ironman Canada July 30 in Whistler.
Annett, a native of Kelowna, complete the 2.4-mile swim in 58 minutes, 32 seconds, and finished second among female pros.
“Compared to a lot of the other women, it still wasn’t an amazing swim,” said Annett, who had the 10th fastest time in her division. “I’ve been working so hard on my swim this year. It’s definitely my biggest weakness. For me to finally break that one hour mark is amazing.”
Annett speaks with Triathlon Magazine Canada about her race.
Triathlon magazine video
Getting out of the water up to five minutes faster than usual meant the Penticton resident could spend less time on the bike or run trying to make up time. She also felt it was a motivating, encouraging factor as well to be able to come out that much closer. Annett then gained traction on the bike finishing that portion of the course in 5:08:30, and completed the run in 3:14:48 for a total time of 9:24:55.
American Linsey Corbin won in 9:17:12.
Annett said it was pretty amazing to get results as she had been training all year.
“My goal was to win, but it was a pretty incredible field that showed up,” she said. “To finish second amongst many of the women that I have looked up to for the last few years is pretty amazing.”
Annett said Rachel McBride led most of the race until Corbin caught her on the run, which proved her to be one of the strongest runners in the field. McBride settled for third, finishing in 9:27:15.
The next event for Annett is the International Triathlon Union Multisport World Championship Festival in Penticton later this month. With the work she has done, Annett now considers herself up there with the top female pros.
“It’s definitely a confidence boost knowing that I’m finally where I want to be,” she said. “It’s definitely making me feel good about kind of where I’m sitting with my training. It proved that I’m making gains.”
Annett has qualified to compete in the 70.3 World Championship in Chattanooga, Tenn. on Sept. 9.
