Parris Island Triathlon - Triathlon

I estimated a 1:50/100m swim which was about what I did, unfortunately most people around me overestimated their abilities. I ended up passing 8-9 people during the swim and got passed by none. The pavement at the end of building was terror on the feet so I wore my sandals from the pool to transition, which was a fantastic idea (many jealous people).

lie about my swim ability to get better seeded and not have to deal with all the passing

Transition took longer than normal for me because I put on a bike jersey and arm sleeves. Normally I race in a tri suit but with the hot pool and cooler weather outside I wanted to be a little different. I really enjoyed the bike jersey which was a US Navy jersey (great pride to represent on Marine Corps base)

just wear tri suit

I went out just right but at mile 3 I lost my water bottle as I drilled a pothole. So next 7 miles I just had to suck it up. I felt like I was tearing the bike up (mentally 22-24 mph pace) but due to the wind and running a disc in the rear I was limited on my ability.

Should have run the HED trispoke in the rear and not dropped my water bottle.

Really struggle to get the sock on my feet due to poor balance from what I perceived as a fast bike. Also, was not ready to jump off the bike at the transition line, shoes were unvelcro'ed but did not have a foot out of the shoe.

Be aware of T2

Came out and within the 1st quarter new that I would overheat if the armsleeves were left on, so i tucked them into the bike jersey and unzipped the jersey and took off. I had my best triathlon 5k ever but the headwinds on the way back were very challenging. I had great energy so I offered words of inspiration to everyone I saw. I drank water at .75 miles, 1.5 miles, and 2.25 miles which really helped catch me up on the lost water from the bike.

Nothing

Kids finished the last 50m of the run with me which is always great. Ate a bagel, banana, a recovery bar, and a bunch of water. I went into the pool and took a shower, then cleaned up transition and got my bike. Me and Melissa talked about the race and people watched while the kids played in the field.


Choice of clothing, dropping my water bottle, and running the disc. Overall, my goal was 1:05 or better based on last years results to place in the military division. When I got a 1:04 report from the wife I was ecstatic. I felt amazingly strong at the finish and had made my goal time. I walked by the award table and saw the most amazing 18" tall eagle holding an american flag trophy for the top 3 military finishers and got giddy but my dreams were crushed when I found out 3rd place was 1:02 and 4th place was 1:02:30.


This was a great race, we did not have the pool issues that many people had described in the past. I loved racing as the US Navy on Marine Corps base. The trophies for the military division are unparalleled. This is a fantastic event and a must do for military personnel. I'll be back next year!