Old Hickory Lake Triathlon - TriathlonOther

Started off 113rd in the water. My weakest leg was made worse by catching folks slower than I. Literally caught in the middle of 5 people turning the last buoy. Ended up in top 3rd of Age class though, could be worse!

Formal instruction this winter? Fudge swim time so as to not get caught behind slower swimmers? Then I become the guy in the way :(

Swim to 1st run wasnt too bad. Not as smooth getting shoes on wet feet as I had hoped. 1st run was difficult going from swim to run and the run being uphill for the most part. But I stayed within myself and was pleased with 7:00 flat run (1st in age group?). T2 was my largest mistake of the race. I shot right past my bike on the rack. And then had an awkward time getting slipped into cycling shoes. Might should have just left shoes clipped in and stepped into them in mount area, but I'm still not sure which method is faster for me. Lost 20-30 seconds to most of the top 20 in T2.

Literally practice putting shoes on when wet (though how often do you go from swim to run). Practice and time which transition to bike shoe technique is more efficient. Counting time used on bike to strap shoes I'm not sure.

Maintained above avg cadence and only had difficulty being "tempted" into grinding a lower cadence in the last 3 miles. Knew that last mile on the run would be tough, so I left a little on the table during the ride. Had to take a couple of swigs of water and I don't have an aero bar mounted water bottle yet. Probably gave up a second or two drinking. Only time I was out of the aero bars.

Took advantage of out and back course to count 41 riders ahead of me by the turnaround. Passed 21 more on the return leg to transition. One "advantage" of starting later on swim is having lots of "carrots" to chase on bike.

T3 was best transition of the race. On par with Top 10 times on avg.

Work on better T1 and T2!

Pushed hard, yet cautiously, on 1st mile trying to remember return leg would be most difficult. Caught one more before turnaround. Took a splash of water at turnaround and a sip then pushed as hard as I could. Caught one more before final climb. Climb was tough but encouraging crowd and climb wasn't too long. Hadn't much for a "sprint" at the end so I know I gave it my all.

More intervals on hills in the heat? Yeesh

Lots of walking and water.


Enjoyable (did I just say that?) race. Excellent race for inexperienced at open water swims. This is my 1st race report, would appreciate any constructive criticism anyone has to offer.