Lake Marion Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Water felt warm, and surface was not nearly as wavy as some of my other training swims.

Still getting used to group swimming. Got bumped, swiped, or tagged more than ever, but didn't let it get to me. (Getting better)
Twice, had the seal break on my right goggle eyepiece, once swallowed water - so stopped to cough and re-adjust.

Got slowed-up just a bit by a slower breast-stroking swimmer at turn 2.
I got boxed-in at he turn and had to wait (just a bit) for him to make the turn. There just wasn't room between (him and the buoy), or him and the swimmers surrounding us. I wasn't about to swim OVER him.. that's not how I roll.

I felt even more confident in the water than my last triathlons - better consistency in the stroke, and form, but still had trouble breathing, and staying calm. Vision and sighting were WAY better.

Clear goggles were great for the overcast day.
Despite the seal breaking twice and water leaking in, I'm glad that I stopped to fix, and breathe.

Because I sink so well.. I am highly considering a wetsuit for future longer distance events. I think the extra buoyancy will play a big part of being comfortable, and add to my overall speed.
SteveinaSpeedo (another Triathlete) and I are doing a little comparison between "wetsuit vs not." Curious to see the outcome.

Long run out from the beach gave me lots of time to pull off the cap, earplugs and goggles.

Grabbed HRM, GPS 305 watch, bike number with great efficiency.
Good bike mount, but took some time getting my shoes on.
I waiting until I was out on the main road before slipping into both shoes. Took two passes to get both shoes strapped.


I used to do the "Flying Squirrel" mount..
This time I still kept the shoes on the bike, but I tried mounting the bike a using the "Leg-Over" technique. Felt better.

All was pretty smooth - other than getting into the shoes..
(Think these shoes are done - I'd like to look at a new shoe/pedal system for next year.)

Was very glad that I had previewed the course so I knew where the hills were, and how to avoid some of the bumpy conditions. A little wind.

I felt good during the bike, but in hindsight I needed to dedicate more time to bike-specific training. I was getting passed regularly, and loosing a LOT of momentum/speed on the hills. I don't know if a bike upgrade is in order, but I do know that I will be spending more time on the trainer this winter!

Using my clip-on Aero bars noticeably added speed during the flat sections, but the change in body position added pressure on my saddle.
I was bouncing a lot (Vertically) and shifting fore/aft to find comfort - Planning to adjust my bike fit in the upcoming weeks to avoid the numbness and muscle pain.

Stopped to put on Socks, slip Gel into my back pocket, and take a swig of Gatorade.

Saw a mass of spectators at the park and started taking off my bike shoes a bit too early. Think I made up some of the time by cornering well into Transition.

A welcome surprise to see the water station at the top of the hill.
I stood for ~10 seconds - Took one cup for my head, and one to drink.

Pleased with my run performance. Planned ahead to pace easy up the hill, and power down the hill - worked out well for me.

Pleased with my run performance. Planned ahead to pace easy up the hill, and power down the hill - worked out well for me.

Lesson learned - I should always plan-ahead and actually preview the finish line. Despite the mass of people, announcer, and little boy who was telling me to turn left, I still got a little confused where the finish line was. Ended up turning 90° instead of 45°.. Big props to the crowd and the awesome announcer for cheering/reigning me back in. :)

That last sprint across the grassy field felt really good!
I should start sprinting sooner next time.

I walked around.. cheered a bit, chatted with some of the other competitors,
and took advantage of the free food and leg massage.


My Asthma kicked in during the lollipop section of the run, and I was really gasping.

I don't know if it's my weight, my bike, my tires, or lack of training that really played a role on my slow bike time. Was my weakest event, so I will be looking into how to improve in that area.


Great event. Was a fun course, and did not have any issues at all.
I thought the race announcer did an EXCELLENT job!!