![]() Swim
Comments: Sun was shining, water was warm, pretty calm, and wasn't a huge group of competitors. - Looked like a great day for a swim. I *think* I had a good/fast start, but was still going (too-hard, too-fast, too-early.) Bumped into a couple people. When I came up to sight my next buoy, I heard less splashing nearby, and discovered that I had drifted completely THROUGH the wave! Veering from far left to far right and now(Inside) the buoys. Foggy goggles and difficult time seeing. Felt like I was sinking (a bit) around 250-300 yards. Last year on this course I was "out-of-shape" with swimming, and my "Michael Phelps sprint swim" approach was my downfall.. This year, I've dedicated 2 days a week to swim training, and have learned/improved dramatically. Swim was still a challenge, but I was much more physically/mentally prepared this year. What would you do differently?: Start SLOW with an EASY pace! Don't break rule #1 - "Be comfortable in the water" Try to find some anti-fog solution, or get new goggles before the event. Fit in more Open Water Swim training for next time.. Made a realization today: A big factor in my swim performance is due to my vision. Foggy Goggles and Silty Soupy water seems to add to my dis-comfort in the water..even anxiety - anxiety seems to affect my exercise induced asthma. ![]() Transition 1
Comments: Very pleased with transition. I forgot to grab my gel for the bike leg, but everything else went super-smooth. Even got my GPS watch - Seeing the speed (20-23MPH) gave me some extra confidence when I was getting passed by the relay team speedies. :) Got up to speed and into shoes pretty quick on the bike. What would you do differently?: Felt good. No changes needed. Got up to speed and into shoes pretty quick on the bike. ![]() Bike
Comments: I'm a big guy, so I guess I attract more gravity than most.. When I come up to a hill, it feels as if my tires go flat, and everyone just cruises past me. What would you do differently?: Had some high inner thigh fatigue - Maybe I will try to raise my bike seat a little higher? Maybe inflate my tires a little more? - 115-120psi -> 125psi? ![]() Transition 2
Comments: Very smooth transition - I took some much needed time pouring water on my head, putting on socks and shoes before hitting the trail. What would you do differently?: Nothing. I tried (a few weeks back) running 3 miles without socks, and it ended badly with sores on the top of my feet. ![]() Run
Comments: Hot Hot Hot Hot Hot. Mile .8 was like walking into an oven. Walked ~4 times. Thanks much to the volunteers and the waterstops/showers! Overall, I was faster than last year, and pleased that with all my walking breaks, I still kept up a 9 min mile pace! Training has really paid off. What would you do differently?: Hydrate more before the race? Wear my headband/icepack in the run. I don't think "Powering-through" would have made any difference. I finished feeling tired, but not exhausted or endangered. I would also NOT look longingly across the lake, and think about how much further until the finish line.. that doesn't help. Considering to race Clydesdale division from now on.. ![]() Post race
Warm down: Finish my orange Gatorade.. Sit with ice-packs on my head, chest and legs. What limited your ability to perform faster: Heat. I really don't to well in Heat. It affects my breathing, my vision, and it was a real attitude downer during the run. Felt like running in an oven.. Event comments: Great event!! Great support along the course - ample water stops, and good food (box lunch!) at the finish pavillion. Last updated: 2011-03-30 12:00 AM
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United States
Final Stretch
hotF / 0C
Sunny
Overall Rank = 36/87
Age Group = 30's
Age Group Rank = 10/17
Showed up later than I wanted, so felt rushed and missed out on a bike warmup. Banana and cliff bar on the drive, and tried a Pineapple GU before the start.
Talk to my "rack neighbors."
Found the wide-eyed 1st timers near me, and tried to re-assure them that everything is going to be okay.. that in perspective, this race "Doesn't really Matter".. in a couple hours, you'll have access to clean drinking water, and tonight you still have a nice warm place to sleep. :)
(That's what I always tell myself before a big race - that "This doesn't really matter.")
Jog around a bit and swim a bit.