Midwest Mayhem Triathlon - Olympic Distance - TriathlonOlympic

Started off easy, maybe too easy. Was tough to see first bouy as we were swimming into the sun but as we got closer it was much easier to see. Going west across the lake I kept swimming farther from the bouys and had to correct myself over and over again. I'd swim right next to one bouy, then halfway to the next it seemed like I was swimming away so I'd have to angle back in. Not sure how much extra yardage this was. After rounding the last bouy coming to the swim exit was my best part. I just put my head down and focused on long smooth strokes. I could see hot piglet on canoe watching me for an extended period of time, sort of wanted to stop and ask for phone#, O.K. probably was 20 years younger whatever back to racing.....

Maybe go out a little harder. I backed off a little knowing what lied ahead, heat index of 100 during run etc. I need to swim more, I average two, maybe 3 swims a week. Just enough to maintain swim ability but not enough the improve it.

Typical T1 for me. A lot of sand on feet, just wiped them on towel, didn't get all of it off but I don't think it mattered. I'm just not speedy like these other guys, I need to watch a video of my T2 vs the fast ones.

Not sure just yet.

A good bike leg for me. I had done my first 70.3 a month before so I knew I could push the bike a little and still have enough for a respectable run. I really didn't push it too much for the first mile or so, just settling in as I was going through the small rolling hills coming out of the park. Once on the highways I pushed through the hills and somewhet powered throught the flats. Coming out of T1 I might have been passed by one rider but once I hit the highway I was not passed by a single rider. There was a stretch a few miles from the turnaround where I passed a guy, he passed me, we traded spots once or twice more. For a few minutes I was behind him about 7 yards (that's the legal draft distance right?) but when he slowed to take a drink I put the hammer down, that was the end of that. I think he later passed me on the run however, younger guy had the letter "L" on his leg, I was letter "G" so L must have been guys in their 20's. My back was hurting a few times, I had to get off the saddle and stretch upright a few times. I'm pretty sure I saw my friend Steve about a half mile from the turnaround point, I figured he would catch me before T2 as we still had 12+ miles to go. Didn't happen, a possible sign that I had a good bike leg. I usually get passed by the disk-wheelers sporting aero helmets. Not this day, I pass two disk-wheeler aero helmet guys and a bunch of other TT bikes. This old mans engine's getting stronger :)

I felt my hydration was good, emptied out both water bottle in cage and aero bottle, both had 50/50 mixture of water/gatorade.

Not much. Some might say back off a little given the slower run performance but I'm still below 22 mph so instead how about I train harder on the bike and train better on the run.

Another typical T2 for me. Should have been faster than T1 as in years past but oh well. Again, I need to have someone video tape my transitions and compare to the fast ones.

Not sure.

Temp was nearing 90 degrees as my run started, humidity was high, 60-70%, something like that. I tried to pace myself going out, that first hill out of T2 is tough even though it's short. I saw 4-5 people on the hill as I started up and all but one of them was welking. Right at the T2 exit there was a water station. Nice! Then at mile 1 another water station, both sports drink and water, so I yelled "both". Poured most of water on my head. About mile 3 my friend Steve passed me and he was looking strong. He hit the turnaround point about a minute before me, we exchanged high-fives when I saw him heading back.

The last mile was tough. I did a good job of not walking for the first 5 miles but as I got to the last aid station I walked it, then walked a little more after that. Man it was hot and I was depleted. With only a half or so mile to go I mustered up enough energy to run to the finish.

I think my hydration and pace were as good as can be. It was just hot and humid and I probably ran to my current run ability.

My friend Stave cheered me on as I was coming to the finish line. Man, was I glad to finish this one. Unfortunately for Steve he went the wrong route on the bike course. He ended up doing around 23.5 miles or so. He told the RD so as to DQ himself, RD said to see timer guy. I told him I wouldn't turn him in as he would have finished before me anyhow. Steve's got too much integrity for that. After conversing a bit about the race and throwing down some water, banana and a Pepsi we waded into the lake for somewhat of a cool down, at least the water temp was 5 degrees cooler than air temp.


The heat, humidity, slow transitions and general fitness, that's all.....Got to work on the run some more and figure out how to transition faster for the next race, about a month away.


Overall a good race for my taste. I don't get caught up in the festivities like many others do, I'm here mainly to race, test myself etc. I know this going in and the race fees are great if you sign up for 3 races.

I would say that additional course markers would be helpful to those who dont' read/study the maps or ask questions. This was my first Oly at this course so early in the morning I had printouts of the run/bike courses when I asked the RD some questions.

Adding additional course markers, like at the sprint bike turnaround and where the run course splits between asphault and gravel road, would be a plus. I classify that into meeting expectations and exceeding expectations. The more times you exceed expecations the more participation you'll have in the future. I didn't count but looked like less people this year than last.

But again, I'm more of an HTFU racer so everything was just fine for me. On time, and very nice job having hydration at every mile of the run, not to mention the T2 exit.