Buster Britton Memorial Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

So I guess I overestimated my time, lol. I wasn't nervous in the water. I started out off to my right a bit. Within 10 yards I caught the woman in front of me and another 50 began catching more people. My stroke and breathing were good until I began navigating traffic. There was a jam at the first buoy. I was able to split the crowd and ease through. I tried to find my rhythm again. I had about as much rhythm as a sober white boy on the dance floor. I never was able to find it. So I did all I knew to do and that was simply swim. I rounded the next buoy and could see the shore. The only problem was that you were swimming directly into the sun. I began struggling about 25 yards out. I had successfully kept my heartrate down and breathing was in control. I was only passed by one person and probably passed 20-30.

Well this was my first OWS so I have to be pleased. I still need to work more in open water. I also need to learn how to regain my composure once my stroke is broken.

I couldn't ask for a better racking position. The transition area was small and they let you ride in and out (as opposed to a set mount/dismount line). Goggles and cap came off...I took a brief second to get my composure and I was good. I took off sprinting across the parking lot (stepped on a rock...OUCH!). Found the bike with no problem. Decided with the dirty feet that I would ride without socks

Not much to improve upon. I would love to learn how to jump on my bike. I still have to stop, clip and go. This is the only area to improve time.

This was my best bike ever. I had relatively no problems. I was a bit concerned about overdoing it and out of fear, I dropped a big gear a couple of times. Fortunately we didn't have to ride in the bike lane and essentially had the entire road lane. My climbs were great. I was killer on the downhills and often caught people (which made me feel REALLY fast). I estimate that I moved up about 50 positions on the bike. Only 2 people passed me. I rode with a half-bottle of cytomax in the cage and water in my aero bars. This made a world of difference. I could suck down water on the climbs.

I would push it more up the hills. I am thrilled with my results and a 19+ ride.

In retrospect, I wouldn't have hit on a girl while riding. Don't think I made a good impression. I would have loved to chat but I was faster, lol.

Time is estimate, no split available. This is where the transition area was my friend. You could ride to the row with your rack. Well I was the second rack, so I was only 15 feet away when I dismounted. Everything came off, threw on socks (rolled up) and shoes. I bought a set of Yanks last week....wow they made the difference. Then the run out was only 50 feet at the end of my row.

Nothing....i lucked out with the transition area.

I wasn't feeling good going into the run. My back tightened up the day before my race and I was concerned. It kindly reminded me. I held a steady but slow pace. When I went over the course the other day, I couldn't understand the route. I thought we turned around in the parking lot. What I didn't see was the massive hill after the one mile mark. First mile was around 7:45, second mile around 8:45, final mile around 7:30 (it was confusing because there were water stations, signs and road markings all in the same area). I did have enough energy to kick the final 100 yards and beat the guy breathing down my neck.

I was upset that I was passed by about 6-8 people on the run leg. I vowed to let no one catch me on the last mile and chased down the only guy who did. I still managed to net a few extra spaces.

Scout the course better!!! I need to do more bricks. There is no reason I am sucking this bad on a run. I need to get this time around 22!!!

I wanted to puke! I took about 10 minutes and found my parents, then kicked off the shoes and jumped in the lake. The minute I did, my body said get out of the water you crazy fool. But it did cool me down. I stay for the awards to enjoy the ambience of the area.


I think the stress of the week hurt a bit. Also, taking about 5 days off left my hamstrings a bit sore from the brick the other day. I definitely need to strategically prepare for my next race better. I think I can take a Sprint for granted, but an Oly will kick my ass.


The Xterra Southeast Championship was being held this weekend with a duathlon this afternoon and the tri tomorrow. It made for a great atmosphere. Tons of bikers, tris and athletes were everywhere cheering you on.