Rev3 Branson - Triathlon

Sighting was difficult. As stated above, there was light fog on the water and there were not enough sighting buoys placed along the course. Had to breast stroke a little just to see where to go. Swimmers seemed to be everywhere, and it felt as though I was zigzagging in the water unable to swim in a straight line. Given the situation though, I felt comfortable, smooth, confident, and relaxed. Caught swimmers from the wave before me before making it to the first turn buoy. Contact with other swimmers was near zero.

Not much.

Ran into T1 while it seemed everybody else was walking. Seemed slow because of having to place wetsuit and swim gear into transport bag. Tried to put on sunglasses, but immediately fogged up due to cool air temps. Held them in my mouth for about the first 5 or 6 miles of the bike leg.

As a friend said to me on the MS ride a couple of weeks ago: You only start out with so many watts, and when you use them all up, you're done. I kept that in mind as I made my way up and down the hills along with "save the legs for the run."
Another bottle of GenUcan on the bike along with 12oz Redbull. One water bottle pitched and replenished at aid station. 5 Nutter Butters.
I don't ride with a power meter, I'm scared of what it might tell me.

Get a more hill-friendly rear cassette.

Felt good immediately off the bike. Bike shoes and helmet off immediately and running shoes on quickly. Grabbed another small bottle of GenUcan and drank it on the way out. GPS watch set for pacing.

Nothing

Sunny cool weather helps. Passed a number of people on the run course that were pounding it up those hills on the bike. Legs and perceived exertion felt good and in sync. Along the course I took my own water in a large fuel belt bottle, which I didn't need, but used occasionally. I took additional water from the aid stations as well as a total of 4 salt tabs at two different times. A very small amount of Gatorade mainly for taste, and probably 3 cups of coke. The last 5K I caught a second wind of sorts and was able to finish the run out strong.

Nothing, felt good throughout.

Sat down in the shade for a few minutes drinking water and talking with my kids. Walked around the finish line area and talked to several people from our multsport club. Post race food was soft tacos. Didn't sound good, but I ate part of one just to have something in my stomach.


Let's see: time to train, fitness, age, beer, etc.


Good support and organization. I'm very happy Rev3 took this race from IM. It's a great venue and although you will not PR here because of such a challenging bike course, it has a great swim, beautiful scenery, and a run that is looped so you can see all of your friends and family multiple times. Well worth the money. You won't be disappointed.