Emmett's Most Excellent Triathlon - Olympic Course - Triathlon

Almost impossible to draft. The water was too murky due to mudslides upstream. I could not see my elbows while swimming, let alone my hands. I did draft by feel for a couple hundred meters. I could just feel the kick turbulence with my hands.

Swam clean over two guys. I was veering left, and they were veering right. Goggles got messed up a bit on the first one, had to stop twice to get them situated.

Still managed my best pace yet.

Work on my veering left issue. It was not too bad, but I know it adds distance that I can't afford to lose if I want to be competitive.

100 yd run to the bike, gave me time to strip the wetsuit halfway down. I still have a lot of free time I can pick up in transition. Using MTB shoes with quick laces, so I put them on in T1. Socks still take time. I will have to wean myself off them.

Easier access shoes, toughen up and go sockless. I may trim the legs on my wetsuit. It has stuck on the last two races.

Best bike yet. I pushed harder than I ever have on the bike. averaged 21.4 mph, which is above any of my training rides near that distance. I still have a ways to go on the bike, but this is progress.

Wait until morning to fill my aero-bottle. It was wicked nasty tasting after stewing overnight. made do with the gatorade in my frame bottles.

Had a little trouble finding my rack spot, stopped one sawhorse early. My Father-in-law was right there, asked my # and said next rack (I had already figured it out by then)

Stripped off helmet and gloves, stepped out of MTB shoes and tried to put on my running shoes.

I had pushed hard on the bike, and I was shaky putting on my shoes. Didn't get the laces quite tight enough and had to adjust on the course.

Right before I left T2 I leaned across the fence and gave my wife a great big sweaty smooch! She was not overly impressed :)

Not much. Practice and get a bit smoother. I'm happy with my progress.

Came off the bike a little over hydrated, I felt just a tiny bit sloshy, and wanted to get a side stitch. Staved it off and kept running. I was worried about cramping due to the temp and my history of cramping, but not even a hint of a cramp throughout the run.

Note, I raced in my new Hoka's. Only my second run in them. Felt odd for the first half mile, then felt fantastic. I think I might love these shoes.

Dial in hydration on the bike. I didn't need to drink as much as I did.

Pizza, fruit, choc milk, and then more fruit :)


Nothing but my newness. 13 months from the first time I started exercising in 19 years. I am still learning what I am capable of. Next year I think I can add at least 1mph to the bike, and shave 20s/mile off the run.


Great race, I am lucky to have such a great race so close to home.

Not to mention got my first hardware! I was 38th overall, 10 in AG, but I was the first local. 1st place trophy for Gem county, plus a sweet gift certificate to McU Sports!

The RD for the last 13 years retired after this race, here's hoping that the new RD can keep this race just as Excellent!