Mighty Hamptons Olympic - TriathlonOlympic

I sucked on the swim! Although the water wasn't cold, and it was flat, no chop whatever, I started late, behind everyone, and my adrenaline level, or something, caused me to loose my stroke, so I did the entire first half in breast stroke, passing a few freestylers along the way, due mostly to my superior navigation, (ie: being able to look for the bouy during each breath!) and getting passed by the following, faster waves.

At least, being in the first wave, I knew my official time at the end of the race.

The way they organized the swim start was apparently to minimize the amount of time that they had to close the roads: bunch people up so that the cops who were holding back traffic at some intersections, didn't have to do it too long and make the locals crazy. They had the men over 40 and physically challenged start in the first wave, behind them were the rest in some order I don't completely understand, but it made for lots of passing excitement in the water, for those who like that sort of thing.

The weather was perfect, sunny and not too hot. Noyac bay was flat and glassy before the start, and not cold except for one spot just before the halfway turn where there was a spring or some upwelling or something, although no current was evident. Good visibility of the return leg of the swim course for the spectators on the beach.

Train more. Swim more, lots more. Do more open water swims. Relax! Get a real triathlon wetsuit.

The pavement through the transition area from the swim was ROUGH; a I couldn't run, just shuffle, sort of. I don't what I was doing for over 6 minutes; it didn't seem like that long; I had soaked my suit with Pam to avoid a repeat of a difficult removal during a Manhattan Island Foundation Aquathlon several weeks ago. I did have trouble finding a sock and my shirt. Can't explain 6.5 minutes though. I was close to the exit, so I put my shoes on my feet and ran to the mount area, which was clogged with people. They should have made it wider there and kept people who wanted to stop and look at their feet. and twiddle their bikes to the right.

Practice. Lay things out differently, maybe hang my shirt on my bike, maybe skip the socks. Relax, although I could have taken a nap in 6:31!

Because of the odd swim wave order, there was lots of passing on the bike. Also lots of people hanging out on the left.

There was some sand on the road in a few spots, including at the fastest point, leading to some very dicey steering moments.

Eat a little more for the run. Ride a little harder. Lower my HR by training more.

This was more like it.

Left my shoes on the pedals, ran in on my socks, racked my bike, slipped on my shoes, took a swig of Perpetuem and headed out for the run.

Practice my transitions.

I relied on the Gatorade at each mile. It was watered down and I could have used a bit more nutrition. I slowed in the second half.

I had to poop for the entire segment further inhibiting my performance.

Eat a little more on the bike or in T2, maybe do a Cliff shot or some bloks at the beginning of the run.

Water, PPJs at the tent. Spoke with Jessica from SBR who finished 4th overall for the women: great job, Jessica!


Bad swim; I need to swim a lot more. I had been thinking of entering the Mighty Man Montauk Half in 2 weeks, but I think I'll concentrate on training more before attempting a half. This was my first Olympic distance race, my second tri, the first being the Philadelphia Independence International(?) distance in July.

Instead I'll do Grete's Gallop Half Marathon which takes place on the same day and was my favorite running race last year, in part for being on my home court: Central Park; I know those hills!


There were not NEARLY enough porta-potties. I got in line at 6:00 and it took me until 5 minutes before the first wave, (mine) was to go off at 6:30 to get in. I hurried my business, not completely finishing things, (I think I gave myself a hemorrhoid rushing it) then ran to get my wetsuit, ran back to the start, had to work my way through the crowd of later waves waiting around, (missed all of the orientation) swam out towards start, just as the horn sounded. They needed a lot more porta-potties for 720+ athletes. (and their families and friends) There were 8 at the end near the start and another set (the same amount?) at the other end where the line was even longer. There were lots of people still in line behind me, who were also in the first wave; I don't know what happened to them.

They had a barbecue which started about an hour and half after the race, by which time the parking lot was almost empty of athletes' vehicles. They could have spent more on jons and less on burgers and giant, pro barbecues.

All this said, I would do it again; it was a lovely day for a swim, a ride, and a run in the country. (Then again, I live in NYC and am easily impressed by ocean, beach, trees, and sky.)