Tempe International Triathlon - Olympic Distance - TriathlonOlympic

My wave didn't enter the water until about 7:30 a.m. Sun was high and so not too much of a factor. Wore mirrored goggles, which seemed to cut the glare and help visibility. Wore goggles under the swim cap to prevent them from being knocked off, and lost the swim cap during the final 10 minutes of the swim. Swam the whole thing without rolling onto my back and resting. That should be a victory in itself, except for the fact that I came in just about last compared to the entire field. It was a really lonely feeling to be out in the water by myself.

Learn how to swim.

Was so rattled by the poor swim and swim time on my watch that I didn't care a whole lot in transition. Took extra seconds downing a salt tablet and a bite of a fig newton before I got on the bike, but glad I did because it would have been difficult to take the salt tablets on the bike. I had brought a balloon to mark my spot but didn't need it because mine was the only bike left on the several racks around me.

Practice transition.

Goal on bike was to complete in 1:25, so 1:27:43 is not bad. First loop was much faster than second; need to learn how to pace. Did not attach stiff cardboard bike number to seat post, so it twirled and dug into my legs; reached down and tried to secure it several times to no avail. Got mad and ripped it off about 5 miles into the event. Saw lots of other bike numbers on the course too. Passed a few people on the course, mostly going uphill. Generally would be passed by them on the downhill. Second loop was really lonely as nearly the entire field was finished by the time I started my second loop. The water aid station was packing up, but I didn't need them anyway as I carried water on my bike. It was really warm water.

This was actually my strongest segment. Just need to get stronger on the bike, learn pacing. Also need to remember to put a frozen ice tube in my Speedfill in the morning so the water isn't so warm by the time I ride.

I don't do any of the things listed here like flying dismounts or undoing shoes and leaving them on the bike. Probably should practice some of these things to get T2 time down. Denise and Karen were there at transition talking to me, which threw off what little concentration I had. Almost took off running with my helmet still on my head. They announced preliminary results while I was still in transition and I was dejected. Really needed to go to the bathroom, but none in sight. Remembered to take 2 salt tablets, which helped get me through the run as "well" as I did.

Practice transition.

Run sucked. Started around 10 a.m. when temp was in triple digits. No shade on course. Really, really hot. The running water bottle I took from transition contained HOT water. No good for running. Started off needing to go to bathroom, ended up walking within first mile due to heat and bladder distress. Finally reached bathrooms at marina about 1.5 miles in, and got relief. Hose felt good shortly thereafter and I cooled down enough to be able to run to the next water station. Heat really got to me with short bouts of nausea, side cramps and dizziness at different parts. Walked several times. Bad, discouraging end to the day. Didn't have the mental toughness to complete it without walking. Ran second loop with guy who was trying to beat 4 hours -- I didn't think I'd be that close to 4 hours myself, and ended up 3:49.

Run more, walk less.

Hung out with Cool Kids. Drank bottle of water, then a beer. Went to macayo's for the awards ceremony since our Cool Kids relay team won first place. Just wanted to sleep.


Heat, conditioning, lack of mental fortitude. On the other hand, I did do some things right - salt tablets, nutrition, got through the swim without resting or backstroking, had an awesome bike leg (for me) considering the course.


HOT time of year. First time in a long time that wetsuits weren't legal due to water temperature. Hot on the bike, hot on the run. Mis-measured courses. No medal, cotton t-shirt. Compared to other races, not sure I would do this again, except that it was fun to know so many other racers at the event and to be part of the Club Championships. Have to say that the aid stations and preparation for hot weather on the race staff's part was really good, especially with hose, sponges and ice.