Moses Lake Family Tri: For the Health of It - TriathlonOlympic

My swim was the comic relief for the entire race. First, I neglected to read the packet that explained to you rather explicitly that you had to wear the green race cap that was given. Of course, I didn't and wore my usual blue one. I wish some race official would have called my attention to the faux pas, but what the hell. My swim was just plain stupid. By the time I rounded the first buoy, it was as if I had never swum a stroke of freestyle in my life. Was hyperventilating, which required breast stroke for about 90% of the swim. Seriously considered calling for the rescue boat a few times, but couldn't bear going home a failure. So despite bringing up the rear with most of the men and a good number of the women, I just kept breast stroking. Made it, seemingly much to the surprise of the race officials waiting at the transition area.

I really don't know what the hell is up. I have been swimming seriously for 6 months. I can knock out 3000 yards straight in the pool without a problem, so it is not an issue of endurance. The problem is that, as noted in most tri-literature, etc, an open water swim is essentially a different sport than pool swimming. And so I basically went into this sport with no training - only a few feeble attempts in recent weeks, which have been completely hampered by the standard 48 degree water temps around here. The only solution I know is to start again from scratch in open water and practice, practice, practice as much as weather will allow. I also think a lot of the problem is mental - the open water experience with a number of bodies kicking, etc is a panic-attack waiting to happen. I hope I can get this monkey off my back so I can continue to improve.

Not to bad for my first real transition experience, and considering I was still hyperventilating from my swim experience.

I would bring something to sit on to get socks and shoes on, or else learn to bike without socks and to get my shoes on while they are clipped in.

The bike was a humbling experience. Looking at my average speed, I was pretty proud of how I did, given that a few months ago, averaging 12 mph was good for me. But amazed at how fast some of these people can go, as one after another zipped past me. I will blame my legs somewhat, as having to breast stroke through the swim had them pretty whacked for the bike. It was kind of funny to see goofy me on my 19 year old Bridgestone road bike, poking along as the elite whipped past me on their very cool bikes. I was definitely the elephant invited to the cheetah race.

Just keep practicing getting stronger and faster on the bike. I may get a new bike one of these days, but when I can improve to a point when I deserve a new bike.

The transition area lady was a bit of a witch - yelling at me to be off my bike right at the point when the sign said "Dismount". Don't understand why the woman who was 5 seconds in front of me who did the same thing, didn't get the same tongue lashing. Hell this is my first race, and I was imitating everyone else. Was sort of pissed when I got to my transition spot and found all my gear had been tossed around by all the other studs who had long since passed me. So spent time collecting and transitioning - otherwise not bad for a first time either.

What I did above, just quicker and better. Try to get into transition before everyone has time to throw my shit around. Maybe bring something to sit on to get my shoes on.

By the time the run came along my leg exhaustion (from the ludicrous swim) was all to apart. I felt my feet flopping with lousy flat footed form. But by the last 2 miles I seemed to have rallied and regained some form and speed. But really I was just happy to finish, and not finish dead last.

Keep running and practicing. Let's face it - a guy my size and my age is never going to be fast. The goal is the finish line only.

Ate watermelon, and bananas, and stood in awe of the people who had finished over an hour ahead of me. What phenomenal athletes these men and women are.


Obviously, as this is my first race ever, I have no reference point to compare. I am happy that the water temperature was not as bad as reported last year - not that it seemed to help my swim or anything. I am almost certain that I was the only first time triathlete at this race. Everyone else clearly was quite experienced, with many serious competitors. Budu Racing does a very good job putting on a race. But one suggestion would be on the race entry form, to maybe have a check box to indicate if this was your first race, so perhaps some race volunteer could guide you through the process a little better, i.e. tell you to put the green swim cap on rather than letting you look like the complete idiot newbie that you truly are. Otherwise great job. It feels good to finally join the triathlete club, even though I am a most lowly member.