Louisiana Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

What a horrible, horrible swim. I mean, I didn't expect much since I hadn't been swimming, but the conditions made for a really tough swim. I never felt panicked or uncomfortable, I didn't push really hard, it was just a wavy, rough, cold swim. To compound the problem, it was the most physical swim I've ever had too. It took about 300m to get any sort of space to swim. It was a real washing machine out there. I don't know what I could've done differently to cope better, but I know I need to get back with Master's. That's a given after this piss-poor swim performance.

Coming out of T1 you are literally right on a steep uphill to get to the street. I had my bike in a low gear, so I could ride up the hill. I clipped in, and pushed off but knew I didn't have enough speed to clip in the other foot. So I just unclipped and ran my bike up to the top and got going.

Keep shoes on the bike and ride up the hill.

It took me about 3 miles to get settled in. My heart rate wouldn't come down, so I just took it a little easy until my breathing was under control. I knew I'd be able to make up that time if I just really focused. My goal was 21mph, but with the conditions, I'm pretty pleased with my bike performance. I had just adjusted my position this week, and I really felt more comfortable and more powerful. The new derailleur and chain really felt smooth too!!

The only additional comment I will make is that the race organizers/volunteers at bike mount/officials really need to crack down on the iPods on the bike. I saw at least three numbnuts out there with iPods CLEARLY out in the open. I came up on one guy riding on the left, near the yellow line, I yelled out "ON YOUR LEFT" . . . nothing, no movement. I yelled it again much louder, still nothing. I was really close to him, and yelled again, NOTHING. So I go at close to the yellow line as possible without crossing, and passed VERY carefully, while nudging his butt with my hand to let him know I was there so he didn't swerve into me and cause me to go into the left lane and into the oncoming bikers. I was pissed off about that for a while, hoping he'd say something to me after the race about touching him.

2nd fastest T2 in age group. I love the having yankz on my shoes and being adapted to running without socks. Sure makes for quick transitions. Lost a little time racking my bike, but overall really a good T2.

Well, my goal was to run the 5k under 25:00. I did that. My secret goal was to average 7:45/mile. Didn't get that one done, but I'll take it anyway. The course was a one-way, point-to-point. The last mile was around a 1-mile track at a park. The wind was REALLY demoralizing when you were running into it. I would watch my HR elevate and my pace go down, it was pretty sad. But, I did what I set out to do on the run, I just need to get more mileage in to get better at running. Period.

Lots of folks with iPods out there on the bike.