HQBN Sprint Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

I lined up towards the middle of the crowd. As I looked up and down the crowd I spotted Henry Ian Cusick (Desmond from "Lost")lined up to race on my right. When the gun went off I started easy. I hadn't been swimming nearly enough and I didn't want to blow up early. As I tried to stay calm and stay on course I got swam over a couple of times. There were quite a few beginner's in this race because guys were all over the place swimming across the path instead of straight towards the turn bouy.
Once I made the first turn I was able to find a clear line so I picked up the pace a bit. Halfway to the second bouy someone cut across my line unexpectedly. Since I wasn't paying close enough attention I caught a foot to the head. Startled, I looked up to see who got me, would you believe it was Desmond? He apologized after the race when I ribbed him a little about it, real nice guy. The rest of the swim was pretty uneventful, I managed to pass a few people so I was happy. The exit up the boat ramp was kind of rough, it was covered with barnacles or something. I actually have a couple of cuts on my feet from them.

Swim, swim, swim and swim some more.

Wiped the salt water off my face real quick, slapped on my race belt, glasses and helmet. Took off running to the exit. Once I crossed the mount line I didn't feel comfortable trying a flying mount so I stopped for a second to get my leg over.

Practice the flying mount.

The bike went pretty well, I maintained a steady pace for the most part. I corned well and didn't blow up on the small hill. I noticed a lot of the younger guys were mashing big gears passing me on the straight aways but they lost it in the turns and corners so I always managed to stay with them.

Not much, I intentionally didn't max out because my quads were still a little soar so I didn't want to risk injury.

Managed a flying dismount at least. Ran to my spot, racked my bike, took off my helmet and slipped on my shoes. This had to be the smoothest transition I've ever had.

Nothing

We ran out the back gate past the helicopters then turned up the hill towards the radio tower. I managed to pass a couple of people going up the hill but one guy just flew by me like I was standing still. It took probably a mile to catch my breath and get my heart rate under control. Once we turned back down towards the airfield I kicked it in a little and managed to catch one more guy. The Zoots felt good except for the spot that I cut on the swim exit. This run had to be short, I definitely was not running a 5:30 pace. I can only manange that in a run race and only for a couple of miles.

Nothing

Grabbed some water and a banana. Walked around to cool down.


Lack of swimming and the long run I did on Monday that fried my quads from the downhill.


The Marines always seem to put on a good race. And although I'm pretty sure they were "voluntold" to be there, most had a smile and were very friendly. I'll be sure to do this again next year.