Tempe International Triathlon - Olympic Distance - TriathlonOlympic

The race was not wetsuit legal. I was OK with this. I started out fine but chose to let others get going so as to not get run over too much. I got into a pretty good rhythm breathing on both sides. This course was supposed to be 1500 meters. I knew when I was in the water that this was the longest 1500 I have swim. The turn bouy was out there. As usual I was passed by everyone and their brother. I passed Cody before the final turn.

Although still slow. I did not stop or use any other stroke; just a slow freestyle.

The timing mat was at transition

Nothing

I would have been a few minutes faster with a wetsuit.

I'm pleased with this time. I did not have my usual struggle with the wetsuit to slow me down. I was in the last rack away from the mat. I had my shoes on the bike and made a running jump at the mount line. I was doing great until my left shoe fell off. I quickly stopped and put it on.

Nothing.

I improved my time by ten minutes from last year. For the most part, I gave a good effort on the bike. There were a few times where I took a minute break or so. Curry hill comes to mind. The boys were not comfortable with my new seat. I'll have to adress this soon.

Just need to ride more.

I slipped out of my shoes prior to the last turn. I dismounted flawlessly at the line and ran to the rack.

I took a a few seconds to spray on some more sunscreen.

Place sunscreen out of tri bag.

I was having a good race until I started to run. My stomach was not pleased and I was hot. I stopped into the potty to get some relief. I struggled for the first two miles before I came up on Mel under the bridge on the north side of the lake. She said that she had walked the entire run. I was miserable myself and offered to walk with her if that helped. She said it would be great. Up to that point, I had thoughts of a DNF as this was not a high priority race for me. So as much as I saved Mel's race she saved mine. I came up to the stairs and promptly ran up. We walked over the bridge to start the 2nd lap. I started to feel better stomach wise and we started to run some and walk some. The biggest issue was keeping cool. Each aid station included pouring several cups of water to cool down. I pushed Mel during the last 2 miles trying to stretch out the agreed upon run distance. If we agreed to a light pole I tried to say the next one or say that I was starting sooner than agreed. At the last half of the bridge I ran and did not stop. Mel did not keep up so I waited for her at the finish.

Fitness wise I was fine. It mostly was the heat that got me.

Sat in the shade and did not move for awhile


Old age and the heat


There was no goody bag and the t-shirt is the worst that I have received. This is the 2nd year of 90+ degrees.

Not sure if I will race this again.