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 Swim
Comments: Well, here it was, my first OWS. Not as bad as I feared -- got bumped around a bit at times, but probably gave as much as I got. Navigation was a little tricky at the start -- it appears I drift to the left while swimming. I corrected this by using bilateral breathing and popping up for a few breast strokes every once in a while. By the last couple of buoys I had it down pretty well. What would you do differently?: Not much. A good experience overall, not as intimidating as I feared. Probably will strike out a bit harder next time - I wanted to be sure I wasn't going out too hard.  Transition 1
Comments: Little bit of a run from the swim to T1. Jogged in at a steady pace, while removing cap/goggles. No problems with sox, shoes, helmet, etc. I had each item laid out in order. Uphill run from the transition to mounting area. What would you do differently?: Might practice riding without socks -- they aren't the easiest thing to put onto wet feet.  Bike
Comments: I was hoping to get the bike done in an hour, so I'm please with the result. Drank every 10 minutes, with a ClifShot (chocolate of course) at 15 and 45 miuntes into the ride. I need to adjust the cable for my front rings -- had some minor shifting issues. What would you do differently?: Be sure my bike's in perfect adjustment. And more riding of course. Compared to the people around me, I climb well, but can't always match other riders' straightaway/flat speed. Maybe time to spring for some aero bars? Transition 2
Comments: Easy transition. What would you do differently?: Kept it simple and didn't try anything fancy. Wouldn't change a thing.  Run
Comments: The "brick" wasn't too bad. Went out at a slow pace to avoid any cramping problems and gradually picked it up. Took two very short walking breaks to suck in some deep breaths. The weather was warming up by this time, which made for a hot run. What would you do differently?: Train a few brick workouts. Invest in a lighter weight tri top - my sleevless cycling jersey was OK, but it was wet and heavy by the time I started running. Post race
Warm down: Walked till heart rate came down, grabbed some snacks and got a post-race quicky massage. What limited your ability to perform faster: I beat my projected time, so I don't have too much to complain about. I probably could have pushed the swim a bit harder, but I think I was wise to stay within my comfort zone on that leg. Planning ahead for the transition areas and practicing the T1 and T2 took a lot of the mental stress off on the day of the race and allowed me to concentrate on the swim/bike/run. Event comments: Good race, had a great time. My only complaint is that the start/finish of the bike was on a very dicey gravel road. Last updated: 2005-08-08 12:00 AM
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United States
Set-up Inc
80sF / 0C
Overcast
Overall Rank = 210/430
Age Group = 45-49
Age Group Rank = 14/24
Up bright and early -- 4:00 AM. Light breakfast of coffee (my favorite sports drink), toast, and a bananna, with some OJ and a Clif bar for the drive.
One hour drive from Charlottesville to the race site. Well-organized, got checked in, picked up my packet and chip, and got marked up in just a few minutes.
My biggest setup problem was the darkness. It was difficult to see the gauge on my floor pump because of the darkness and my contacts. Next time I'll bring a flashlight and reading glasses, or, better yet, check tire pressure the night before.
No problems setting up transition area. Bike racks marked with race number, and laid everything out according to prearranged plan/checklist. Planning paid off with a low stress level!
Topped off with fuel and asthma inhaler and strolled down to the lake. Warmed up with some easy swimming in the lake. This was good -- took away some of the OW swim anxiety.