Buster Britton Memorial Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Wow, I'd never actually been swum over before. This one guy I passed as he was dolphin diving in a foot and a half of water (I just kept running), literally crawled right over the top of me. I quietly wished him a flat tire and kept on going. I had a hard time getting into my normal four strokes-breathe rhythm. I was stuck on breathing after every other stroke. It felt okay, but I was hoping to get into a bit more of a steady glide. I didn't sight very well at all. I drafted going into the first buoy, but when I looked up, we were 15 yards off course, so I stopped worrying about getting a draft and concentrated on going straight.

More of a warm up and sighted more often. The extra distance off course hurt

Long run up the hill to T1. It was raining, so really no point in drying off at all. Got socks and shoes on and was off. Pretty happy with how things went. I forgot to start my Garmin before I went to swim, so I didn't get good data from it

Try to be a little more efficient. Start Garmin before leaving so I can see my pace, speed, etc.

OK, so when it started raining while I was in the water, I got a little nervous. I have NEVER biked (or run for that matter) in the rain. Hell, I've never biked or run within 3 days of rain. I just moved to AL from Las Vegas, so there really was never any opportunity to out there. Here, there is plenty. Anyway, the hills are pretty steep here, and I wasn't looking forward to trying my hand at turning on wet pavement for the first time while doing 30+ mph. So, I rode the brakes the entire way down every hill and never let my speed get above 24 mph (and 24 was only once and by accident). I got passed by EVERYONE on the downhills, but I caught most of them on the way back up. My uphills were rocking, but I lost a lot of time by not going full throttle down the hill. At one point a 62 year old woman on a mountain bike passed me. But, I didn't crash, so I count this one as a win.

Nothing. 17+ mph average for the first time in the rain wasn't that upsetting and I don't have any road rash. Yeah, I might be a wimp, but I'm not in traction.

Pretty good overall. Getting off the bike was a little sporty as I didn't quite get my leg over my seat on the first attempt. Fortunately, I was going fast enough that I could try again before falling over. Bike shoes got a little stuck, but overall ok.

I think I'm going to wear my race number during the bike next time to save a little time. Other than that, I'm pleased with this time.

I felt good right off the bike, which never happens. Then I tried to take a drink running out of T2, and nearly drowned. I started choking and coughing and generally looking like a cat coming out of a swimming pool. I put this behind me, tried again at the next aid station - same thing. I tried a third time with similar results and decided if I needed to drink after that, I'd just look up and open my mouth sense it was still raining. Pace was good, but I think I could have gone a little faster

I need to practice drinking out of paper cups while running so I don't die.

Walked around, got some food, went to the bathroom, packed up and drove home.


Weather. Yeah, everybody had to deal with it, but I was intimidated by the wet roads.


Good race with lots of volunteers and support. Arby's roast beef sandwiches at the finish - doesn't get much better than that. I will definitely be doing more Team Magic events. First class.