Festival of Flowers Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

The swim was very difficult for me. It was my first time racing this distance and not wearing a wetsuit. I had done on OLY Aquabike before this in a wetsuit. The bouys were very hard to see with some low lying fog. It was also my first deep water start. In addition, it was an all woman start. The first bouy was unsecure in some way. Each time
I went around it, it would slide over me. I would back peddle and try again. I terrified I would be trapped under the buoy. On the third attempt, I finally made it around. I literally swung around the bouy and fell on top of my training buddy, who was on the other side. It became funny then and I put it out of mind and started swimming. I did go wide on the next bouy.

I only have tinted googles. I didn't realize how much that would impact my being able to see the bouys. My sighting was the worst it had ever been. I will definitely get clear goggles. The bouy situation was something that others have mentioned was a problem. The course was also measured long (several very experienced tri folk thought it was about 250 long.) These are things I have no control over. It took me 6 minutes longer than my race two weeeks before.

It was a bit of blur. I just did what I was trained to do.

Hmm..I felt flat on the bike. My CATEYE went out within the first mile. I was told later that it could have been the rough road. I believe I heard "passing on the left" more than a few times. Without the CATEYE I was just sure I was having a terrible ride. I think I gave up a little here thinking all was lost on my goal.

I need to invest in some aerobars. This is a perfect race for being in aero. I was in the drops most of the time but it isn't very comfortable. I need to do some rides without the CATEYE going to get a sense of pace. Keep going hard no matter what.

I knew this would be a longer than usual T2. I had to put on a knee brace for this race and I didn't use Yankz.

Well, I knew this was going to be rough. I injured myself back in Feb. during marathon training and just started running again a few weeks ago. I had only done the distance about 3 times before the race and only once on concrete ( I usually trail run). My goal was just to get through this run. I say that but it isn't any fun to run MUCH slower than you know you are capable. I do think I got the hydration right. I had never tried Heed before though and I won't try it until the last two miles in case I didn't tolerate it well. I did pour water over my head at each stop.

Test out whatever they are serving on the course BEFORE race day. Try to keep the water out of my shoes.

My buddies were at the finish line waiting for me. No matter how bad it seems out there, I am always pleased that I did something that I have never done before. It is great doing it with friends I am proud of myself for that, especially while still not at my best physical shape.


Torn SI joint that effects my ability to run


I was a little disappointed by the lack of some type of finisher medal. I am not normally into that type of thing but for my first OLY it would have been nice, especially for the price.