North East Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

Water temp was 85 so wetsuits were not allowed. Entered water with a nice cannonball off the dock which got a nice review from the announcer. Swimming is definitely my weakest area so my goal here was to just finish in a respectable time. With no wetsuits I figured it would take me about 5 minutes longer than my 35 minute goal time. Felt great during the swim, I think I may have even drafted off a couple of people. Finished in under 36 minutes so I was pretty happy with the time.

I need to get some lessons or spend some time with a coach to work on my technique. I've never really done any drills or faithfully followed a structured plan. The times spent with BTers at Sandy Point this year made a big difference. So, I just need to dedicate some energy to my swim and I should be able to see some improvements. For this race though, I have no complaints.

Long run from swim exit to entrance to T1 added some time. Pretty good transition though I took a little time to drink from a water bottle in my transition bag. Probably added 15 seconds.

Maybe have 2 bottles on my bike. I drank from my bag bottle because I didn't think my bike bottle would last if I relied only on that.

The first half of the bike I felt great. At 30 minutes into the bike I was at 9.5 niles (19mph avg). The last 13.7 miles took me about 50 minutes (16.44 mph). There were more hills on the back part of the course but around 50 minutes I was really dragging. I hadn't planned out my nutrition very well. On my long rides I've always just taken Fig Newtons and Gatorade. On this day it just wasn't enough. It was very hot and I think I was underhydrated to begin with. I still came in way under my 1:25:00 goal time but I was fading fast.

Plan nutrition a little better, including being fully hydrated before the race starts.

Not too bad. Took another drink from bag bottle. Felt a little crap in my groin when I bent over to put my shoe on.

Not much. Maybe take the bottle with me on the run.

Oh boy...this is where the wheels came off. I came out of T2 in a little under 2:03:00. I had 57 minutes to run a 10K. No problem right? WRONG! I had nothing in my legs. I was sweating so bad, felt naseous and had tiny cramps coming on all over my legs. First it was my groin, then a calf, then a quad, then back to the calf. I walked every water stop and drank from each one. They gave out cold towels which was a life saver. I pretty much did a run/walk (okay mostly walk) the middle 4 miles. The last mile I saw a guy in my age group in front of me who was also walking. I did a run 2 utility poles, walk one pole routine to try and catch him. I passed him at the last wated stop ( less than a half a mile from the finish) but he passed me back and I didn't have anything left to follow. Well, the little I did have left I was saving for my finish line photo. :)
The best part was the vultures devouring a deer carcass on the side of the road as we ran by. If I wasn't alreay naseaous that sight and smell would have taken care of it. Since the course was out and back we got to experience that twice on the run. BONUS!!!
My girl Kim and all my BT friends (most of who had passed me earlier in the race) were at the finish to cheer me on. They are an awesome group.

Plan nutrition better. I had the fitness for the run just not the fuel which is kind of discouraging but I'll take it as a learning experience.

went over to the Dirty Duck, Slutty Swan, Naughy Goose or whatever the restaurant was for some grub. Hung out with Tricia, Christy, CJ, Traci and a couple of Canadians (eh?) while we chowed down.
Talked to CJ a little about how we need to figure out our nutrition plans before Eagleman next year.


Swim training and nutrition planning.


This was only my 2nd Olympic distance race and first in 3 years. I signed up kind of late and didn't treat it as an "A" race and it showed. It was humbling not to have anything for the run because that is my strongest area. Overall a very good time. This has been my best year in triathlon mainly because of the friends I have made through BT. Before this year I did everything on my own but now I have friends to train with, race with, get advice from , etc. I really appreciate everything BT has done for me this year.