Surf & Turf #4 - Aquathlon

It was my first OW mass swim start, and by mass, I should say there were 36 people that did the short course (seemed like less than that). I've never had to deal with others around me before so it was interesting. Started strong and felt good. Then I had to move around one person, got slowed up by another and felt like it was rush hour traffic with all the subtle stop and go. That was fine at first, but got old quickly. Found myself looking up to search for people instead of just swimming. Once I was a couple hundred yards out I realized I wasn't in a good breathing pattern and let it keep me from getting in a groove. Instead of bilateral every 3rd, I did every 2nd for the rest of the race (switching sides). I can see the benefit of bilateral though, since I'd breathe to the side of me that people were on so I knew where they were. I basically swam with the same guy through the whole swim, which was random since he and I set up in transition next to each other and were talking for most of the pre-race. Was 3 seconds behind him getting out of the water.

Start slower to get in my breathing rhythm and let things thin out before picking up the pace.

Tripped running up the slight hill getting out of the water. Cut my toe, foot, and hand. Couldn't get my dumb wetsuit off my left ankle. Had to sit and take a few seconds extra. The guy I followed out of the water transitioned next to me and was done in 1'32". That's 37 stinkin seconds faster than me!

Learn how to get my stupid wetsuit off faster. Skip putting on socks for the run.

Started fine, but felt a little like I needed to bring the noise for the first 1/2 mile. Averted a couple cramps in my calves and felt good. Towards the end I knew I picked up my pace too fast and fought it out. My run thoughts were "I wanna quit, keep running, I wanna quit, keep running." Keep running won out and then I finished.

Not much. A little better pacing if anything.

Had some oranges, water, hung out and talked with Mark and Stacie (luv2ride) (who, from what I can tell, was 1st among the women in the 750 yd. swim and 5k run). Then had a beer with Mark, Stacie and Wright and got bit by mosquitoes the size of flying babies.


Breathing on the swim and getting out of my wetsuit. And pre-race nutrition sucked. Need to eat a Clif Bar or something beforehand. Hadn't eaten since lunch, some 6+ hours prior.


Had a great time at the race though and already signed up for the last one on 9/7. I know it's kind of a small, fun race but somehow I got 3rd in the 750 swim/5k run. I doubt I'll see that result much so I'll take it!