Lehigh Valley Steelman Triathlon - Olympic Distance - TriathlonOlympic

Start was not very hectic. Very little bumping or swimming over each other. I wanted to start in toward the rear and outside, but ended up in the middle and on the inside edge. The start was easy and I settled into a good rhythm and was able to spot the buoys. I did drift inward on a couple of the buoys and had to correct outward. I turned right next the buoys on the three turns. I felt good when I started to catch some of those in the waves ahead - and then not so good when the lead swimmers of the wave behind began to pass by. All-in-all, I think I swam well for the level of training.

Focus on stroke efficiency, spend more time in my stroke rhythm and spot less. I will also resist the urge to get into swimming "battles" and swim my own race.

All-in-all I was not too upset with T-1. I did take in some electrolyte before pulling the bike off the rack. I sat to put on my bike shoes. Transition site was set up well, I was able to get to all my things easily.

Learn to shoe-in on the bike.

Overall I felt good on the bike. I tried to keep HR in the Z2 to low Z3, but the hills pushed it up. I was surprised at the 18 mph pace; I thought it would be slower. I did get caught up in the atmosphere and rode a little harder than I wanted to.

I did not hydrate or fuel enough. I filled my large water bottle with electrolyte and had nearly 2/3rds left when I returned to T2; this would create problems later. I did - as planned, take a gel back as I entered onto the highway. I did not take any fluids from the aide stations.

Race my race and know that I have the run coming up. Hydrate much better.

Felt very smooth in T2. As with most events, I was MOP here as well.

Train more on transitions. Learn to shoe off coming into the transition area.

Not hydrating enough hurt me on mile four or so. I developed a cramp in my right calf that knotted up pretty good. Legs were spaghetti for the first two miles or so, normally I get my legs back at 3/4 to 1 mile. I had not done any bricks for about three months leading up to the race (I moved from Germany back to the States during that time). I actually had a better run time than I thought. I figured I was doing 9 to 9 1/2 min miles, so I was pleased. I did hydrate well on the run, but by this time I think it was too late to avoid the cramp - maybe.

Lose about 15 - 20 pounds; it really slows you down. I will also hydrate much better on the bike. I will also keep a close eye on HR and keep it Z2 to Z3 - especially on the upcoming HIM.

Walked around to get my HR back down. Stretched legs and calves and started working the knot in my calf. Drank plenty of electrolyte, ate a bagel and peanut butter.


This was my first OLY and only second TRI. I set out to keep it real and to take in the race atmosphere and learn the sport. That said, my training volume and quality of training was affected by my summer move and really hindered me from doing better - even considering what I wanted to do. I don't see myself ever being on podium, but I think I can finish in the upper 1/4 of age groupers and even better in my age group.


As this is only my 2nd race and the first in the US, I was pleasantly surprised. Lots of volunteers who seemed genuinely proud of their race. From what I understand, this race is growing and reaching the point of evolving from a "club" race to a mainstream event - which is the source of my only criticism. The end of race award events were a bit amateur and lacked a professional "snap" that I witnessed at a smaller, club run tri in Germany. Overall though, I enjoyed myself, as did the others at the race. A lot of work went into it and the organizers pulled off a safe, fun, and competitive race.