The Austin Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

Swim getting better, longest swim yet. Swam 2:36/100m pace at Rivercities, so it's improving. Water was great, drafted as much as I could. No rocks like others reporting. Kept counting the bridge passes. Had a bit of sighting trouble on the last leg, but found the red buoy and straightened up. Surprised by the swim out ramp - no ground underneath me! Slipped a bit on my left foot getting out, but got right up.

Swim harder now that I know what 1500m feels like. Breathe more consistently, kept doing bilateral, one-sided (right and left, depending on swimmers around me). Kick more to keep position.

Didn't like all the dirt, but Austin is in a drought. Had to wipe feet quite a bit on my rug so I didn't get dirt in the shoes. Maybe I should work on the rubber band trick for shoes.

Have shoes on bike.

Great bike! Liked the multiple loops even. Hills not too bad, got in the big ring more than last races. Was able to keep with goal pace (20+mph), so I could lay off when I was hitting over the pace to save legs for run. Ate GU pack around 2nd loop in time for it to kick in during the run. Great support from the crowd. Passing got a bit messy, but kept with the rules as best as I could with others around me. Passed a lot of riders, got passed by a dozen or so (loud carbon wheels mostly).

Get a new bike!

Great T2. Perfect timing on coming out of shoes. Legs felt good coming off bike, maybe too good b/c I went faster than I should have and messed up my goal splits.

Rack bike, take helmet off, slip on shoes, stuff hat in mouth and put it and Garmin on while running.

Started out too fast, that's what I get for staying at my goal bike pace. Legs felt really good after bike, so I took advantage. Didn't like grassy/field running, messed up my knees on the 2nd loop (cramping in lower quads). Liked the support from the crowd/staff, esp. the wet sponges. Only got passed by 2 people. Very hot end to the run. Liked the cold water bottles at the end. I let some kids hose me down with water cannons close to the loop start/end, maybe too much. Made me feel 5 lbs. heavier.

Keep with goal pace and splits. Stuff the cold sponges in my shirt next time instead of squeezing over my head. Run faster now that I know what I can do a 10k after swim/bike.

Water, water, water and food. Had a beer, but they made us stay in the tent area. Beer wasn't the best, but it was cold. Also got a massage, didn't think it did anything, but never hurts to try. Walked around until estimated time for wife's finish was close. Saw her come in then went to find family/kids. U2 cover band was cool.


Heat.


I'd give the race a 5 if it weren't for the heat and the grassy portion of the run. Everything else was great. Will do it again next year.