Hickory Knob Olympic Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

OK this was slow even for me but the funny thing was that I felt really comfortable the entire swim. Being that slow meant getting passed, kicked, slapped, etc, not only by my wave but each successive wave. That's OK. A major goal this year was to get confidence on the swim. Goal accomplished. (remember DNF at 1st tri due to swim panic?) Now I've got to get faster but that's doable now that I know I can do the distance amongst the swarm.

For this race, not a thing.

Sense of humor check. Race brochure said "short steep run to transition". 300 yards and I kept looking for the knotted rope to do the hand over hand thing.

Take the elevator.

Hills, I need to get more practice. These were steep rascals, not too high but just continuous. Rarely did I get the gear change that enabled me to spin up and maintain some semblance of speed but when I did it sure felt good. Two first for the bike portion. I was passed for the 1st time and I was able to do a much needed relief of the bladder while doing 30 mph. Rinsed down with the water bottle and things were much better for the rest of the race.

Started out pretty good but legs were shot and I cramped most of the way.
Drank some water or Cytomax at each mole. Took a gel at the half way point. Legs were too sore too really let go going downhill. Was glad to get it over.

Butt too big, legs too short.


Definitely a race I want to run next year in a much more serious manner. Finished off my tri year in a good way. Met some interesting competitors including Pacemaker Ironman, who, as you would guess, runs triathlons despite having a pacemaker. Met my season goals as per introduction to this sport although my times weren't as good as I'd hoped. Will spend the winter training mostly for running and swimming.
Did 4 races without injury or penalty. Learned more about the geography of SC as I ever have and learned foremost that to enjoy this sport you must have a sense of humor or those steep climbs to transition or those uphill runs right off the bike, or those piranha swarm swim starts will just ruin your fun. Thank goodness I could look at each one of those course situations and laugh and think, "that's something I'd do".
Congratulations go out to dcwade of this website for finishing first in her age group for this race. Good Job!!!
Props to the school kids who manned the hydration stations and served as motivators and cheerleaders along the course, they did an outstanding job.
The post race BBQ was excellent and the annual awards banquet saw some very deserving athletes get their rewards. Hope to be up there next year.
The Gullahcracker is out!!