Natchez Trace Triathlon - Duathlon

Run was straight up hill and straight back down. I felt like I did a good job of pacing myself up and just letting gravity carry me back down without fighting against the fast decent. I was glad I've been working on increasing leg speed lately

Get to the start line sooner and start closer to the front for a run start. It was a mass start, and I lined up behind the collegiate group. I spent the first 200 - 400 meters picking my way through the slower runners.

Transition area was very well organized. The race organizers, Start-2-Finish, used a rack system that held the bike wheel rather that the seat. This made it much easier to retrieve and re-rack the bike during transition.

Decided to put my bike shoes on in T1, since I was already going to be taking off my running shoes. Also there was a steep 1 mile climb out of T1 that started right at the mount line. I didn't think I would be able to get into my shoes until after that climb. I thought I would gain more time being in my shoes for the entire climb than I would save by having my shoes already clipped in. With the wet, cold conditions, it took me about three attempts to get my right foot clipped in, while several people I had passed on run1 were blowing by me. But I didn't see any of then with feet on top of shoes so maybe I just need to practice clipping in more.

I have not had a chance to get much time on the bike since October, so I just focused on keeping a steady cadence and my HR around 165. After the ride I think maybe I could have pushed a little harder, maybe gainded 1 min over the course.

The last mile into T2 was a very steep and hilly decent. I managed to get my left foot out before the mount line, but didn't have a chance to get my right out in time, so I ended up runing 1 shoe on 1 off. Not to big of a deal because my bike was close to the bike entrance.

Know the bike course better and get out of my shoes before that 1-mile decent into T2.

I had a blast navigating the trail, picking my foot placement and managing my effort to make sure I didn't get "stuck" on any of those slick short rises. It reminded me of my cross country days in high school. Although I don't think I ever encountered anything as techincal as this. Now I'm looking for trail runs around my area. That was fun!

Lace locks on my shoes. both laces came loose from all the water and mud that collected on them.

Jogged over to transition and got my rain coat and pants on. The rain was still coming down and keeping warm was key


I should have switched my lace locks over when I decided to switch shoes because of the muddy trail. Only 21 seconds behind 3rd place overall, and I had to stop 2 times to re-tie my shoes. Plus the extra time in transitions messing with socks and laces. Next time I'll stick with no socks and lace locks especially in wet conditions.


I think they did a good job organizing. They provided a buffet meal afterward which was a huge plus.