Columbia Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

Happy with performance. Got plenty of contact at the start with my 311 AG chums but after 200 yards it eased off. Couldn't pick up anyone to draft though. Steady through top turns and then had a good run past some earlier starters to the swim finish.

Nothing.

Caught up with Geoff M in transition. Minor problems with getting swim cap off (came off eventually with a comical 'zoop' but thankfully left my hair and cranium intact). Shoes on - quick drink of water - then up the slope and off.

Tape gel onto bike frame.

Started off smoothly along Rte 108. Passed quite a few then got into rhythm. Good climb upto Glenelg and beyond to Ten Oaks roundabout. Passed lots of people and only got passed by a few 'disc-ers' and Cancellera look-alikes. Felt really good around Tridelphia and up the switchbacks on Linthicum. Got to Ten Oaks roundabout again well in control and started to crank it down the hill. Then pop, wobble, pssst. Rear tyre blowout at 30mph. Took a lap time and methodically changed it (first time in anger at roadside with CO2). Got a few shouts of encouragement which was great. Took 8 mins and change. Back on the bike ... and hammered it back to Transition.

Er ... not have a blowout. (Took a look at the tyre at home and it had a 1/2 inch gash in it with embedded thorn. Really lucky I didn't have another puncture).

Couldn't have done better. Really lucky with having spot right opposite bike in/out. Overall I was 57/1058 in T2 and 2/211 in my AG which isn't bad ...

Nothing.

Started slowly to check the knee - felt OK. No heavy legs from the bike. Took first hill at 1/2 mile slowly but still passed a number who had slowed to a crawl. Then checked in at each mile to see the pace - which was where I wanted to be. By mile 3 I knew I could break 2:45 if I kept it up so pushed on through the remaining hills and started to crank it up down the final downhill. Felt strong round the rest of the lake and sprinted for the line : left too much in the tank in the end.

Judge the pace better. Take more pain. Latch onto a 7:30-7:45 runner and get him/her to pull me along.

Stretched hamstring which pinged slightly during the sprint at the end. Swapped stories with Jon, Ruth, Ashley, Caroline, Ellie and James. Met up with Geoff and Dede at the Mid Maryland Tri Club tent (must join it as a thank you for the helmet loan !)


Puncture. Run pacing (again).


An excellent race. Really well organised - tried to smile at all the volunteers and thank those after the race. Lots of water on the bike and run course. Event delayed by the weather so organisers not at fault and indeed given the amount of rain that came down overnight it was amazing that we got away with only a 15 min delay. This was my first Oly and because I don't run too often due to knee problems it's a really tough run course (I'm very familiar with the bike course so that doesn't seem too bad). Once again I'm pleased with my time, really pleased with myself for being calm enough to change the tube without too much swearing, pleased with not berating the USAT official, and as ever, pleased that I am healthy enough to participate in this sport when so many are unable through injuries, illness or indolence.