Gateway to the Bay Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

The waves and current were coming from ESE which had us swimming almost directly into the high chop. I can count my number of OWS's (training included) on one hand, but I can sight and navigate fairly decently. The conditions, however, made both of those tasks extremely difficult. I've never swam in conditions like that and it also made breathing very difficult. I'm drinking beer right now so all that bay water will have some company in my gut. Although the swim was only 500 meters, I'm sure I actually swam about 900 due to my poor navigation skills. Aside from the conditions being rough, I also had a few equipment malfunctions. My goggles took on a good amount of water about half way through and I stopped to clear those. When I went upright in the water to clear my mask, I felt my chip strap hanging onto my ankle by a thread. Luckily I was able to reach down and tuck it in to my wetsuit leg which held it in place.

Sight more often. I was so focused on breathing without swallowing water I forgot to sight which caused me to swim waaaaay off course a few times.

Long run from swim exit to transition gave me some time to catch my breath and collect my thoughts. For having minimal experience (once) in taking off my wetsuit I thought it went great - came right off with ease. The only thing that held me up was having to reattach my crappy chip strap.

Nothing

Two climbs over the Kemah bridge went fine. I climb that thing every time I ride so no sweat there. First half of the bike had a decent headwind, which is pretty standard for this stretch of pavement, which is also part of my normal training route. We had a nice tailwind heading back home and I got to hammer away on those pedals and make some good speed. Is it just me, or does the wind always seem to hurt more than it helps?? Maybe I tend to be a cup half empty guy sometimes. Anyhow, liquid and nutrition intake was perfect as well. Overall I was very happy with this leg of the race, and I usually am (it's my favorite).

Nothing.

Way too slow. Felt happy with my position off of the bike and I feel like I may have lacked the sense of urgency needed in every leg of a short race. My main gripe is that I managed to rip my race bib out of its clips on my race belt while donning it. So, I had to stand there like a clown and but it back on which cost me some time. Other than that it was alright.

Speed it up and try to avoid ripping my race bib off of my race belt while I'm putting it on.

I don't know what got into me but it's good to feel all the off season hours of pounding the pavement pay off. I felt really really strong and I think I could have even pushed a bit more, but overall I was extremely pleased with my pace and effort. My legs and lungs were there for me the whole time and I never felt like I was wearing down or straining. Great run.

Push harder between mile 1 and 2.

Beer.


Weather conditions.


What an amazing race! I thought Aaron and the gang did a fantastic job putting together a wonderful inaugural race that I look forward to doing again in the future. I was disappointed that I didn't get a picture on the podium (not sure I'll get a chance ever again), but there's really nothing that can be done about that nasty weather that rolled in. Overall, this was a great start to my first full season of triathlon.