Swim
Comments: I started right near the front as I knew I could get through the surf better than most...which turned out to be true. We headed out and I only really had to duck under a few waves and I was outside the surf line. I passed one guy and was all alone. I knew there were a couple guys to my left that would get pulled over to me pretty soon. About halfway to the buoy, I really felt good, but this being my first open water swim, I wanted to make sure I didn't burn out. I was passed by a couple guys and then latched on to one of them and drafted him all the way in. Tried to catch a few waves coming in but didn't really work and just put my head down until I could comfortably stand and run to the beach. What would you do differently?: I definitely could have swum harder. I just didn't want to go out and kill myself in my first swim. I came out of the water close to the front and I think I could have lead out if I would have pinned it. Swimming fitness is really there for a fast 1/2 mile. Transition 1
Comments: This transition went just fine until I jumped on my bike. I said earlier that I didn't use the rubber band to keep the shoes parallel to the ground. Well, I didn't realize how LOW this bike was to the ground and the shoes got stuck under the bike and totally screwed me up. I was also in the wrong gear...lost a few seconds here. What would you do differently?: Practice with the new bike first. I'll get these down. Bike
Comments: Didn't bring any hydration on the bike because of how short the ride was. I took off and got up to speed through town. My legs went into initial shock as I should have warmed them up. I was using the advice of my friend of downshifting in the corners and spinning out to save legs and come off the corners with speed...really helped and I caught a lot of people that had passed me in the corners. Once my legs settled down about halfway through the first lap, I started to feel better. On the way to the turn around back through town, I really slammed the seat in one of the intersections. I really thought I broke my seat post. I'm still not sure what I did. I also think the seat moved because after that, the seat became REALLY uncomfortable. I struggled the last lap. What would you do differently?: I would have done some spinning before the race to get my legs acclimated to the activity. They didn't really need to be warmed up, just get them used to riding. I'll also get the BH dialed in and fitted better. Transition 2
Comments: I friggin forgot to take my shoes off on the bike coming into the transition. I remembered at the last minute and was able to get one foot out. I had to take the other one off the pedal and take it off and run into transition with it in my hand. Got into transition and put my bike right on the rack. Getting my running stuff on went ok. I would have not been passed by a couple dudes if i had done my bike portion smoother. What would you do differently?: Just get it right. I know how to do this, just brain farted. Run
Comments: Took off and my legs felt better than usual off the bike. First mile went by pretty slow and I looked down to see a disappointing 7:23. I was hoping to be closer to 7 minute miles. I picked up the pace a little on the second mile but was cramping in my side from taking too big of a swig of energy drink. Last mile my legs actually started to feel good and I picked up the pace and finished the last mile right at 7 minutes What would you do differently?: Not drink so much before going out. I also could have pushed harder...I think my fitness could have handled 7 minute miles. Post race
Warm down: Nothing...wasn't even tired. I was fine two seconds after crossing the finish line. What limited your ability to perform faster: Mental performance was poor. Brain farted on the bike...could have pushed harder in every segment. It was more of an experience thing this being my first OWS Tri. That preoccupied my focus...I will know next time to stress the run and bike as the swim is my best event. Event comments: Race itself was awesome. LOTS of fast people and very competitive. I had a great time and will be back next year with my head screwed on straight. Last updated: 2010-04-14 12:00 AM
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United States
Encinitas Sports Partners
60F / 16C
Overcast
Overall Rank = 148/753
Age Group = 35-39
Age Group Rank = 20/79
Woke up around 4:15 at the Econolodge right up the street from the race. Transition opened at 5am and I wanted to be sure to get a good spot. I ate cereal and a banana for breakfast right around 5 and headed to the race. Racks were by age group and divisions. I got the rack closest to the Bike Exit but still kind of in the middle of the racks overall. So there would still be a small run to Bike Exit. After setting up my transition area I decided to remove the rubber band holding my shoes in place. I hadn't tested it yet on the new bike and didn't want any problems, so I just let the shoes hang. This would prove a bad decision later. Closer to swim time I threw on the wetsuit and headed down the hill to the beach to get a warm up.
After coming down the hill to the beach I decided to go for a swim just to get loose and get used to the water temp. The surf was pretty good size which I know would play into my hands. But...my stupid goggles kept leaking. I did figure out that they were better if I put the on outside my cap. For some reason my cap was causing them to leak. I felt really good heading to the start. I would have liked to maybe go for a quick run or ride beforehand but I was too busy protecting my bike on the rack as people where trying to shuffle bikes around.