Tejas Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Last year's swim: 12:38...a 1:40 total time improvement.

Best race swim to date. Very pleased, although I wish I could have made up the 11-second difference to catch up and take first in the swim.

Started on the front outside and could not have picked a better position. Took off at the gun and had a couple grabs at my feet but I shook that off pretty fast and created a good gap between myself and the rest of the pack. Sighting was spot-on! I practically grazed every single buoy with my right shoulder.

Never did get into any traffic. I did not get bumped or kicked and never really had anyone in front of me...at least no slower swimmers. I did not have to pass anyone that I can recall. I had a very good breathing rhythm...mostly every 5 strokes, but breathed every 3 strokes a few times closer to the end. It was nice to be able to keep the head down and just push!

There was one woman who passed me at the turn, but I was able to stay on her feet for a bit. I should have tried to pass her at the end, but my stomach was setting heavy and I felt like I would vomit if I pushed any harder. In hindsight, after seeing the minimal difference between 1st and 3rd, I wish I would have gone for it. I was thinking at least one of the green caps in front of me may have been in the older age group, but that was not the case.

I could not have done much differently. Although I wish I knew whatever caused my stomach to be heavy/bloaty (possibly the gatorade not being diluted enough or maybe too much pasta the night before)...that may have been the difference for me winning the swim.

13 AG in T1

Slow jog to transistion...tried to keep moving without walking...although the HR was sky high.

Think about trying to go sockless...my socks and shoes were drenched and heavy and of course, it takes a little extra time.

Slight improvement over 2009. Last year avg. was 17.1, this year 17.2. It's acceptable since I haven't really put in the time or work on the bike that I should. However, it's unacceptable because I should be putting in the time on the bike and I should have pushed more.

Did have a friendly word of advice from a fellow racer. She came up behind me and told me to switch to a different gear (I was hammering in the hardest gear)...so I took it two gears easier and gained about 1.5 mph. Wish I would have been able to thank her.

Get out on the bike more...probably more drills, too.

Not too bad here...9th AG in T2.

Not sure...run with bike faster if my body can handle it.

Ugh. I'm disappointed that I only improved 2 seconds/mile versus last year's effort.

I felt like I was maintaining a nice pace early and the last mile seemed to be a negative split. I did not wear the Garmin, so I cannot verify this.

Unfortunately, encountered a pretty bad side stitch about 3/4 mi. into the run. I walked for about 10 yards to get it under control, but it never completely subsided during the entire run. I had to focus on deep breaths to keep it from flaring up again.

I don't know what I need to do to be a better runner in a race. Not sure if it's physical or mental or both...would it be worth it to have a run analysis or work with a coach? I know I'm not a podium contender, but I feel like someone with my athletic background and ability, I should at least be 9-9:30/mi. pace. Double digits is not acceptable to me.

Water, banana, couple slices of pizza. Walked around and talked to the BT Peeps, hung out with Mom & Reno waiting on Nik to collect her 2nd place AG hardware!


Heavy/bloated stomach.

The complete inability to improve at running when it comes down to race time.

Improved my total race time by 2:13 from last year, although most of the improvement came in the swim. Need to put it all together in one race for a change!


Probably my favorite race I've done. 2009 was great and 2010 was equally enjoyable. Great voluteers and a very fair, scenic, shaded course. Only knock is that I could not find any Gatorade bottles post-race.