Black Fly Tri - TriathlonOlympic

I did not feel good about my swim. My breathing was okay this time (whereas in the Nashua Y Tri I felt like I was hyperventilating - this time that didn't happen). Rather this time my arms felt like bricks that just did NOT want to turn over. I felt like I had no extension or glide at all. I stopped seemingly every 10 strokes to do some breast stroke. I did like the time trial start as I didn't have contact with anyone which was nice. I really just tried to relax and swim my stroke but it proved impossible and I was glad when it was over.

Everything. Better warm up I am hoping would lead to more comfort in the water.

I took my time. :) I wanted to get everything right so I tried not to rush it. I jogged back from the water, took advantage of the strippers which was awesome, then got to my spot (in the pouring rain of course) and methodically did all of my prep for the bike.

As I get more experience I think this will speed up naturally.

Wow, it was pouring rain. Unfortunately I had my dark lenses in my glasses and therefore alternated between using them to cover my eyes and putting them on my forehead. Couldn't see a thing either way so I really didn't go as fast as I probably could have on the way down (but it was close). Being bib 31 was a little demoralizing as I was passed by LOTS of people. When the people with bibs in the 100's started passing me, I was really sad! But I really tried to ride as hard as I could. I am very happy on my bike lately, so I kept looking down at it reminding myself how comfortable I felt and how lucky I was to be out on the bike after that horrible swim. Honestly, after I saw that my bike rank was my highest of the day, I felt better - but while I was out there it was tough. My average speed of 19.0 mph - I am THRILLED with - that is fast *for me*... and so that did make me happy.

Wear lighter shades.

When I got off my bike and tried to run - I had lost the ability to run and nearly careened into the people watching. I was just as shocked as they were... I couldn't believe I'd lost the ability to run that quickly. But by the time I was 1/2 way in the chute - I had regained my physical ability to jog and got into the area without further incident. I'm a clutz. Again, I did not try to race through transition. I was careful and meticulous without being slow so that I remembered everything. I took off the stupid shades that did not help me at all during the bike as it was still pouring rain. I unfortunately had not turned my running shoes over so had to empty them out before I put them on - it was like running on sponges at first. I opted against a hat this time too. SO much rain... seemed unnecessary - no sweat and no sun - no need for a hat.

Again, practice and more experience and comfort that I'm not going to forget something will make me faster here. Oh, and getting another quick release kit for my Garmin. Gonna have to do that too.

I felt good about my run. Especially the beginning. At the Nashua Y Tri, I was a mess at the beginning of the run. This time I really felt good physically right from the very beginning. Felt like I went out at a good pace. I didn't beat myself up over walking at the aid stations - I just took my gatorade - walked probably 20-30 steps and then carried on. All the "fast" people had passed me by the time I got to the run, so I wasn't getting passed constantly which improved my mood a little. I crossed some paths (Veronika/Josh/Rob/Richard/Colin/Erik) and did some high 5's and thumbs up which always feels really good to me. I start to interact a little with the volunteers and try and *steal* some of their positive energy.

Make 100% completely sure every time that I have left it all on the course.

None really. I had muscle milk and then went over and had a good lunch of a veggie burger with cheddar cheese and an orange and some clam chowder.


I think the only thing that limits me is me really. I guess the pouring rain didn't help in the bike, but it definitely helped on the run - so I think that might have been a wash (pun intended)


I had a goal of 2 hours and was bummed that I missed it by so little. I could have made up 6 seconds just about anywhere - but especially in T1 and in the run. I was really glad I was racing the next day so I could try and improve that darned swim. But toward the end of the day I did wonder how the heck I was going to find the energy to do so.