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 Swim
Comments: The start was to run across the timing mat and jump feet first into the pool. The momentum takes you down a few feet in the water and slows the start. My estimate on my time was pretty accurate. There was a slower swimmer in front of me (BIG GUY) and a faster one behind, but I estimated 8 mins and got pretty close. I started out the first 150 yards in form, using bilateral breathing every third stroke. When I got tapped on the foot to let me know there was a faster swimmer behind me, I kind of lost form and started pumping as fast as I could, breathing every other stroke... Fast, but inefficient. What would you do differently?: Run across the mat, sit on the wall and push off with my feet against the wall into the water. Its not diving, but better than sinking down several feet and fighting to get back up. I either need to practice swimming faster using a bilateral technique or just embrace my natural tendency to breathe every other stroke and make up for it with effort. Today, I started practicing flip turns in the pool. The swimmers that had good flip turn technique down definitely had an advantage in the pool.  Transition 1
Comments: This being my first time, it was just weird. I set up my transition area okay and didn't forget anything. i went ahead and put on socks because I was going to need them for the run. I get blisters if I don't wear socks. I got my helmet on and chin strap buckled almost immediately to avoid a penalty. What would you do differently?: Practice T1 a little more. It was disorienting coming out of the water and I needed to rely on instincts rather than having to think about it. I should have put my sunglasses on at this point. It wasn't all that bright yet, but my face got pretty windburned on the ride.  Bike
Comments: It felt like I was flying past other riders, it must have been 40-50 that I passed, and the tailwind starting out was awesome! Not so awesome coming back into a headwind. Traffic control was decent, but there were cars on the road. I got a boost several times from the draft created when a car passed by. I think I was only passed by one other rider who had a really nice tri bike setup. Interesting note... passed by a couple of bird hunters walking down the highway toting 12 gauge shot guns, which honestly was terrifying when your not expecting to see dudes with guns. What would you do differently?: I really need to buy a bolt-on aero bar for my road bike. I fought to get into as aerodynamic of a position as possible and without gloves on, my hands kept going numb. Transition 2
Comments: I learned from T1 and I think I had a good T2 for a first timer. What would you do differently?: Drink more gatorade or bring a gel pack to pop near the end of the bike segment.  Run
Comments: I never stopped running, but man I was slower than my normal pace. I gave up at least 4 spots in my age group by not having enough gas for a good run. What would you do differently?: More bricks! I need to train more to build the endurance, but it was nice to see that I was running when a lot of people were walking Post race
Warm down: Just lots of joy with my family! I downed a cold bottle of water and a half a banana and watched the runners come in. There was a dad encouraging his 13 year old son across the finish line running stride by stride with him that was really touching. We took a ton of pictures and I was very appreciative of my wife, mom and brother watching my kids 5, 3 & 10 months throughout the whole race so they could cheer me on. They all wore University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) t-shirts, had my race number pinned to their shirts and had a nice sign made for me. It was quite the event and made me feel very special. What limited your ability to perform faster: My right foot blistered. I need to change running shoes. I bought some Asics Foundation 8's that are very good for those with overpronation, but my overpronation does not seem to be severe enough for these shoes. Event comments: The volunteers for this race were fantastic and there was a great spirit in the air. I liked all the competitors I talked to. I think some races are probably more of an event production, but this one is very efficient and was fantastic for a first timer! Profile Album Last updated: 2010-07-07 12:00 AM
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United States
Houston Racing
86F / 30C
Sunny
Overall Rank = 59/224
Age Group = 40-44
Age Group Rank = 12/23
I got up at 4:00 AM and left Kingwood, TX around 4:30 AM. Ate a Snickers Marathon energy bar for breakfast and hydrated with Gatorade and water on the way. When I got there it was pretty dark and there is not a lot of lighting in the parking lot of the Merrell Center. Thankfully a good Samaritan helped me out with a flashlight as I pumped up my bike tires in the dark. The walk to the transition area was easy and I got some help from a race official to help me set up my transition area in compliance with the rules (items should fit within the space between the crankshaft and the end of the wheel/tire that is on the ground). This was my first Tri so I wasn't positive that I knew what to do.
I checked out the bike start and run start areas and went in to evaluate the pool. Again, a volunteer was very helpful in explaining the 10 second staggered start process and the way to loop into each lane. The start was at one end and you were to swim on the left side of the lane down and back and then duck under the rope into each subsequent lane until you reached the wall for the final lane, equaling a total of 400 Meters. Once you hit the wall, you had to backtrack a couple of meters and climb up the ladder.
An early jump into the pool at about 6:20 and I swam some easy laps. It felt good to be doing something other than sitting or standing around waiting. I got out about 6:30 and made sure the bathroom trip was out of the way. My awesome fan crew showed up and then I did some stretching, high knees and a couple of other warm up exercises.