Detroit Triathlon Olympic - TriathlonOlympic

That's not a typo; 47 minutes for 9/10 of a mile -- when I say "Swimbad the Trailer," I mean it. Until I finally rounded the last buoy, the lifeguards in the kayaks were trying to decide whether to have lunch brought out to them.

Not much. It was a very relaxing swim, and it was my first at the Olympic distance. All this emphasis on speed is overrated, especially for us older guys.

Since mine was the last bike on the racks, I didn't have my usual problem in finding it. It was hard to work up a sense of urgency, but I did relish the thought of trying to catch up with the other triathletes, after spotting them about a 10 minute head start.

Take swimming lessons, and arrive at the corral about 10 minutes earlier.

A very nice, scenic route, with a lot of friendly people on the sidelines (not necessarily triathlon spectators; some were there for the Hydroplane races, and some were just enjoying a beautiful day on an island park).

Bring my camera.

Once again, I avoided the crowds of people by letting almost everyone else rack their bikes before I arrived. No wasted time, but no particular urgency, either.

Not much.

It was enjoyable to pass a few people on the run. A short out and back loop allowed you to see other runners a couple of times along the way, and we all encouraged each other.

Remember to put on my sunscreen.

A chocolate Myoplex, plus Gatorade and water. A post race massage from KET Chiropractic (thank you); gathering up my scattered belongings from the two transition areas; thanking all of the organizers and volunteers I could find.


1. My slow swim
2. My very slow swim;
3. My very, very, very slow swim.


I was really worried about the Detroit River: would it be dirty? Would the current be strong? Would turbine powered race boats be buzzing by the swimming area? I was worried about Belle Isle: would it be jammed with Hydroplane spectators and Sunday visitors, with no parking spaces?
I shouldn't have worried; it turned out to be a perfect venue, and things ran so smoothly it was hard to believe this is the first Detroit Triathlon put on by the sponsors. I can't wait until next year!