Revolution 3 Olympic Distance Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

I started close to the front line, instead of laying back (against advice). It was a good decision. As average of a swimmer as I consider myself I passed as many or more people than I was passed by. I don't think staying back would've really been an advanatage, it is madness anyway. Finding clear paths of open water is difficult. I thank God profusely for helping me find a rythm and a stroke early. In the pool my breathing is every 3-4 strokes, but here in the cold water madness I breathed every 2 strokes and breathed almost to the left exclusively. Being able to breath bilaterally did payoff and help in navigation.

A couple of guys flipped over early and backstroked (different wave ahead of us) and when I got to them they about kicked me in the face, but I reminded myself that I flipped over just 9 months ago on a 1/2 mile swim, so don't be a jerk and look down on others. Furthermore, I might have needed to do the same but God pulled me through. In my mind I just kept saying "Let's go for a swim and enjoy" and I did. I enjoyed the water, trying to capture the moment and not just "get through it."

Only wierd thing was intense calf cramps as I got out of water? Is this normal? Several other men said they experienced the same thing.

Had to pee but was told I had to go to the other end of transition after I put my gear on so I passed. I didn't hurry through this, but I wasn't that slow (to me). Found my bike easily and had plenty of room.

Pee! I had to pee throughout the entire bike which was a distraction/painful at times. I could have jogged more and hustled more, but I'm very pleased.

I live in Northern Illinois and we have hills here and that is key in training. However, I was not as prepared for mile 8 as I thought I would be. Thank you God for helping me. I don't know if anyone was breathing as loudly and quickly as I during that stretch.

Scenic in places.

More outside hills that almost kill you, it would prepare better, and I don't want to do that but it would help.

Drive the entire route. We tried to but couldn't figure it out. So many turns, winds, uphill, downhill, very technical. I would not recommend this for a first Oly bike course (but I'm not really an authority as a first timer).

Since I had to pee for the entire bike ride I took well over a minute to complete the job now, but oh was it a blessing!

This went well, quick for me, sound and steady.

Nothing I can think of.

Runners high during mile 3-4, I talked with my deceased Grandfather, heard encouraging word from my mother, wife, and best friend. This was truly spiritual and I felt and and combined with the energy of nature, realizing God does it all. My legs and breathing were awesome and I got a lot of high fives which helps me- I need that people contact. Prayed for some of the walkers and heavy people (I was one a few months ago, NO judgement whatsoever I just want to help). There was a lady who was 50 yds ahead of me for the first 2.5 miles and I thought it would be cool to stay with her for the duration. It turns out I pass her at mile 3 and she retakes me at mile 5. I pass her during the last 50 yds as I'm on my patented last 1/2 mile kick- thanks friend.

Not much, this was incredible. Keep talking/feeling God's energy and voice.

Drank a muscle milk- really helped.
Pictures with family, check times on computer.
I broke down emotionally and cried and shook. I"m not sure why but it all came out- not sadness though- maybe all the journey- from a 260 drunk to a 190 OLY finisher in 18 months, all the hundreds of training hours, etc. I can't emphasize how much God did this and I was the vessel.


I can't practice open water swims.
Could have pushed harder during bike but I don't know that I'd change much, this was awesome for a first OLY.

Getting into granny gear on first hill.
More intense hill training.


Tremendous volunteers.
Loved the run.
God did the work for me and I trusted him.