Wisconsin Triterium Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

I was a little apprehensive about swimming without a wetsuit, as my swimmer's itch had just gone away after Lake Mills. But, I really dislike wetsuits, as I A:) Can not afford to but my own at this time. B.) can not find a rental that fits my 6'3, 250lb broad frame in a way that allows easy movement. So, tri shorts it was.
I continued to struggle with my sighting and swimming straight. I consistantly swam wide to the right and had to bring my self back in between markers. I was getting around 10 yards of course to the right between sightings. Horrible performance. But I survived the swim.

Swim more, sight better.

Seemed like a bit of a run to my bike. I was tired, but pleased that I had finished the swim. Looked forward to the bike, since it was my strong suit. Oh how foolish I was.
No socks! Tank Top! GU! Took my time. I had to remind myself that I just wanted to finish.

place my bike in a rack near the bike out.

Wasn't prepared for how hilly the course was. I had brought some GU's and Cytomax along, which I must say worked pretty well for me. However, I really struggled on the hills. I went out fast and slowed quite a bit by the time that I got to the beginning of the first loop. I was passed by just about everyone going up hills. I played cat and mouse for a while with a few people. I would pass them on the flats and descents, and they would catch up on the climbs, eventually leaving me behind.
The climbs broke my heart. I really need to focus on losing some weight and spinning better up hills. However, I am very comfortable on descents and passed quite a few people, hitting 47 mph on the backside of the loop on my first lap. Ran out of Cytomax and water to early. By the end, I was running on fumes at the end of the bike portion. Legs ached and I felt exhausted and light headed.

Train on hills more. Sit and Spin better. Bring more water.

Exhausted. Nearly fell getting out of clips. Staggered back to transition with my bike. Had a drink and took one more GU. Was happy to only have to run three two mile laps.

Words can not describe this experience. I had not seen the course before hand. Maybe if I had, I would not have left transition.
I started out slow and stayed that way. My legs felt very heavy and I shuffled along. I shuffled up the first hill at a snails pace. My legs were now very painful from the bike. I headed down and up the next hill. I was happy to see the water station manned by some very friendly and encouraging girls. Took some water. Lap seemed very long.
Second lap. I finished the first lap and crossed the timing mat out of transition, grabbing some gatorade at the aid station outside the bike corral, walked through water station. Kept walking. As I got around the corner, I saw that my wife and son were now sitting on the curb next to the car. Not wanting them to see me walk, I started to do my impression of running again. They waved, I groaned. As soon as they were out of sight I began walking. Tried shuffling up the hill, but had to walk. As I rounded the turn around at the top, I descended the hill with the grace of a three legged grizzly bear. Slowly shuffled to the next hill. Began to walk the hill. Volunteers at the water station were yelling to keep up the pace, keep moving. I was less happy to see them now. I thought maybe if they were ready to pass out from shere stupidity as I was they wouldn't be so perky. I felt like the fat kid in gym class being yelled at by the coach to get up the rope. Dumped water over my head. shuffled past the station. had to stop and walk again. I was really doubting my running ability. Wanted to quit.
Lap 3.) Let's not discuss lap three. I finished. Somehow.

Keep moving. Not give up. Run more. Train better.

Met my wife at the finish line. Walked around. Drank lots of water. Ate some animal crackers (yum).


Gravity.


I finished! It was hell. I'll be back next year.