Inside Out Sports White Lake International 2010 - TriathlonOlympic

I was so geeked up to swim at White Lake. Been hearing about how calm the water is. "Smooth as glass" they say. So light drizzle happens during sunrise and the wind picks up and so does the chop. Well, everyone has to swim in it, so here goes.
Horn went off for my wave and I should have paid attention to earlier waves because a ton of guys start cutting inside the first round bouy on the way out to the triangles. Turns out you only have to keep the triangles on your right during the swim. That would have been good info to have before I started. I am sure I lost time worrying about where I was headed and where those darn bouys were. The swim was pretty uneventful. I really should have pushed a little harder here.

More OWS practice would help.. Also watch earlier waves. I'd prefer a top 10 AG swim, but its what I get for not "racing".

LONG run from pier to T1. I was racing with a suit for the first time so I didnt have to put on a shirt or anything, which helped. Grabbed a couple gels and took off. T1 was decent.

Practice.

The reason I picked this race for my first OLY is the flat bike and run. Definitely not my strong suit so I wanted to minimize my weaknesses. I only went clipless 3 weeks ago so I wanted to see how I would perform.
As soon as I clipped in, I tore into a gel. Started out smooth. At the 5 mile mark was just at 15 minutes. Quick math told me I was at 20 mph. Very happy with that. The rest of the ride I did get slower, as expected. But it was good.
I did have one bottle of water and a bottle of Gatorade over the course. Took another gel at mile 20. Next year I will wait till later to take the gel.
One thing, I was really expecting a 25 mile bike. So when I say the "25" mark and I knew I had over 2 miles left, I was starting to feel the ride as was a little disheartened.
But overall, pretty happy with 18.5 mph.

Train more. And I should consider a tri bike. The roadie without aero bars may not be the way to go for OLY and farther distances.

Considering T2 was about a minute fater than t1, I liked it. I had a straight shot into my rack. Racked it. Took a swig of Gatorade, put shoes on and took off.

Practice.

My goal going in was to average 10 min niles. Did I mention I am a turtle? First mile was great. I hit the marker at about 9 minutes. I was very pleased. I am a turtle so if my first mile after that bike is at 9 minutes, Im a happy camper. I took a water at the first water station and walked while I drank. Once I started running again, I immediately started to feel like I was going to throw up. Didnt know if it was the water or what. Walked a minute until a felt like going again. Ran until the turn around and took water on the way back. Walked the water station. I had to walk some during mile 4 just to get HR down. Took sponge and water at last water station.
At mile 5, it hit me. That must have been a 15 minute mile. I would run 2 minutes, walk 1. I probaly only ran in the last 1/3 mile to the finish. That last mile got me. The legs would not fire.

Train more. I had only ran 6 miles once in training. And do some bricks. I put that this was below average because I was feeling like I was getting better with the run, but I didnt like the way this one finished. Even though my avg was right on target, the run just seemed to get worse.

Had a couple bottles of water and Diet MT Dew (my fav). Sat for a few minutes while my daughter put ice down my back (thanks, Emma) and cooled down. They had a vendor there with red beans and rice (YUUUUUMMMMMMM).


The fact that I havent really followed a structured plan. My traning consisted of run, swim, bike, day off, repeat.


I was so excited to do this race with all the good things I have heard about White Lake. I must say it did not disappoint. I love this distance and venue. This race is on my "to do" list for every year out. I am going to work on getting faster on the bike and run over the winter and cant wait til next year.
Check this out, about 1 oclock we took my daughter to the lake so she could play in the water, and it was "smooth as glass". Poor timing on the racers part.
Note to self: Next year, stay at "Nathans Townhomes" VRBO.