Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon Olympic - TriathlonOlympic

A solid swim. The only hiccup occurred when I took the first turn. The sun was in my eyes when I breathed and I briefly go off course for 50 meters or so. A quick correction and I'm back in the game. The only down side is my wetsuit velcro clasp at the back of neck decided to rub. I could feel it digging into my neck the entire time. I have a quarter sized scab on the back of my neck. I like to tell people that I jack into the Matrix rather than suffering a chaffing wound.

Go harder. My pace was steady but I could have exerted more effort. But I beat my goal and I'm happy. Sighting was good. Breathing was good. Just a good, solid swim. Next time, I want to go for exceptional.

That was a loooooong run from water out to swim in. Whew. I got a high five from a Texas Triple Threat buddy and I'm into transition. My wetsuit got stuck at the ankles so I struggled a little getting it off. The rest of the change went well. On the way to bike out, I visited the latrine to empty the bladder. I still managed to beat my 5:00 goal with a potty break. I was very happy.

I need to practice getting out of my wetsuit. I was spoiled by Texas Man, which featured suit strippers. My other thought will be to not wear a wetsuit. However, I know I swim faster in a suit.

I was super pleased with the ride. I set an aggressive goal considering I really didn't train on the bike for several months (I averaged at best one ride per week. Special weeks I had two). I was worried about my calves as they felt tight but that may have been a hold over from the job up the hill from the water to transition.

DRINK MORE FLUID. I have a hydration problem. The other is obviously to spend more time in the saddle.

This was pretty good transition. I got my feet out of my shoes while descending the last hill. I stopped the bike a bit awkwardly and leaned gracefully off. I had a long run from bike off to my rack. I fumbled my water belt and number belt, but I got in and out pretty well.

This was good. More practice and this time will come down.

I was looking forward to the run. This was going to be my strongest leg. And while it was, it wasn't as strong as I had hoped, which was okay. I went fast and hard on the bike and my lack of training in the saddle was evident on the run. I drank what I thought was an adequate amount of fluid, but I was starting to feel the chills of dehydration around mile four. The final mile was tough but I refused to give in to the temptation to walk up any of the hills. I used the steep descents to my advantage and had a strong finish. I threw my arms up as I crossed the finish line as I beat my stretch goal by nearly 90 seconds.

Drink more on the bike. And train more on the bike. My run training has been super solid and it carried me through my tired legs and tight quads.

I crossed the finish line very chilled. I also experienced what I believe was a sudden case of exercise-induced asthma. My lungs suddenly got tight and I struggled to catch my breath. Thankfully a buddy was roaming the finish area and graciously allowed me to lean on him while the asthma passed. The rest of my warm down consisted of trying to rehydrate a body that gave darn near anything it had for a terrific race performance.


Two factors: the most obvious was my lack of training on the bike. My legs were tired and heavy for the run and that was a direct result of my training. Factor number two was poor hydration. This has been regular problem for me and I have to learn how to address this.


I LOVED the new location. The Harbor is a beautiful location and is very spectator friendly. The course is challenging but very rewarding. The race was well run, well staffed, and the police did a great job directing traffic. I noticed some heavy traffic at some points and the cyclists had free reign. Seeing the pros and elite amateurs race was really cool and seeing them get their awards just adds to a terrific environment. I can't recommend this race enough.