Great Buckeye Challenge - Mini (Olympic) - TriathlonOlympic

Water felt very choppy to me. Practiced in similar conditions the day before so I was hoping to avoid drinking too much lake water along the way. Started off good, very comfortable, no panic feeling that I sometimes get at the start. About 300m in swallowed/inhaled a big gulp of wave. Took a good 30s of doggy paddle to recover. Then started breathing only to the right. Actually thought a little about form. Tried to draft a time or two with a little success. Got stronger as the swim went on. Disappointing time, but not bad considering the conditions and my lack of swimming lately.

Probably should warm up with a longer sustained swim so that I start feeling a little stronger.

Very smooth transition. Passed several on the run up the hill and during the transition itself. Having the tri top on during the swim made T1 much easier.

Remember the gel I was going to eat half way through the bike.

I was constantly holding back a little because this was my first event longer than a sprint. Didn't want to crash on the run. Didn't notice any real wind except for a mile or two in the middle heading towards the small town with the steep hill. Overall I didn't push, just concentrated on maintaining consistant effort and slowly picking off the next rider. Fastest bike split in my AG. First time for that!

Remember the gel.

Passed my rack, had to turn around and find my spot. Used the yankz shoelaces for the first time in a race. Probably saved 15-20 seconds and it only cost me $8. Grabbed the gel I forgot earlier.

Count the racks before the race so I don't waste time in T2.

Started off good from the start. Legs felt fine off the bike. First few miles were 7:45 to 7:55. Then the stomach started to rumble. Damn coffee. Always used to give me problems around mile 10 of a run until I figured out what it was last year training for the Cleveland marathon. So that came and went for the second half of the run. Last few miles were more like 8:30-8:45. Had plenty left for a sprint to the finish. I always find that last sprint a bit disappointing because it means I didn't give it the full effort during the run.

Drink less coffee before the race. Push it more.

Grabbed some snacks and watched others finish for a while. Felt good to finish a longer race and not feel exhausted. Decided to sign up for Hueston Woods OLY next weekend.


Lack of confidence in the water. Uncertainty about the distance. Too much coffee. Becoming a decent swimmer should be the goal for next season.


Had a blast. Enjoy all the HFP events. I'd like to see them make this race a little longer. Follow the HIM bike course extention for a 28 mile ride and make the run 6.55 miles (1 lap of the HIM course). That way it would work out to an even half of a HIM. As it is with the 1000m swim, it's not an OLY, but it could be a 1/4 IM...

Great volunteers. I was so happy to have someone actually check my number and my bike sticker. That almost never happens.