XTERRA USA Championships - TriathlonLong Course

Well... first of all, I heard several people voice that the course was set long. While I'm not a strong swimmer, I usually average around 1:35 to 1:50 per 100. It doesn't really matter though, the course was the same for all; I just think my swim was better than the time is reflecting.

Made one big mistake though, I forgot my tinted goggles. The first buoy was set directly into the sun. With clear goggles, I was blind heading out from the start. However, after making the first turn, the rest of the course was clear.

Swim was a mass start. I decided to position myself toward the back of group. I let the mass take off and followed behind. I was amazed that I was able to find clear water in a pack of three hundred. This really helped to calm my anxiety and let me get into a groove. Since I couldn't see the buoy, I just made sure that I had people on both sides of me to keep me on course. For the most part the swim was uneventful with the exception of a few punches and kicks.

Pretty crazy to see a helicopter above you when you turn your head to breathe or raise to sight.

Need to be more organized and remember all my equipment!

I had a little trouble gettin my arms out of my suit on the run. No big deal though as it didn't cost me any time since I had time to spare before reaching transition. No trouble locating rack position. Helmet on, lower part of suit off, socks on, grabbed the bike and ran for the chute.

Exiting T1 was tough as it went directly into singletrack. I caught my thigh on the saddle as I went to jump on the bike. I had to keep running and jump a second time. No problem getting my feet into my shoes, but had to wait until the singletrack opened up to secure my straps on the shoes.

I need to practice my transitions on singletrack. I've always practiced on the road where I have more room. This is the first time I can think of where I missed the mount.

Not much to say here. I didn't want to ride too hard and be miserable on the run. But, even at my achieved pace, I was ready to get of the bike by the time I reached T2.

Course terrain was rocky with some water bars, tree roots, bridges, and wooden stairs to drop over off one of the bridges. The descending was really fun; there just wasn't that much of it!

Being a slower swimmer, I always end up with the task of manuevering around slower riders on the singletrack. Not much I can do here except wait my time and pass when possible. Got stuck behind a slower rider in the switchbacks who wouldn't relent his position costing me and several other riders a couple of minutes. In one turn, the guy locked up in front of me causing me to slow way down. The guy behind me ran into my side, but I was still able to make the switchback by leaning into him.



I had some mechanical problems with my rear derailleur. Not really a big issue, just a bit of an annoyance. I wasn't able to adjust the tension well enough while riding, so I just altered my shifting.

I need to force myself to drink more. When my HR gets elevated into Zone 4 and above, I have a hard time drinking water and nutrient.

T2 went well. No issues getting my feet out of my shoes while riding. Running dismount was a little tough because of the group at the chute. Spotted my rack position easily, Helmet off, shoes on, started moving to the exit with running belt, gel bottle, and visor in hand.

For some reason, I fumbled with my shoes. I had trouble with the tongues. I might need to loosen the lacing a little.

Good. I started with a slower pace to get my legs moving and gradually increased speed. I was able to keep my momentum up the long climb without walking. Once on the singletrack, I was able to get down around a 7:30 mile for the next couple of miles. Climbs dropped me to about a 10:30 to 11 minute pace. I was really happy with my descents. I was able to keep my hips forward over my feet and fall in control. This allowed me to maintain pace with braking.

I've had diminished running volume for most of the year. I just need to shake off the injuries and get back on my running game. I'm really looking forward to a few weeks of no running.

Water, walking, then Recoverite.


Decreased training volume due to injuries.


The only think I would like to see different is maybe wave starts to eliminate some of the congestion on the single track climb through Wheeler Canyon. Or, maybe I just need to suck it up and become a faster swimmer!

I just made my goal of coming in under 3:30. All in all, a very good experience for me. I look forward to returning next year in the 40-44 age group division. No worlds this year, but that is on the agenda for next year too.