Rocky Gap International Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

OWS has always been my downfall. Never enough OWS practices nor comfort level. Today I felt comfortable from the start. There was some pushing and hitting, but nothing major. Went to breathing every stroke from the start and that seemed to help alot versus the bi-lateral I do in the pool and have attempted in my other OWS's. Not a blistering pace for most but I am pretty satisfied as I typically am closer to 2:30's. Navigation was not too bad even though there were very few buoys (only 3 total). I really feel that I could not have pushed much harder but there was a little something more I could have done.

Push just a tad bit harder during the swim but hoping with more practice this will come more natural.

Struggled a little with the wetsuit on both heels and then had a heck of a time getting into my shoes. The left shoe fell off so I had to get off and reclip only to have it fall off again. Finally just put in on and remounted and got up to speed.

Having the bike racked the day before I made the decision to try to clip in my shoes while on the rack. Should have taken the bike off the rack and clipped in as I think this may have been the problem with the shoes falling off. I also think my heel sticking issue with the wetsuit was due to putting on the wetsuit with socks on. While this helped in donning the suit I did not lube my feet as I typically have done so think this may have added to my issues getting the suit off.

Good transition, in and out quickly and onto the run

Nothing

Back out of the park and up the hill for a short while, then over a 2 mile descent to the turn around. Averaged around a 7:40 for the first three miles and was feeling pretty good at the turn around. After the turnaround the course detoured onto a back road and at mile 4.5 up a crazy climb and made the decision to walk up about 500 feet as my running was not any quicker. I had passed someone in my age group about .5 miles before the climb and having judged by people at the turnaround figured I was either 2nd or 3rd in my age group. I told myself I would walk up until he passed me back and then continue to run. At the top of the hill he passed and I took off again right behind him. I was just going to play cat and mouse with him until around the 5.5 mile mark and make my move. I thought I had saved much more than him on the hill climb and having put in over 425 miles running this year knew that I had trained enough. At the 5.5 mile mark I zipped by and tried to look like I was cruising, but actually I starting having a cramp in the back of my right thigh. I reached back once but did not want to give him any inkling that I was having issues so I pushed on. I could hear his footsteps and then at mile 6 I tried to kick it up another notch. At this time I could still hear his footsteps so I gave it all I had for the last 2 tenths. Entering the finisher chute I looked back to see him about 40 yards behind me and with no one in front I slowed a little, zipped up my top and ran through.

Not sure, thought I had trained well but this was my first attempt at the Olympic distance as well as my first AG attempt as I have been racing Clydes since I started.

A great family race and nice atmosphere. Things were very well organized although I think more aid stations on the run were needed.