Capital of Texas Triathlon - Olympic - TriathlonOlympic

I positioned myself just about in the middle of the pack. I didn't really think about where I was positioned because the pack seemed fairly well spread out. The swim start was fine. I didn't get knocked around or have any issues with running into people. I did have major problems with breathing during the first 2-300 meters. I think this is due to no swim warm up. By the first bouy I started feeling better and my breathing started to work itself out. I tried bilateral breathing but I couldn't get enough air. So, stuck with breathing every 2 instead of every 3. On the long back stretch I caught the feet two swimmers swimming about my pace. One thing I liked about this lake is that the water was clear enough to see people in front. I drafted most of the back straight-away. At the next turn bouy I passed these guys and headed for the finish. This was the first time I really caught a draft while swimming. It was great. Except for the start, this was a good swim. I met my goal of 28 minutes for the swim.

Don't start bilateral breathing until after a 300-500 meters. This will give me time to warm up and get a rhythm going.

Also, start all the way to the right and at the front. Breath on the left and use the pack on my left for navigation. This puts you in the front and you don't have to sight. Once the pack thins out, you may be able to catch the feet of a faster swimmer. Swim coach gave me this advice tonight at Master's Swim. She used this technique at CapTex.

The transition area was very large and we had a long run from the swim exit to the bikes. This was long T1. I took way too long getting my socks on and cycling shoes on. Wetsuit came off easily.

I could do the sockless thing and the shoes on the bike. But I haven't practiced that and besides my focus is on HIM and IM. I don't think I'll do those without socks.

This was a great bike ride and the fastest I have ridden in an Oly distance race. Since I was in the third wave, when I got to the bike course there was not very many cyclists on the course. During the first lap I past many and got passed by only a few. The stretch up Congress toward the Capital was a "false flat" (as Paul Sherwin would call it). Congress was a slight climb, then a right turn and up hill. I was able to stand and jam up this hill on all 4 laps. I used the trip back down Congress as a bit of recovery. On the part out to the turn around I was passed by James Bonnie. He was flying. I was cruising at about 25 mph and he just came flying by. He had Bonnie across the back of his shorts. By the third lap the course became crowded. I rode most of the race a few beats below LT. I met my goal for the bike leg.

Not much. I felt fresh for the run, so I guess this was a good pace for the bike.

Long T2.

I could do the take feet out and ride with feet on top of shoes.

My plan was to run the first loop in z2 and run the second loop as hard as I could. Right off the bike my legs felt good and I didn't have any problem getting into the run. However, I did feel bloated like I had too much carbs and fluids on the bike. I mixed the Cytomax stronger than usual - 200 calories. I don't think this is working. I drank water at the first two aid stations trying to wash down the carbs in my stomach. This helped and by about mile 2 I was feeling better. I got passed by a bunch of racers in my AG. I'm just too slow on the run and give back the gains I make on the bike. On the second loop I picked up the pace and ran the second loop a few beats below LT. On the second loop I saw Aaron on the bike course. He was in one of the late waves. He yelled to me and I yelled back. I also saw my lovely wife and gave her a high five. I saw Emily on the run course also. She looked like she was having a good run. I missed my goal time of 52 minutes.

Don't drink so much on the bike and switch back to 150 cal Cytomax.

Walked around, drank water and talked to my wife. Then went to the finishing chute to watch the athletes come in. I found a few of the other BT'ers and chatted with them. Took pictures. I saw Dennis and David come in; both looked strong. Somehow I missed Aaron coming in (how could that happen when he's carrying a flag!). I saw one of my customers after the race. So, I guess this can all go on the expense account ;) . Ate some pizza. Tried to get a massage, but the line was too long and I didn't want to wait.


Poor swim start. Need to work on that.

Poor nutrition on the bike which effected the run.




It was great to meet up with the other BT'ers and have dinner at Dennis' home. Thanks Dennis.

This was a great event. The layout of the course makes it very spectator friendly. My wife was able to see me on the bike 4 or 5 times and 3 times on the run. The crowds were great. I love the cow bells clanging. I will definitely do this race again.