Desert International Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

I was really disappointed in this swim since my sighting is poor. The sun was in the way for the first buoy, but I still felt slow after. Had I known better I would have used the trees to sight. I hung out behind the wave start. It being the first time I used my Xterra Vortex full sleeve suit is no real excuse for me being this slow.

Practice my sighting. I also need to work on my pull and maintaining a straight line in open water.

I lost my Garmin Forerunner 305 as I was getting out of transition so didn't know my cadence. Luckily one of the workers found it and I got it back after the race. It was banged up but the screen was in great condition and it worked just fine.

This was only my second time riding my tri bike. The last time involved me going to the hospital on a bad fall, so I was pretty cautious when riding. My rear derailler shifter was starting to pop out of its socket, yet it still worked.

I would have gotten my bike checked out by a mechanic first. Turns out a week after this that my rear derailler hangar is bent, so now it's in the shop.

I also wish I had more time to get used to the bike since the crash. I would have gone faster otherwise.

Usually my transitions are a lot faster, but I decided to not do my typical flying dismount and instead ran in with clipped shoes. My bike is new to me and I haven't practiced it in awhile.

I also didn't run sockless this time, so I put on socks. I'm trying to get used to HIM and IM distances, and I'd rather be wearing socks for that length.

Flying dismount and not use socks moving into running.

My run as usual is slow. If there's one thing I wish to improve upon this year it's running.

Well I wouldn't trip, that's for sure.

On the run I tripped and skinned my right knee and left hand when I moved from the asphalt to gravel. It was totally my fault. I made for an interesting finish since blood was running from my knee all the way to my sock as I crossed the line. Then I ate some food and drink and finally, after about 10 minutes, went to get my wounds cleaned up. Didn't feel painful until I got home. I didn't really do anything to cool down except drink and eat.


Experience and getting used to my bike.


I pretty much just treated this race as practice for my upcoming longer distance races (Wildflower, Vineman). I've had two biking accidents in the last two months, and barely started resuming training after the second accident just a week before this race. I was a little frustrated afterward, but thinking back on how far I've come from last year despite my setbacks, I feel blessed to be alive and walking, let along racing.