Heatwave Classic Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

This swim was just OK (I've heard rumors the actual distance is longer than advertised). I passed a few people on the way back in and don't recall getting passed. I sighted well off the buoys but tried to sight mostly off the guy I was swimming next to. That worked out well but I didn't do a good job drafting off him for very long. Swallowed a huge gulp of water and almost lost it. My stomach didn't feel right until about 5 minutes into the bike.

Push the pace more. I was comfortable and should've recognized I wasn't pressing the subject much.

Good transition for me. Had socks rolled and ready to put on. Shoes went on quickly. I haven't practiced moutning the bike with the shoes already clipped in yet. That's on my To Do List.

Everything I did was quick but having shoes clipped in already would easily save some time. Need to practice that.

It was a good ride. Played leap frog with a few people. Tried my best to stay close to the front runners in my AG knowing they were better cyclists but hoping to give myself a chance on the run. I wouldn't say I pushed too hard but was very close to it.

More time on the bike. And make it count.

Great T2. This was the first time in a race I dismounted with shoes still clipped in. I've been practicing and it paid off. I came in to T2 at the same time as another racer from my AG and was out before he was.

Nothing. This was a great T2 and 6th fastest of 39 in the AG.

This was slower than I expected and much more difficult, too. It was also HOT. The temp was about 90 at this point I'd say. There was some shade but it was still very humid.

That said, I may have started out too fast. Almost immediately I had a bad side stitch that never went away. I don't think I went too hard on the bike but it was clear this was going to be a tough run.

I don't usually take in fluids for a 10k but the heat was just too much. I walked an aid station or two to give myself time to drink and cool down but with every drink the side stitch got worse. I dumped water on my head at the stations and paid the price for it. My socks and shoes were eventually soaked and started to give me blisters.

During the last 2 miles or so I was breaking down mentally and actually took a few short walk breaks. I knew based on the people I was running with that there'd be a push at the end but didn't think I could hang with them. When we finally did sprint for the line I passed some of them but got bested by another in my AG by :03. So close. This was a tough run for me and I was glad it was over.

Probably run more conservatively early on. The heat started a mental battle that I'm not sure I won.

Also, I think going sockless could have helped. The wet, uncomfortable feet didn't help mentally.

Or, just HTFU. As they say, there's no bad weather just soft runners.

Lots of water. Sat down in the shade and cooled off. Got some Gatorade and walked around until Mary finished. She did great and looked better than I felt at the finish.


The heat took its toll for sure. I also started a HIM plan a few weeks before the race and tried to work in the training and a decent taper. Not sure if the longer distance training had an effect or not.

Overall I'm happy with the race.


This was my first time at this race. The location is good and the whole thing is well organized. It draws some great competition, too.