Runner's High TRI Miami Olympic Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

We had a small wave of women and relay folks. Of course we were the last of 3 waves. The start was only slightly congested. I was fighting for a line with a guy in a wet suit-relay guy. I let him take the line and went behind him and over to the right. It was like fighting with a slippery seal! We stayed next to eachother for the first couple of minutes, then he forged ahead. My goggles were getting sooo fogged I couldn't even see the big orange bouys. Finally I stopped, rinsed and wiped them and they were clear the rest of the way. I managed to pass relay seal just before the turnaround bouy. Every so often I switched to breast stroke to sight and get some active rest for my muscles. I'm glad I did this, b/c on the way back I nearly went to the right of a bouy and would have had to go back around it.

As I exited the swim, I saw Janice (foolproof) and Cari (carisma)!!! Yeah, fans :) I chatted while running with a dude that said "you're like 5 minutes ahead of me already!" That felt good!

This swim was awesome for me! The water was the perfect temp., there were small ripples and a current that was very minimal. I just eased into my pace and enjoyed my favorite part of tris! I managed to pass some of the orange caps, and possible a white cap or two..poor guys!

I used anti-fog on my goggles for the first time. I guess I should've wet them prior to putting them on , because once I did they were fine. I think I would also have a gu prior to the swim, just to bank some energy.

I took a long time in this transition it seems. I racked my bike, put on my jersey carefully so my gus and inhaler wouldn't fall out. Got my sunglasses and helmet on, socks and shoes and half ran while trying to get my gloves on, dropping one in the process. My glasses were fogging, so I took them off and stuffed them in my pocket. I got on my bike and started peddling.

speed it up, remember it is a race

The first loop went pretty quick in my head. I took a gu maybe 15 min. into the ride and drank a 1/2 powerade 1/2 water combo on the ride. My legs felt fatigued, though, right up to the second loop. The causeway bridge was HARD!!!! The first climb, I still was in the big chain ring and kept trying to go up a gear, but it was stuck..I forgot I was in the big ring. I coasted down sort of gingerly-still not used to hills UP or DOWN! quick turn, then up it again. this time in a higher gear. I was able to do well on the climbs, even passing a few people, but this may have been my unknowing death! I rounded the turn for lap 2 and again saw Janice and Cari! Yeah!! It's nice to have that support. The second lap felt slower than the first. I got passed by a couple, passed one or two, but maintained a steady (slow) pace. I was dreading bridge crossing #3 and 4! It's a nice bike route, sans the bridge. I was having a good time though, and had no idea of my pace on the bike. I was remembering I had to run after this, but didn't feel too worried, as running is usually not a problem for me.

Alot...first thing would be HILL TRAINING..I grossly underestimated these hills. they took alot out of me. Drink more fluids...especially to prepare for the run. Try to keep my head in the game more, and stop watching racoons that almost get run over by cyclists.

Overall, I'm pleased with my bike performance. I didn't have on a computer, so I had no idea of my pace. I just tried to ride how I felt, and tried to hold some back for the run. I'm disappointed with my pace, as most of my training rides have been well into the 18's, so I kind of thought I would average at least that in a race.

There was no time for this, so I'm not sure where it is..It may be in my run time, since my watch had me at 54:16 for the run, and the chip had me at 56:28. I walked my bike into the transition area. I racked my bike, took off my helmet, pulled off my shoes and gloves, slipped on my runners, grabbed a drink of water and took off.

Again, remember this is included in the race.

I headed out of transition and immediately saw Cari snapping photos (think paparazzi), then saw Janice who offered me a gel. I had one in my pocket so I was good. I bypassed the water/amino stations - bad - and took off with a very easy pace, anticipating picking it up about 1 mile into the run. About 5 min. into the run, I tried to put on my sunglasses...one of the arms is broken, but holds together enough to wear them...well, not so easy to manage during a race..I put them on and the arm came off...and they were smudgy..drats. I put the 2 pieces back in my pocket. I was feeling out of breath, so I reaced back for my inhaler. Dropped it...picked it up and took 2 puffs while running. It helped. I kept thinking I would find my groove soon, but I didn't. I took fluids about 1 mile into the run with a gu, and took fluids in every stop after, walking to drink the whole cup...Normally, I grab a sip while running and toss it. In retrospect I think I was pretty dehydrated. It was too late. The second lap was awful for me. I saw Janice passing out fluids, and Cari was there cheering me on. I told her I felt awful, but she told me I looked good, so I tried to hold onto that! I didn't feel good at all. I was hot, tired, breathing heavy and wondering when I could be done. I fell apart on the second lap..It was all I could do to keep from walking. I kept telling myself not to walk or it would be that much worse.

Hydrate better...Use my inhaler in transition. Hydrate. Wear a hat that is breathable - my head was really HOT. Hydrate.

I didn't do a ton of race-specific training for this race. I run with clients and consider that part of my training, but it's not. My pace is vastly different from theirs. Next time I will follow my training plan for the run. THis was probably my worst running experience ever - I was that miserable.

Crossed the line feeling a little disoriented. Cari was there, so we hung out while I drank and drank and drank...I wasn't hungry at all, just thirsty. We spotted a little fountain that was like a glimpse of heaven! I cooled off in that and it helped revive me a bit. she walked with me to transition to get my bike and stuff, then went to take it to the car. I couldn't find my car!!!! we looked and looked and looked. I was still out of it, I think. Finally she suggested we strap my bike on her car and we drive around to find it. Good thinking-we found it way away from where I was looking! We put my stuff away and went to find Janice. We went to see the results and I was shocked to see I had come in 1st for my age group. Really, really shocked. We hung around a long time for the awards, chatted a bit with Frank (fcollada-who is a bad ass triathlete, btw) then parted ways with Cari and drove home. I didn't pee one time from when I left the house to when I got home, and then it was like peeing dust.


Improper hydration. My fluids would have been fine for a sprint, which is what I'm used to. I have had a headache for 24 hours, which I'm certain is from being dehydrated. I am on antibiotics for an ear infection, and I have to wonder if they played some role in my demise. I also really need to hill train on the bike if I want to do a race with hills in the future, and do some more specific run training.


This is a good race. I enjoyed the course. The bridge was hard, but the rest of the course was perfect. I'm pleased. I did my first Oly, and I have already spent the last 24 hours going over the race and thinking about what I can do to better prepare for the next time, which will be in the fall sometime.