Tri the Parks - John Tanner State Park - TriathlonSprint

Very good swim! I came out of the water right at 10:00 just behind Rutledge. Rutledge is a very good swimmer and someone who is my "benchmark" for improvements. I felt strong and in control the whole way. Sighting was a bit tough approaching the last turn buoy because of the sun. Overall, I sighted well and swam pretty straight. I drafted well. Overall, good stuff.

I went to the wrong wrack and then had trouble getting my feet into my shoes. This was not a well done T1.

decent ride. Got a position penalty (my actual finish time minus the penalty was 1:11) I think it happened when I passed a line of riders going uphill. I was behind a line of legally spaced riders (although they did draft early on, then settled into legal riding). Every time there was a hill, the entire line would slow down much more than I would (I'm 142 lbs...my little ass likes the hills). I would enter the draft zone and then pass them all. On one hill in particular, I didn't get by the riders in enough time. I eventually made it to the front, however, I was popped. (and rightfully so) The ref popped several other people riding behind me as well.

Continually attacking to the get in front of a line is stupid. By surging several times needlessly, I wore my legs down without any additional gain and got a penalty. I need to sit back and not try to pass everyone in situations like that unless I'm sure I can get away. If I am in a (legal) line approaching a hill, I need to ease up and not try to overtake. The penalty knocked me from 3rd to 5th. Overall, the ride was average from a fitness standpoint.

quick transition, decent time.

My legs felt great coming off the bike. I then dry heaved around mile 2. I finished strong, but slowing and stopping to heave destroyed my time. I don't why I'm having stomach problems during these races. This is bullshit. I left at least 1-1.5 minutes out on the course. Still, I had the third fastest run in my AG. For perspective, I was faster through 5K last week during an oly. Who is John Gault?

I love the tri the parks series. Good races, good competition, good organization. Overall, had a great day with my teammates! Got a chance to see the Dr (who is in his 90s) cross the finish line after falling down about 30 yards from the finish. Seeing him finish was a great moment. I love this sport because it tends to bring out the best in people!