Honolulu Tinman Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

Some guy was hanging on to the buoy so he did not have to tread water. He was actually pulling the buoy back behind the starters. The RD yelled at the starters to get back behind the buoy so they ratted out the guy holding on to the buoy at which point the RD scolded the guy. He let go of the buoy and it adjusted itself ahead of the starting line. We got a good chuckle out of it. The horn went off and a bunch of people shot off like they were on fire. Then about a hundred yards into it, a whole wall of them started breast stroking. I was having a hard time getting around them. Then I got my goggles kicked. They filled up with water. By the time I got to the half way point I couldn't see well. I tried to clear the water out on the way back in, but I couldn't get a good seal. I could barely make out the bubbles coming off a pair of feet in front of me so I decided to draft them since I could not site. However, this person was a little slow for me. Luckily another pair of feet appeared and they were going faster. I tagged on to him (or her... couldn't see well) and followed them all the way to the swim exit buoys.

I know I shouldn't start at the very front since I am a slow swimmer. However, I may do it next time because I think there are too many people who shoot out like a cannon and then poop out shortly thereafter and breast stroke. I gotta be in front of those people. I have only done 3 other triathlons (sprints) and it seems to be a common occurrence.

Long run from beach to transition. I thought my breathing and heart rate would spike on the run to transition, but I felt fine when I got to the bike. When I got to the bike I knocked my well placed helmet and sunglasses to the ground. Argh!

Be more careful so I don't disturb my well placed transition items.

Passed a lot of people. By the time I turned on to Lunalilo Home Rd, a squall came through that dumped rain and increased the headwind. While I am not a strong hill climber, I did better than I expected. I guess all the hill training I did paid off. Had to be conservative coming down Heart Break Hill due to wet conditions. Gently pulled the brakes to dry off my rim and slowed considerably to make a safe turn at the bottom. Launched my rear mounted water bottle somewhere along the course. Drank all my hydration from my aero bottle. Ate bits of fig newtons along the course to stay ahead of nutrition needs. Worked well. Roads dried up by the time I got to Kalanianaole Highway. My wife and son were out on the road holding a sign that said, "Go Dad!". That was a real nice boost. Hammered the bike on the downhill after peaking Diamond Head. As a beginner triathlete (am I a triathlete yet?), I felt good about the ride.

I still need more hill training. I really wanted to average 20 mph or over. I also want to take my stem down further so I can get in a better aero position.

I knew I would be a little slow because I decided to wear socks for this run (although I have also trained without). I also put on a knee strap to help me with my injury.

Go sockless.

I did a lot of bricks during training. So my legs did not feel funny after the bike. However, I just could not get them to turn over fast enough. It wasn't because of the funny feeling going from bike to run. It was more due to the hammering I did on the bike. I knew I would take a hit on the run, but since I can not run fast anyway, I try to make my overall time on the bike. I started out kind of slow (yeah, I know I am slow already... its all relative, right?) because I wanted to run faster during the second half. I did okay up Monsarrat hill. Coming down 18th I let gravity help on the slight downhill. After the half way point I picked up my pace. As I was running pass Triangle Hill, one of the volunteers said, "looking good, um, nice steady pace you got there"... translation, "wow, your slow"! It was okay, though, because I know I am slow. If anything, that gave me a what I needed to pick up the pace. I paced nicely up Diamond Head and, again, let gravity help run downhill. When I turned left to Kapiolani Park I picked it up a little more I hit the finish line chute and sprinted because I did not wanted the woman that was racing along side of me to get in before me. LOL!

I need to do some sprint intervals

Walked around until I found the food and drink tent!!! Why do they place it so far from the finish line? Then I went out to the finish line to cheer others in my training group.


Inexperience and waiting until I hit my 50's to start doing triathlons. Knee injury didn't help, but it was only a minor inconvenience on the course. I think the bike help loosen it up. It kind of hurts now, the day after.


Can't wait till next year!!!