Kerr Lake Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

Started raining about 1/2 through the swim and the water started to get a little choppy. The rain was more than welcome since the cloud cover kept the heat and humidity down as we started the bike. I knew the course was long again this year when I saw my time, so I avoided being disappointed and checking out mentally.

After a 100 meter uphill run into transition, the transition area itself is rather short. My bike was only about 50 feet from the mount/dismount line, but the last 30 feet involves running through grass/dirt. For that reason I decided not to keep the shoes clipped on the bike to avoid rocks and such in my shoes. This turned out to be a good decision, since the rain was coming down pretty hard at this point and there was more mud and debris than normal. Sunglasses were soaked, so I left them behind.

Rained through the first 14 miles or so, but this was not an issue. The clouds and cool rain were very nice! I was about 6.5 minutes faster than last year (my first Olympic distance race and 3rd tri), so I was very pleased with the bike split. I didn't feel that I pushed too hard, just a steady and relaxed effort, but my legs took about 6 miles to loosen up a bit.

Nice flying dismount, and my legs felt great. Had trouble getting the handlebars of the bike to stay on the rack! I took my time and relaxed a bit to get prepared for the run. Grabbed some ice packs to hold and put one in my hat, and I was off.

Go a little quicker.

With last year's race pushing 92 degrees with humidity above 90, the cooler temperatures this year were welcome. I just focused on a relaxed, steady effort. Since this was my first Oly triathlon that did not feature temperatures above 85 degrees, I knew that a steady effort would get me close to breaking 2:40...and I was not going to walk this year!

Push harder in the last two miles, which are slightly downhill.

The 40-44 age group was fast! The top three would have been top 3 in the 35-39 group as well. As a 195 pound "quasi-Clydesdale," I am pleased with my place in the age group. My time would have been good enough for first in the master clydes division.


Only bananas and bagles after the race, and I was ready to eat!