Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

I felt great in the water. My best swim I've had in a race so far. I liked this swim since there were no turns involved. Just swim straight ahead under three bridges. I found this course easy to navigate due to the bridges. My goal time for the swim was 27 minutes. I came in at 26:34. Very happy with the swim in this race.

I'm getting more and more comfortable in open water with each race. I usually am very conservative with the swim. I pushed a little harder yesterday and still felt good getting out of the water. Will start being more aggressive.

My T1 is usally a little slow but yesterday's was very slow b/c we had to run up a long flight of stairs, across the street, up the sidewalk, then into transition. Getting socks and pull over shirt on is killing me in T1 - shirt always getting stuck on wet skin, etc

Get sockless shoes and a shirt that won't stick.

The bike continues to be my weakest leg of the race. I read that this bike course was tough. I would agree. Lot's of long, steady climbs. Felt like I was doing ok up until mile 15. After that, the hills started to catch up with me. Also, I'm still using the saddle that came with my bike. I need to replace this thing. By mile 15 it was killing me. So much so it breaks my concentration.

Get a more comfortable saddle asap. I got a tri coach on June 15 to help me improve, especially the bike. We have been working together less then a month, so I can't expect to magically shave off 10 minutes right away. This leg can only get better. Will continue to work with my coach to improve.

Legs felt like rubber getting off the bike. Did not run with the bike through T2.

As my bike fitness improves, my T2 should improve.

I've read about triathletes "blowing up" during a race but did not experience it until yesterday. The run is typically my strongest leg of the race. I am usually able to catch many people who pass me during the bike. Not this race. This run was a total, unmitigated distaster for me. It was hot and humid. It felt like the Bataan Death March out there. My first mile was about 7:30. Next mile 8:45. Third mile 9:00. It got worse as the race went on. Had to stop and walk a few times (something I never do). I have not felt this bad on a run in a long, long time.

Was not prepared for the heat. I can probably can do a better job with hydration and nutrition. Also, do more brick workouts.

Walked around, sat down, drank water. Just trying to cool off. It took me about 40 minutes to start feeling normal again.


Poor bike fitness level, the heat, lack of proper hydration and nutrition during the race.


This race is very well organized, lots of volunteers, drink stations, post race food etc. I would highly recommend doing this race and I will do it again next year.