login
 Swim
Comments: I was in the first wave to go and they included us with the 20-29 AG. I just stayed back and out of the way for a few minutes and then jumped into it. There were a few kicks to the head as we got started and then I actually passed a few people... Total shock to me and I wasn't prepared for that process but it all worked out. I had done a few OWS before but this one seemed long. Due to some of the contact I had to flip on my back for a few yards to catch my breath. Overall I was happy with the swim. I would like to have been faster but for the first I am happy. My goal was 25 minutes and I was able to beat that by a little over a minute. What would you do differently?: I just need more practice in the OWS setting. I will also be investing in a wet suit before next year!  Transition 1
Comments: I was a little disoriented when I first came out of the water. I did run to T1 and to my rack. I had practiced transitions but still didn't feel fully prepared for the real thing. I think I will get better next time. I just have cages on my bike so I put on my running shoes, helmet and glasses and was off. What would you do differently?: Just calm myself a bit more on the way in. It took me a couple seconds to get my bearings.  Bike
Comments: The first half of the bike went really well, so maybe the tailwind helped a bit. I found a good pace early and was able to keep it for the most part. I was actually able to pass a few on the bike and that felt good. The waves behind me did keep passing me but that was ok by me. I think I did well at racing my race and didn't get caught up in trying to stay with those much better than me. About half way I started to get a cramp in my hamstring. I was able to work it out with some fluids and some stretching without too much damage to my time. It happened again during the last mile but I got it stretched out before dismount. The headwind back in was rough and slowed me down. Not sure how much was mental and how much trouble it really was but it did impact me. Overall, I wanted to be done in less than an hour and was able to do that. Pretty happy with the bike. What would you do differently?: I need to get off my hybrid bike and invest in at least a road bike with shoes and pedals. I have plenty of engine work to do as well but I have to believe the new bike would help some too. I just have to convince the wife... Transition 2
Comments: I just had to rack my bike and get my helmet off so this was a pretty simple transition. I did have some trouble with my race belt but I was running as I put it on so it didn't impact my time. What would you do differently?: Not much in this case. Was a decent effort I think.  Run
Comments: I was hoping to be under 30 minutes for the run but had some early cramps in my calves that I had to run through. Just missed my goal here but not by much. The run itself wasn't too bad. I could have done without the gravel hills but overall it was a solid effort. I was able to pick out a few people and run them down on the way back. I really pushed to be under 2 hours and was able to accomplish that with a solid run. As I came into the finishing line it was amazing. For the last 200m I was thinking of where I started and what I was about to do and got a little emotional. It was great to have my wife and some friends there to share in the moment since the sacrificed along the way as well. It felt great to cross that line! What would you do differently?: I think I need a better hydration plan in the time leading up. The late cramping on the bike and the early cramping on the run could have been avoided with better preparation. Other than that I would just run faster! Post race
Warm down: I walked around a bit and got some water and Gatorade. I ate a couple bananas to help with the cramping. I was able to quickly find my wife and friends which was nice. What limited your ability to perform faster: I think inexperience was the biggest factor. I am pretty happy with my first performance. I am signing up today for a race in 4 weeks. I am happy to finish this one and can't wait to start training for the next one. Event comments: The volunteers were great and seemed to be everywhere. I tried to thank as many as I could. It would have been nice to have something after the race but it is possible that I missed something since I was in the back 1/3 of the race finishers. I really enjoyed the race overall and will plan to be back next year. Last updated: 2011-06-17 12:00 AM
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
View profile
Add to friends
Go to training log
Go to race log
Send a message
View album
CONNECT WITH FACEBOOK
United States
Ultra Fit
65F / 18C
Sunny
Overall Rank = 121/169
Age Group = Clydesdale
Age Group Rank = 9/13
For me the pre-race routine started on January 8th. I hit my all time high in weight of 356 pounds. I was essentially inactive and in bad shape. I started working out at the YMCA and in March decided I needed a goal to work toward. I picked this triathlon as that goal and got to work. I followed a beginner plan that an experienced triathlete friend helped me modify. I couldn't run a mile when I started or ride much more than 5-6. I could swim a lap but that was about it. In 8 months I was able to get myself ready for this event. I started today's race at 274 pounds and in much better shape, mentally and physically.
Race day: I was up early, even before my alarm. This was my first race and I was excited. I ate a waffle with peanut butter and drank some Powerade. I was so ready to go, I was standing in my driveway like a kid waiting for Christmas until my friend, and fellow racer, picked me up. We got to the race site just as transition was opening and found the body marking and timing chip stations. A quick trip to the porta-john and I was ready to finalize my transition set up. Not sure exactly how this should go so I looked around for a few ideas and settled on my configuration.
I did some stretching and walking around. I probably should have done some light jogging but my head was swirling. Most of the time was spent convincing myself that I hadn't made a huge mistake and I was indeed ready to do this and will be ok...