June Lake Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

Swim went well. I tried to focus on staying calm and breath. I wasn't trying to swim fact, just stay relaxed at altitude (7600 ft). I managed to navigate well and was pleased with my overall performance, new 1500m PR. Staying relaxed was a good choice. 2 min improvement from the last time I did this course.

Get to altitude earlier so everything is easier.

Transition went really well. There is a run up the beach and through transition. I had racked near bike out so once everything was ready getting out went fairly easy.

Nothing

I climbed out of tranisition and started the downhill around the loop. I grabbed my water bottle and took a swig of water. I spit up the water. I wasn't able to keep all the water down. I was spitting up breakfast and started to become very concerned. My HR was low as I was heading downhill but I realized that the pepto I took prior to the start may have, along with the stomach bug, prevented me from getting hydration or nutrition down. I kept trying and did my best to stay calm. About 45 minutes into the bike I managed to get a gel and some water down. I took in gatorade and water and got 24oz of fluid in, which was low for the dry conditions but was all that I was able to get down and keep down on the bike. I managed the 5 mile climb on the 395 better than the last time I climbed it. I improved my time on this course by almost 2 minutes.

Take the pepto earlier.

I was pleased with my transition. I had planned a little extra time because I wanted the security of my laces tied for the steep trail run to come.

Nothing, I've finally mastered the flying dismount this season and really enjoy the speed you get coming into transition.

I had stashed my fuel belt in my race bag and grabbed it on my way out. I was behind on nutrition and hydration and I wanted the extra water. I ran along the lake and part of the way up the first uphill then slowed to a walk/hike for the steep uphill portion to the road. My stomach was keeping down water with nuun and I was able to get a gel down with no stomach problems. I hit the road and ran the rollers to the turn up the fire road. I ran the fire road until it hit the single track then I started to hike with about 4 other racers. There were a couple places where you needed your arms to help climb up on rocks. Up, up, up we went. We topped out at about 8600 ft, the single track continued with views of peaks, ponds and flowers in bloom. It was beautiful. After hitting an aid station there was a great sign indicating a steep downhill with a picture of a guy falling head first down the mountain. Down, down, down we went. It was fast and fun bouncing from rock to rock. Near the bottom my legs got going so fast I was concerned I might fall but I hung in there. I managed to run the majority of the last 2.2 miles despite the uphill sections being quite slow. Hitting the last fire trail downhill I picked up a little speed to the finish. Slowest Olympic run but by far the most beautiful.

Head up to altitude earlier. The extra day helped but an extra week would be awesome.

I removed my shoes and waded into the lake with several other finishers. My legs were very happy with that decision. I grabbed some post race food. I was quite hungry and I gave some quinoa and vegetable salad, fruit, hummus and grilled chicken a try. I started with a little and after realizing that it was sitting well I had a bit more. I relaxed at the beach with some friends (including a BTer or two).


9 minute PR over ther last time I did this course! I think I could go faster on this course next year with more specific training and getting up to altitude earlier.


I love this race. It's hard and the altitude adds to the challenge. The events are great and it is he most grassroots race I do each year. The race director is super friendly and loves her job. This race is very family friendly, they offer a kid's race too. This is my 3rd year back (2nd year doing the Olympic) and I will make an effort to come back as long as I can.

http://lavamagazine.com/features/the-toughest-race-in-the-most-beau...