Big Foot Triathlon - Olympic Distance - TriathlonOlympic

Because of the way the course was setup, there was an enclosure for the beach to the right of the swim start. I wanted to get on that side of the start since there was more open water there. It was a mad scramble since we were funneled into the water so I moved out of the way as fast as I could. The first few hundred meters were a struggle and I even thought that I may have to stop due to the uncomfortableness of the wetsuit. I felt restricted and somewhat claustrophobic. I was able to relax a bit and just focused on the stroke and breathing and was able to get a good pace going. With the new suit though I noticed that I was all over the place on the course. I caught myself heading the wrong way quite a few times and I think it's due to the wetsuit and possibly having an imbalance on my stroke. Also due to the out and back nature I ran head on into 5 or 6 people heading the other way. Not sure if I was off course or they were but I've done out and backs before and never hit that many people before. After the turn around I got in a groove with the swim, though still finding that I had to correct myself.

Practice sighting and swimming with the wetsuit.

Had some difficulty pulling down the wetsuit but due to the long transition I was able to fiddle with it and get the zipper down. Once to transition, had some problems getting the wetsuit off over my feet so that cost me probably 30 seconds. Other than that the transition was fine.

Practice wetsuit transition

Second race on my new tri-bike. Overall the bike was very smooth. I was able to average 20mph for the first time and I found myself passing a ton of people. Overall the course wasn't overly hilly so I think I can attribute that to my speed. I did find it difficult in the aero position to find times to hydrate and take my nutrition.

Keep practicing and finding a good way to hydrate

Dismounted and jogged to transition. Overall this was an ok transition, however I need to invest in some quick laces as I did a quick tie of my shoes and they came undone on the run.

Invest in quick laces for the shoes

Being my first oly, the run was my biggest fear. I've run these distances before but running is not my strong suit and I worried that I would struggle here. Overall I did well though, not cramping or walking on the run (with exception to tying my shoe) It felt as though we kept going up hill and they never stopped. I maintained a good pace for myself, although it seemed I kept getting passed. The course was nice as it was partially shaded so I did not get overly hot. The last hill I almost cramped up so I took it easy knowing there was probably only a 1/4 mile left.

Continue to train on the run, including interval workouts for speed, and bricks to get my legs accustomed to the transition.

Had some water, met my buddy and walked around to get some food. Had a couple of beers at the beer tent and then headed home.


Navigation on the swim and overall running speed. My 10k in April I was able to do an 8:30 pace. For my half marathon I was able to do a 9:15 pace. If I can continue to train I would like to get myself under a 9 pace for a 10k during a tri.


Can't go wrong with free beer. Also very nice track suit that came in the goodie bag. I was also happy that they did have same day pickup (although they posted everywhere that there was no such thing).