Lake Padden Triathlon - Competitive Course - TriathlonOlympic

This was the second time I've ever raced at this distance. The last time was not so good. I'm glad they start this race in waves of 50-ish people, it gives you a little elbow room. I started out 4 people in from the inside. After the first 100 yards I started running into traffic from both sides and that kept up all the way to the bouy. About 50 yards from the bouy there was a shot at some open water so I turned up the gas.
Once around the bouy the mass of the swimmers sort of veered off to the left. Well, the swim finish was to the right. So I had another shot at open water and took the opportunity to focus on distance per stroke and picked up the pace. So far that's my fastest 1/2 mi. I'm happy with it since I just started swimming last year.
Oh yeah, this was the first race with my new wetsuit! It works great & very comfortable! I'm glad I swam a few times with it and got it broken in!

Not much. Go faster!

Ok, my transition times need work. I just started using clipless pedals/shoes so it was a bit awkward. I put the shoes on before getting on the bike so running to the mounting line with clips on your shoes is a little strange.
Note to anyone who might do this race later: Don't get on your bike until you get to the top of the hill at the road. I ran by one guy who was clipping in at the bottom of the hill and fell over after he got one shoe clipped in. If you clip in right away, you're immediately fighting a fairly steep, short uphill. If you run to the top of the hill, you get to start on a down hill. Just sayin'....


Practice transtioning more. Find tips on fast T1 transitions.

Last year the big hill near the end of the course got me. I made it 3/4 of the way up and had to walk up the rest of the way. Not this year! I got a new bike and it worked like a dream! That hill won't be beating me ever again!

More training! Especially hills. Due to work constraints I missed nearly 6 weeks of training the month before this race. So overall I'm happy with the results.

Running with clips on your shoes is strange....

Again, more transition work.

I love this course! Although, I think someone is rather sadistic having to start the run on the hilly side of the course rather than the flat side.
My first lap was not that great. My legs were fatigued from the bike so it wasn't until I got past the hills on the back side did my legs start to feel better. Once I got on to the flats I could stretch out a little bit.
The second lap around my legs felt pretty good. I picked up the pace a little and really stretched out after I hit the flat. Second lap was faster.
With lack of training due to work, & that I've never been much of a runner, I'm ok with my time.

Go faster!

One advantage to the lake being cool is that it felt great on the legs! I stretched a bit after I finished then soaked in the lake, cooling the fired up quads. I walked for a while until my muscles settled down. Then it was off for some snacks!


Lack of training. After nearly 6 weeks off of training due to work, I had about 2 1/2 weeks to train for this one. (darn work and bills...)
Not nearly enough brick work.
Lack of transition practice.


The City of Bellingham Parks & Rec. Department does a great job on their races. This is one is fun and challenging.
Post race entertainment is the race director giving out the awards and door prizes. He's a funny guy and makes this race that much more fun. This is the second year I've done this race and I'll keep doing it as long as I can! It has a 300 competitor limit so if you'd like to do this one, sign up fairly early!