Columbia Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

We were called into the water as the last wave to go off. I situated myself near the back b/c I didn't want to get caught up in the rush.

It took me about 150m to get into my breathing rythym and calm the nerves.

My goggles started to fog up on me and it got to be hard to do sighting after a while. I kept looking up and finding that I was the only swimmer around and have to adjust my course.

Even with the navigation problems, I ended up in the top 1/3 of the clydes out of the water. I didn't think so at the time, but I swam so well that I caught the BOP from the wave ahead of me.

Arm Endurance and Strength Training. My shoulders started to get tired and I realized that I need to focus on overall shoulder endurance and strength.

Someone gave me the advice that, as I'm running from the swim finish, I should take off my swim cap and goggles and release them in my sleeve as I'm taking it off. I tried that, but ended up loosing my goggles and cap b/c they dropped out of the sleeve somewhere.

Put on the helmet and sunglasses. Finished stripping off the wetsuit and put on socks and bike shoes, along with a spritz of sunscreen on each arm and my scalp.

Nothing.

This was where I knew I'd have an advantage. This was my home course, and I've ridden this course at least once per week over the past couple of months. I knew the climbs, and have had an opportunity to work out gearing strategies.

When I first did this course back in October '05, I was 25# heavier and did the course in 1:47. I'd say a 25' improvement is something to enjoy.

I was cruising right by a number of people and felt strong throughout. I tried to focus on my nutrition and I think I over estimated my amount of fluid and gels required. I took on a gel coming out of transition, started drinking Orange Accelerade right away. I took on another gel a little before 1/2 way (before the massive climbs). This helped get me through the climbs strong, but I may have overdone it when I took on a 3rd gel coming back into the run transition.

I spent a large amount of time in the aero position on this ride, and my lower back started to ache after a while.

All in all, a wonderful pace with a max speed of *40.7* mph on a downhill.



More leg strength training and more total core work. My abs seem to be strong enough, but my lower back needs some work.

Shoes went on easy with the LaceLocks, which I love.

Took a couple drinks of water, put on the race number belt, grabbed the fuel belt and took off for run start.

Nothing.

Running is, by far, my weakest event. I had a goal of running through the entire course, but that fell apart within the 1st mile. From there, it was damage control.

My GI tract started to get really funky around mile 2 with consistent Vurbs that made me feel like I wanted to hurl. From there, I took water at each station, and walked through the stations to get some of it to actually get down and not just splashed all over my face.

In the last mile, I started to have the mental breakdown that goes with finishing something so monumental. I almost started to cry b/c I realized that I finally would finish something that I have pursued for at least 9 months.

As I crested the last hill, I found out what it means to have friends. Several of my training partners were standing at the top, yelling, cheering, and ringing the cowbell.

From the crest of the hill, there is about 200m curving downhill into the finishing chute. There were more members of the tri club lining the route cheering me on. I don't think I touched the ground for the last 50 feet.

More recon. More run training.

Staggered over to the club tent, got a number of hugs, and grabbed some gatorade and watered it down.

Then I walked back to the top of the hill to join in the group pulling people in that last 200m.


Overall endurance and run strength. I may have gone out too hard on the bike, but I didn't know just how much I needed to conserve for the run.


I had been waiting for this race since last summer, when I decided I wanted to be a triathlete. The race was well organized, plenty of volunteers, and a generally great atmosphere.

I also really enjoyed having a group of training partners with me at the race to greet me at the end. There is nothing like seeing the faces of those you've trained with so hard for this race.

I'm going to take the next 2-3 days off for recovery, then do a little swimming, or some lite running.

Now I have 3 weeks until my next olympic.