Swim
Comments: Ok swim. I was hoping to be able to draft off people and settle into a good race pace. That never happened and I was just struggled my way to the first turn. I had to make an effort to breath out through my nose underwater. I rounded the first turn and thought the next turn was so far away. I rounded that turn, and spotted a raft. First, I was aiming to go to the outside or right of the raft, then I decided to go inside the raft. As I kept looking at it, I realized that it was moving, then I realized that it was Team Hoyt! I swam to the left of them, trying to stay out of their way. I stood up on solid ground and slowly walked across the timing mat. What would you do differently?: Try to take it easier to start. I'm not good enough to draft off people, so I might as well focus on keeping a steady easy effort. Plus, I need to stop drifting off to the right. Transition 1
Comments: Good transition. Hit my goal of under 3 minutes. I just wandered over to my stuff, ripped off my wetsuit through on my socks and shoes and headed out. I was so dazed from the swim I just kinda went through the motions, but it worked out well. What would you do differently?: Maybe practice more. I think it went well, so not much else. Bike
Comments: Started the bike still dazed from the swim. My stomach was really upset, so I didn't have the Gu that I planned on at the start of the bike. I also, didn't drink much either. First loop was just to pace myself and feel better from the swim. (Done in 17:42, including hill out of parking lot.) Next loop, I stayed out of my big ring and just easied up on downhills to save energy (15:46) Final loop, I pushed hard in the big ring on the flats and downhills, and spun up the hills. (Done in 16:13, including dismount and crossing timing mat.) I made an effort to pace myself and it worked great. My legs weren't fried and my heart rate wasn't to high either. What would you do differently?: Work on dismount. Drink more. Transition 2
Comments: Well, I had to stop the bike completely to get off. I have never tried a running dismount in my clipless shoes, and having my cleats skid across the pavement wouldn't be a good thing either. I had a goal of 2 minutes, but I stopped and peed quicky, so 2:22 is pretty good including a pit stop. What would you do differently?: Not pee. Run
Comments: Good run. I popped out onto the street and posed for my girlfriend. The start is uphill and it was rough. I settle in after 1.5 miles and got into a nice groove. The big climb was around this time and I passed maybe 4-5 people here. I hit the water station at 2.5 and felt good after pouring some water over my head. I hit the hilly part at mile 3-4 and felt good and strong. Big plus for next week. At the last water station (4.2) I dicided I felt good and pushed up the last incline to the finish. Pasted some more people, (mostly women who started 4 minutes after me), and made it across the finish line. What would you do differently?: Nothing, I had a good pace and kept cool. I think those water stations were perfectly placed. Post race
Warm down: Grabbed some free grub and walked around a bit. Drove home and walked around there afterwards. Legs felt tight but not too bad. What limited your ability to perform faster: Training and swimming. My bike speed is a pleasant surprise, as well as how comfortable I felt during the run. Event comments: I did this race last year and I improved my time by 12 minutes, possible 13 if I didn't need to use the little boys room. However, I felt so much better this year than last year. Last year, I hoppled off the bike and was shot for the run. I had to walk a few times last year, where this year I was strong throughout. At the finish last year, my legs were just shot, this year, they were sore, but nothing too bad. I crossed the line with a big smile and I thanked every water station volunteer and made sure to put my cup in a garbage bag if they had one. Overall, this was a great race for me and a good convidence builder for next week. However, look at how fast everyone is who does this race! Last updated: 2006-04-19 12:00 AM
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United States
FIRM Racing
Sunny
Overall Rank = 183/251
Age Group = Clydesdale
Age Group Rank = 3/9
Woke up at 5. Ate some oatmeal and packed up the car. Had some coffee and an Ensure in the car ride to the site. Walked from the parking field to the transition area through the most mosquito invested area. Got registered, body marked and set up my transition area.
Went for a quick jog for 3-5 minutes. No stretching, which I should have done.