Heatwave Classic Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

The swim ruined this race for me. But I can't make any excuses. I just did bad. I started off ok for about the first 100m. Then I was kicked in the face and it dropped my goggles around the neck. That totally threw off the rythm, and there was no getting it back. By the time I recovered from that, my HR was up, and breathing was getting more labored. I had to alternate between freestyle, breast, and backstroke. This seemed like the LONGEST 800m ever! I was passed by just about every other wave that started after me (all of them). I just couldn't get it together. Oh well, at least I got through it. There was lots of volunteers out there, in kayaks and boats. And they were great.

No matter how prepared you think you are from swimming in a pool, it's another world swimming in OW. I've been taking my pool swims for granted, thinking "hey, I can swim 1500m in the pool, this 800m OWS is going to be cake." Boy was I wrong.

T1 went well. I was a little slow, but I figured after almost a half hour in the water, why the hell should I worry about an extra 30 secs in T1?Then I brainfarted. I got half way out of T1, and realized I had forgotten my race number belt. It didn't even dawn on me that I didn't need it till the run. I don't know what I was thinking. So I walked my bike over and asked a volunteer to hold it for me while I ran back and grabbed my belt. Damn I'm stupid.

Use my brain.

My bike leg felt good. I was passed quite a few times, but I was expecting that. I did pass a few people though. I'm used to totally flat rides, so this was a bit new. I loved the elevation changes though. I know they were small, but it was a fun change to my normal rides. My bike rode smooth throughout, no mechanical difficulties. My gear changes were just right, and my hydration/nutrition was perfect.

Just need more time in the saddle. I haven't been biking that long, so I'm happy with my overall performance.

Had my feet out of my shoes about 100m before the dismount. Ran to the rack and just had to throw my running shoes on. Great transition for me, everything went smooth. I took the time to gulp down a gel and chase it with some gatorade, so I would have saved another 15 secs in not for that. Overall, I'm happy with it.

Nothing.

I usually consider running my strong point, but lately, I just haven't been performing as well. No excuses, I just haven't been able to get it together. This run started off good. I felt good, no pain/cramps, breathing was good, and I had energy. I just couldn't make myself run fast though. I don't know what it was. I think I was afraid that I was going to blow myself out on the first 5k and blow it on the back half. By the time I reached the turn around though, I realized that I wasn't putting enough effort in.

All of the sudden, I thought about the saying that I've read here on BT several times: "Leave it all on the course". It just kind of clicked. I don't know why I've never thought of that saying during a race before. That became my mantra for the rest of the race, and I took off. My pace dropped by at least a min/mile. I wasn't exactly flying, but I was definitely making up for lost time on the first half of the run. I estimate that for the last 5k I had a 8:15 pace. From now on, I have a new mindset for races: Leave it all on the course.

Not be so cautious in the beginning of the run. I know what I'm capable of, and I need to trust myself more.

Crossed the finish line of my first Olympic triathlon, and had a bottle of water. Then I walked back to transition to get my camera to get pics of Lacey crossing the finish line. Ran into Scott (oneword) while we were packing up and chatted for a minute. Wish we could have hung out longer, but I think we were both still zoning out from the race. (next time Scott, first beer's on me!) Afterwards, we had lunch, which by the way was the BEST post-race meal I've ever had. Chicken alfredo, baked grouper, gumbo, ice cream, etc. It was increddible. And server on a commemerative frisby non-the-less!!! We ate, watched the awards, and then headed back to the Big Easy.


Not too much that was outside my control. I'd like to say the water was too rough, the weather was too bad, or the heat was too much, but I can't. Overall, this was the best course, the best weather, and best opportunity I've had. Despite my sub-par performance, I had a great time, and I can't wait till the next one. Olympic triathlon: check. Next on the menu: Florida Challenge HIM!


This was a very well organized race, with great volunteers. Water/gatorade was plentiful, and there was even big wet sponges handed out at the half way point of the run. Great organization, on time, excellent post-race.... I definitely recommend this race to anyone in the future.