Black Squirrel Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

This was by far the worst part of the race, and in a way it set the tone for the rest of my events too. Almost as soon as I started swimming my goggles fogged over making sighting even more difficult. Then I quickly noticed that I could not see the smaller bouys as I attempted to swim towards them. Being a slower swimmer as it is I was quickly in the back of the pack. About 200 meters into I quickly found out that I was traveling in a wide zig zag pattern. This meant that I would swim into the path of the returning swimmers, make a correction and within a few stroks I went way off the to the other direction so I had to change again and try to get back on track. By the time I was back in line the pack had left me behind and I was by myself. I continued this awefull back and forth pattern for the rest of course. I was so frustrated that I could not get going in a strait line and maintain it. I was literally the last one out of the water, but time I got out my legs and arms felt like rubber. Very upset that my swim went so poorly.

Better sighting technique, try to keep up with the pack and use them as a guide.

Had a decent transition. Attempted to run but my legs still felt like rubber. Had my cap, goggles, ears and nose plugs off before I got to my bike.

Get out of the water quicker.

Being the last one out of the water and on the bike I had to try to follow poorly drawn arrows on the pavement to get me on the right path towards the road. I finally got up and soon got going. I maintained a speed of about 20 mph. The course was mostly flat with a few small hills and lots of tight turns. It went ok I guess, still frustrated from my swim. Really had a hard time concentrating on maintaining an agressive pedal stroke. Did manage to pass two people though.

Get out of the water more quickly. Pay more attention to my pedal stroke and speed so I can keep up with the others.

Still can't do a flying dismount, to scared to try it. The transition went well, got my shoes on and helmet off in good time. Headed out after a quick drink of Gaterade.

Nothing, actually happy with how things went.

I was exit transition "running", it was more like a glorified shuffle but I was moving at a better pace then my last tri. I was able to keep it up for about a mile before I took my first break. From there I walked for a minute, then ran. When I ran I counted slowly to 60 four times before I took another minute break. I stopped at every water station which was every two miles for a drink. I walked for a full minute after I finished my water. I did not have any side, back, or abdominal pain during the run. A lady, named Ann, ran with me for the last 1.5 miles. We talked and shared tri stories. She really heled me get to the finish line with fewer breakes than I would have taken without her. Very glad to have her by my side.

Tryed to go a little farther on each run segment. Also attempt to move a little quicker when I was running.

Walked around and stretched. Took a bottle of water from my son that he did not want and poured it over my head. The cool water felt very good. Ate the post race snacks that were available and continued to stretch and drink water.


Still frustrated from the swim, it just set the tone for my entire race. I think that if I could have gotten got my mide off that my times would have been better.


Will like to do it again next year, this time with a better swim experience.