![]() Swim
Comments: The Ohio State Buckeye’s tri team really got my blood flowing a few minutes before the start of the swim. They were humming several of the Buckeye’s popular songs and doing the O-H-I-O chant. What a great start to a race!!!! The swim start was an individual start with an athlete starting every 5 seconds. Since I was not a strong swimmer I tried to position myself in the last half. I did not want everyone to have to pass me but I also did not want to be the last one out of the water. Once it was my turn I ran into the water and started the swim. It was the first time I had worn a wetsuit and I was surprised at how much it helped me. Before I knew it I was at the first turn. I was also shocked that at that point no one had passed me. I handled the long straightaway with little difficulty as well. During that time I passed a couple of people and a couple passed me. I then passed the final left turn and was on my way to the home stretch of the swim. I made my first newbie mistake here. As I was getting closer to the shore I started to see people standing the in water and running to the shore. They were only 10 yards or so ahead of me so I thought I would be able to stand as well. That was not the case and I had my only mishap of the swim. After sinking a bit I recovered and swam until my hand hit sand. Overall I was happy with my swim and very excited that I actually passed people. What would you do differently?: I may have positioned myself in the first half at the starting line. It would have been interesting to see how I would have done if I had more competion passing me. I will also keep swimming until my hand hits sand at the final portion of the swim. ![]() Transition 1
Comments: I took my time during T1 and it shows it. It was slow compared to others. There was a long run from the beach to the transition area. I did get a big smile on my face seeing my wife Loretta cheering me on one the way up the hill to the transition area. Once I arrived at the transition area I took my time to make sure I had my glasses on, helmet on and shoes on. I also took my time un-racking my bike. I did not want to knock everyone’s bike over during my first triathlon. I did do a run/walk from to the bike out. Once I was through the bike out I had no problems getting my cleats into my pedals. Several of the athletes around me were having problems. My wife also said one athlete crashed right out of the bike out. She felt bad for him as he was a college athlete and was near the front of the race. What would you do differently?: Nothing since it was my first Tri. I will practice transitions before my next tri though. ![]() Bike
Comments: The bike ended up being my worst segment of the day. It was obvious about 10 minutes into the bike that I had not spent enough time preparing for the bike portion. Many people passed me during the bike ride and I only passed a few. I was happy with my overall average MPH. In most of my training rides I only averaged 16-17 MPH and ended up averaging over 18. What would you do differently?: I will certainly spend more time on the bike during the winter months. ![]() Transition 2
Comments: It was exciting to see my wife right beside me watching during the transition. She did make fun of me afterwards for taking my time and sitting down to change shoes. The time was slow but overall I was not unhappy with this transition. I did not knock over any bikes and made it safely though the transition area without any mishaps. What would you do differently?: Nothing for this race. But will practice for future races. ![]() Run
Comments: The run went as expected other than one mishap. During T2 I forgot to put on my number so after leaving T2 I had to run back in to get it. This added about a min to my run time. The run felt good and I probably could have pushed a little harder. During the run I passed many and no one passed me. What would you do differently?: Not forget my number in T2. Rookie mistake that will never happen again...lol ![]() Post race
Warm down: I have never been one to warm down. After the race I immediately met up with my wife Loretta to share all the exciting stories from the race. The funny thing was she had as many stories as I did. What limited your ability to perform faster: Nothing limited my performance other than things that were in my own control. Need to get swim lessons. Need to train harder on the bike Need to practice transitions and be more organized in transition areas. For a sprint distance I took way to much clutter into the transition area. Event comments: This was a great experience and it gave me a lot to think about over the winter. The venue was exceptional and there were many volunteers everywhere. It was such a good experience my wife Loretta now has the triathlon bug and plans to do one next summer. Last updated: 2011-09-05 12:00 AM
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United States
Muncie Multisport
Sunny
Overall Rank = 46/95
Age Group = 40-44
Age Group Rank = 3/9
This was my first triathlon so I really did not have an established pre-race routine.
Friday night before the event I picked up my wife from work and we made the 3 hour drive to Muncie. She did not get off work until 8PM so we checked into our hotel around 11PM. We relaxed in the room until midnight then went to bed.
I woke up around 4:30 with nervous energy. I was excited and nervous about my first triathlon. We left the room to drive to the reservoir around 5:30 and arrived right at 6:00. I wanted to be there as soon as check in started so I would have plenty of time to get organized. My wife was planning on running in the 5K event but as soon as we pulled into the parking lot that changed. Her excitement grew as much as mine and she wanted to watch the event.
The race day activities also included the MidEast Collegiate Triathlon Championship so there were many college students there. It was exciting to see our home team Buckeyes.
Shortly after check in I set up my transition area and awaited the start of the race. During the wait I talked to many other participants and everyone was really nice. Many of them offered advice sine I was a newbie.
I have never been one to warm up before an event so I used my pre-race time to talk to my wife Loretta along with other triathletes.
I will admit though I was very nervous about the swim. I kept looking out into the lake wondering if I would be able to handle it. I had not completed a recent open water swim and my swim training has only consisted of pool laps.