Belews Lake International Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

This was a time trial start, with two people starting every 10 seconds. Started off great, but felt like I might have been pulling to the left a bit. Got to the 500m bouy, rounded it, and realized I had already passed several people. This is a rare occurance for me in the swim. The bike and run are normally wear I do my damage. Kept swimming well over the back stretch of the course, passing more people and feeling great. The sun was to my right, so I began breathing bilaterally to cut down on the time I had to stare at it. Rounding the final bouy, I could see the "whacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube guy" on the dock, and used it to site rather than the bouys. It was a good choice, because the bouys didn't lead to the dock. Several people followed the bouys and ended up adding about another 200m onto the swim. Swam until I could touch the ramp with my hand, then stood up and ran to the transition area. My teather had come over my shoulder and it took my a second to grab it, but the suit came off easily.

Spend more time on speed work. I've neglected it recently. Try to get in more open water swim time.

This went great. As I mentioned, my suit removal was great. I slid on my bike shoes, helmet, and sunglasses, and ran out with my bike. Simple and to the point.

Get a pair of triathlon specific bike shoes.

Had my gears set low. Small chain ring, 3rd gear. This was due to the hill out of transition. It's not a difficult hill, but after swimming, it's easier to ride up while spinning. Passed several people on the hill and got ready to tackle the main part of the course. Played leap frog with this girl for a while. Everytime she passed me, she slowed down. Her P3 didn't help her on the hill back up to Ellisboro though. Passed her back for the last time. Lost her real quick on that one. The second lap was great. Caught a sweet tail wind, and didn't hit a head wind until right before the marina. Passed several people on the bike, including one or two in the finishing chute. Took my feet out at the top of the hill and coasted down, jumped off, and ran into transition.

The Open men seemed to be riding in a pack. I guess no one told them this wasn't an ITU race.

Felt faster than my time reflects. Probably lost some time sitting behind a couple of cars that wouldn't pass the bikes in front of them. Lost some more time on the uphill to Ellisboro from Gideon Grove the first time when I was boxed in by 4 people. It probably looked like I was drafting.

Had a cable issue that I didn't notice until after the race. I'm sure it affected shifting. More time on the bike. Marathon training was great for my run, but I neglected my bike big time.

The rack was a little short for me to fit my seat under, and I had to lift my end a bit to put it under. This was easy, since I had the first bike back. Other than that, everything was like clockwork. Helmet off, shoes on, grabbed the hat and number and went.

Not a thing. Maybe just practice a little more to get faster.

The hill out of transition seemed to be a difficult section for most people. Having done a brick of the bike and run course the previous week, I knew what to expect, and made quick work of it, passing several people. As I neared the top, I saw a few friends who were spectating, and got a little cocky. I started playing to the crowd a bit, but my quads gave me a wake up call as soon as I hit Campsite Rd. They cramped a bit, but the tightness soon went away, and I had a great run. Took HEED at a couple of aid stations, and just felt great. I had to walk some this course last week during my brick, but today I was on, and ran a descent pace the whole time. The first lap was a breeze, even the hills near the turn-around. Second lap was a little more difficult, but I was in high spirits, and pushed hard at the end.

Push harder. I had enough energy to talk to a couple of people, so I know I could go harder. Do more bricks of this distance. Prior to today, I had only bricked this distance once, and had done another 20 & 5, as well as several sprint distance bricks. More bricks at this distance will definately help.

Not much of one. Walked around and ate lots of food. Then sat with friends to watch Rich, Becky, Erin, Brian, and Brad finish.


Neglecting my bike during marathon training. Not doing enough long bricks, and not working on my swim speed enough.


Wonderful race. A great location for an Olympic Distance. Glad I chose this as my first. Will be marking the calendar for next year.