Mach Tenn Triathlon - Triathlon

Well luckily my mom had her video camera so if anyone is intrested to show Mitch Bucanan how to enter the water I have a learning aid!! But seriously it was my first run and go swim. They had the racers at six second intervals and I watched as some ran, tiptoed , and did various entries but not me. The bottow was sand so no fear of big rocks so I took off. In the video you see my entry and oh by the way me pass three people within the first 15 seconds so it started off good. then I got to the first turn and as usual people were hugging the buoy so I got around then and just was not able to get in a rythm due to the other swimmers in front of me. Many times I had to swim off course just to get in an open area but then I would run up on someone else and then made the next turn and people were finally thinning out so I was hoping I would not have to come to a complete stop again to look for a new path because the people would just be in clumps. I make the turn and finally get into a grove only to be partially bloced at the end and just could not get around anyone.

I wanted to break 18 minutes and knowing if I could have gotten into a grove and not ad to stop 5 times I could have done it, oh and would have then been 2nd in my AG in the swim. Gettin better at my OWS so it will come

Well there was a long run from the shore to the transition up hill on very uncomfortable gravel/pavement so many people were walk-running. Got up to my area dropped the suit chugged a sip of powerade and was off.

About the only thing would be learn to atttach the shoes to the bike and shave a bit more time.

Well I know this is what I have to work on but luckily since I am part of the challenge I will get better. I seem to hit very close to 16 MPH average and though this is not bad the hills kill me. I dont know if its the weight or lack of training but I have put alot of time training and do lots of hill work but maybe I just to need to bike upgrades!! Anyway bike starts out on the first section of the run course so many opening rollers and into what seamed to be a headwind but I trudged on. continued on and luckily with the hills going up there are also the hills coming down which I rock at(the plus of carrying extra weight). Finally got out of the headwind and picked up some of the pace a bit and actually passed two people on the bike course!! Just carried one bottle of water and a hammer gel onthe bike which I now have a new favorite apple cinnamon!!! Finished pretty strong and mentally taking check before the run.

Bike more. I passed many people on the swim only for them to pass me on the bike so I am hoping one day that no one or atleast only a few people will be able to pass me on the bike. TITS TITS TITS!!!

Not a bad t2 put on socks this time took another swig of powerade and then off.

Put on body glide under arms because I chaffed bad and guess it wore off from the swim.

Well I am getting more pleased with my running. I had planned on doing a 8/2 run to walk ratio but had to walk at minute six due to the hills. This was problably the hilliest run I hae done yet. I finally picked it up luckily before I passed my coach and she told me I was looking strong so that gave me a little more pump so I tudged on and ran many of the hills with the occasional walking break. Made it to the turnaround and was very pleased that I had walked and ran around 10 minute miles on several hills so just kept telling myself one day I will be able to break 8 minutes per mile. Kinda funny I was thinking how these races were preparing me for the next and then so on. Continued on and saw Renee(rrizzo) running hard and wished her the best and kept on. Was still run walking but felt good. Got a little startled as I was running and heard something in the bushes and a racer came out guess they were taking a bathroom break. He was 11 and looking like he was a few pounds lighter as he took off out of the bushess but like the whole course there was a hill so he ran out of energy and I passed by told him I thought it was awesome he competing at such a young age and off I went. I could see from the tops of each of the last few hills the turn to the finish line so I was like cha ching made the turn ran around the lodge and there was my mom waiting with a big smile on her face and cheering me in with my coach and her children as well. The third race in as many weeks in the books!!!!!

Probably run a bit harder I actually felt I left a little out on the course but I am still learning. Oh and put on body glide under the arms.

Man what a race they threw. As you crossed the finish line they took off your chip of course gave you a cold towel and had a tabel that was full of Bud Light Cups...another cha ching but just wasnt intrested had some powerade and talked with my mom and coach for a bit. Then the best hospitality tent so far. First the portable beer trailer!!! Then cookies, cakes, bannanas, pizza, doughnuts, and my favorite cornbread and white beans!!!!God I love the south. Went and just found out Andrea(my coach) took first in her AG while she was two months pregnant!!! I also hung out with her husband while he got his bike ready to ride the 82 miles home. He is a road racer and was just getting his usual workout in. Cheered rrizzo as she crossed the line, loaded up and headed home.


I am still new to this and getting better at every race. I avereraged almost 3.5 minutes less per mile on the run on a continuous rolling hill course from my first race. My second OWS I am feeling more comfortable, and I realize more now the areas I need my improvement so I can get better in this most addictive and amazing sport.


This was a well organized great race. These people put together great after race event.(yes I mean the beer and food) It was great that my mom got to come to my race and see what all the hoopla is about and she has now decided to come be my jockstrap im IMAZ!!!!And also racing with my coach. She did great even when she was not going all out. SHe probably could have placed overall if not for her being pregnant. This race really has me more focused on loosing weight now more than ever. I look at my times and knowing that if I drop the weight and continue to train consistently I might be able to be in the top 25% next year!! Atleast I think i can. To be continued.....