Lake Geode Challenge Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

The swim start was different than usual. We did a standing water start with the water up to our waists instead of a wade start or beach start. I got right into a physical battle for the first 100 yards until things spaced out. I started to get settled underneath another swimmer's feet. After a little while I looked up and saw that he was dropping me and I
would be swimming by myself for the rest of the way. It was at that instant that one of my quotes I had for the race came to my head, "The only thing you will ever regret is that which you don't do." It was at that point that I decided I wasn't going to get dropped without a fight and I kicked it up a notch. With some effort I got behind the guy again
and stayed there for the rest of the swim. That was probably the best feeling I've ever had; I got the drafting down! I made an effort to stay with someone on the swim and it worked!


Possibly get on a little faster feet? I was really relaxed once I got on the feet. If I grabbed some faster feet I could still work but go faster.

When coming out of the water I didn't even care about how the rest of the race went. I had done such a great job on the swim I was okay with just that. As I came up towards the transition I saw my time was less than 21 minutes! My adrenaline spiked at this point and I flew through transition. I actually messed up my system of getting things together before the bike. Luckily I got it in order and headed out on the bike.

Focus. Luckily I didn't have problems with getting my sunglasses on after putting on my helmet but it could have been more problematic.

My heart was flying; I wasn't too far back and had a great chance to make a move. I quickly got my shoes on and up the hill. As I made my way up the hill Libin's girlfriend yelled that they had like 45-60 seconds on me. I thought it was Libin so I took off pushing up the hill. As we got out of the park I passed a few other riders and got on the main road. My breathing was hurting from how hard I was pushing but I didn't care. I
told myself that my breathing will settle and my heart rate will drop, just trust yourself. As I got out to mile five I finally caught sight of a few other riders up ahead. I clocked them at about 30 seconds up on me so I hit the hill to make a move. When we hit the first turn at mile six I was about 20 seconds back.
For the next eight miles we had a flat road and I knew it. I had told myself that I needed to push more on the bike this year. I needed to challenge gaps and make breaks happen. It was now or never! I shifted up and gunned it, more gear, and more power. I felt good and started pushing the pace. At around mile nine I tried to eat my first GU but had a problem. When I ripped it off my bike it didn't open up the packet like the tape was supposed to do so I couldn't eat any of it. I tried to bite through it but that was no good.
I thought, "I'm going to cramp on the run!" quickly I stuffed it away and grabbed my second GU, eating it with more success. I made sure to focus on eating more from my nutrition bottle for the rest of the ride. From about mile 6 to mile 16 I was chasing hard!
Finally I made the last push to catch the two riders as we made our way up the last main hill of the day. I got in front and focused on my pace, my legs were toast! How was I going to run!? I looked at my computer and it said I had done about 23 miles in around 55 minutes; that is pretty close to 25 mph average at that point!
Coming back into the park I was pacing back and forth with another rider.

Nothing. Bike went almost perfect. More comfort descending with corners but that's it.

We came into transition together in what I believed was 4th and 5th overall. I was excited but it seemed my transition took forever!

Sock-less maybe? I'm not too confident on it so I'd rather not risk it.

Starting the run I had one focus, hills. The course was going to be hilly and I needed to play the course smart. The runner in front of me took it hard out the gate and I told myself he would fade. Sure enough when we hit the first hill he started to slow and I caught him in a mile. We stuck together for about a half-mile but I dropped him pretty easily. The aid stations had sponges and all I could think about was footage of one of
my idols racing. A slow-motion clip of her splashing the sponge on her face and watching it drip all over her, so I did the same!
When I hit about mile two I was getting into a good rhythm and I knew it was going to be chase time. I started keeping a watch out for Libin as I knew he would be leading by now. I saw him at about mile 2.5 and started to look out for who was ahead. One runner up had about a gap that I could close in a mile or so which didn't have me
worried. Up ahead of him was another runner who looked strong and had a good margin up. Third place was the spot I was aiming for. I hit the turn around and started back ready to hurt.
At about mile four the cramping came like I expected. I was at a decision time: do I keep up and hope I don't cramp? Or do I slow and hope I don't get caught? I tried not to think too much and instead focused on the next hill. When I reached the top my cramping was gone and the 3rd place runner was slowing down. For the next half mile I was cutting him down and with only two hills left I had him! As we turned for the hill he started to walk, done. I made the move and smiled, satisfied with third place.
When I came down that hill I saw my teammate, Jenn Parker, and she told me the runner was just up around the corner. I had already kicked on the swim and the bike so why give up now? I gritted my teeth and gave it another go. He was definitely not around the corner! I kept pushing anyways and on the next uphill I saw him, fading fast! I kept the pace and made sure to pass him hard and strong, second place! With about a half mile left I was closing in on a great race. I settled down the hill and finished with a smile on my face until I saw the clock, 2:04:30!!!!! I was way up on my time and finished with an extra kick.


Get that gel eaten on the bike! I don't like cramping on the run!

Right away I was exhausted but ecstatic. I made my way to the ice pool and sat in it with Libin who had been chilling for a while. We talked for a little bit and he got up and got out. It was at that time that a news reporter came and started interviewing me on my race. Coolest thing ever! I tried to think of everything that had been going through my head the last two hours. I can't get it through my head how proud I was of that kick I gave on the swim, if it hadn't been for that one push I wouldn't have been in any of the positions I was in during the race.


Swim speed and nutrition on the bike.


Great job on doing the race! The only thing I had to complain about, and I'm starting to realize it happens a lot with my speed, is that it takes FOREVER after I'm done for awards to come.