Dairyland Udder Calf Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

As this was my first OWS, did not know what to expect. Got in to rhythm right away but did not push it to the max on the out leg. Picked up the pace going in. At one point I felt hyperventilated but quickly calmed my nerves and pushed on. Felt that my stroke and breathing were good.

Train more. This will be a common theme.
Sighted better - kept veering left. At the end, I would have swam closer to shore before standing up and walking in.

Put on gloves but got finger holes out of whack. Fiddled around with that. Had trouble getting clipped in on right pedal.
Add to that, the start had been moved farther down shore so the run from the swim exit to T1 was about a 1/4 mile.

Train more. Practice flying mount with shoes already clipped in - a more advanced skill.

Had a great ride going out. Hit the head wind when turning south. Lost my legs at the turn. Inconsistent pace. Legs never felt comfortable. Crushed the hills. Passed folks riding better bikes than me. I like to say hills are flat if I don't look forward.

Train more. Consistent pace.

Had trouble racking bike. I was at a racking position at the end of two adjoining sections. The folks on either side racked really close so I had to move on bike to get mine in.

Train more.

Legs never got going at anytime in the run except the finish. Hamstrings were tight. Felt heavy and slow. Left knee started throbbing near mile 2 but was fine afterwards.

Train more. Extend gait. Run faster.

Stretching, sprinkler for cool down, lots of fluids.


Lack of training, excess weight, mindset.


As always, a big thanks to all of the volunteers who made this happen. I never failed to call out a quick thank you to the law enforcement, first responder, fish and game, and community folks that gave of their time to make this race a reality.
As this was my first, I did not know what to expect. Being the person I am, I held back from my full potential. I know I can do better. I used this event to highlight that very thing. I now know what I need to work on to make myself better: EVERYTHING! To the point, my run fitness is what largely contributed to my slow performance.
All in all, I finished ahead of the guy that thought about but did not do a triathlon.
My greatest memory that I will take from this: before the start fo the event I overheard a guy saying that this was his first Tri. I introduced myself as a first time Tri guy also. The guy he was talking to congratulated us both. When I crossed the finish line those two guys were there cheering me on. And with a handshake said "congratulations Triathlete!". Sportsmanship and fellowship lives in Triathlon. I'll leave wit this thought: there is a first in a Triathlon but there is not a worst. Even the person who finishes last still finishes. And those that do not finish gave it a try!