XTERRA Hickory Knob Triathlon - Triathlon

The swim had three different wave starts, with each about three minutes apart. I was in the first wave, which started around 7:45. Thanks to comments from my fellow BT's, I went with a wet suit. Boy was I glad. The buoyancy provided by the wet suit provided a level of confidence that was greatly needed. The swim start was not as bad as I thought it would be. Having three waves helped lessen the amount of people in the water at one time. I was pleasantly surprised by how fast, or slow, people were going. I just knew I was going to get smoked on the swim, but much to my surprise, I was able to hang right in there with most folks in my wave with very little effort. Overall, the swim went well. My form was not great and my breathing was off, but I was pleased with my performance.

Spend more time in the open water swimming. Preparation for my next wet suit race will most definitely include more training in the wet suit.

I fumbled a little bit in transition, but overall had a good experience. Almost forgot to put my helmet on before taking my bike off the rack.

Like everyone... practice more!

The bike is where I got my butt handed to me! The course was really wet, which made me a little hesitant to gain too much speed. The brakes and I were really close friends on the bike. My technical skills on the bike arent't the greatest and it showed. I got passed... a LOT! Everybody was really cool though that passed me, and most were very patient at that. There were about three of us that hung together for must of the bike. It seemed like we all rode pretty close to the same pace throughout.

I must spend more time in the woods training. I felt like my endurance/ strength was okay, but my bike handling skills were lacking. I did run out of water with about 2 miles left on the bike. Don't think I filled up my camelbak completely the night before. That little extra would have been greatly welcomed! I also need to be a little more aggressive on the bike. Wet terrain may have played in to that a little.

This was a quick transition for me. I fumbled the bike a little right before the transition area trying to say hey to my little boy who had just arrived to cheer on his daddy! Off with the helmet, camelbak, gloves and shoes... on with the trail shoes and race belt... and I was off.

Nothing really. Try not to fumble the bike when running.

The run was my strongest leg overall. I had started cramping with only about 2 miles left on the bike, and it continued throughout the run. I did manage to push through and post an average pace of 8:40 for the run leg.

Hydrate more on the bike in prep. for the run.

Pretty much chugged a Gatorade not long after finishing. Tried to stretch a little, but was afraid I would cramp up if I did too much. Hung out to watch some of the finishers and ate a little post race food.


Didn't have enough water on the bike. May could have gone faster on the run if I was properly hydrated. It's a learning process. I must get better on the bike!


This was my first triathlon, and it was a wonderful experience. I felt like the group did a good job of putting on the race and keeping things pretty well organized overall. I WILL be back for this one next year. Thanks Multisports Fitness, LLC!