HITS National Championship: Palm Springs - Sprint Course - TriathlonSprint

I know I am a horrible swimmer. I do lack the confidence and I do want to do better. I just cant put together a complete swim. It took me to the half way point before I could get completely comfortable.
As usual, i start at the very back. It still took a while to get going thru the washing machine. I couldnt get into a proper swimming groove. I kept stopping. Finally at the turn arnound, I was finally able to get going. I didnt navigate off course at all but my garmin said I did over 1000 yards, about 200 yds over. So I am not quite sure how far i swam.
No excuses, i didnt swim at all before this event. In fact, i really havent swam much since June 2012. Regardless, I hope to improve greatly

Swim regularly and start attending master classes

I do alright in transitions. I could be a few seconds faster. I have ripped my wetsuit in the past so I dont want to rip it anymore. It was a semi-long run from the water to transition. Other than having the wetsuit stuck at the heels, and taking a swig of gatorade, I got to the bike out area fairly decent.

improve getting the wetsuit off

I wear speedplays, i put covers on when running out of transition. I had them off, it took me more than a second to get them in my jersey. Had the little climb and tried to settle HR down. Took off. Nothing much to report. I didnt get very aero in my bike. I have been refitted so I am waiting for my parts to coming in and get dialed. I thought I pushed alright. For the most part, the roads were ok....going thru to Jackson it was a little rougher. I rode comfortably and probably could have pushed a little harder.

push harder

decent transition....racked bike...took an extra second to have a swag of gatorade and quickly put my shoes on and was out of T2

be quicker

I ran comfortably. wasnt ever gasping for air. Simple out and back course. I could have pushed harder. I just didnt. I felt alright and probably should have pushed myself.

push harder

walked around, had a greek yogurt, water and pop tart


1- swimming preparation and being a better swimmer
2- lose weight. I am too heavy at this point
3- dont be afraid to get out of the comfort zone and push a little harder


I finished 1st in 40+ Clydesdales. I think there were 3 in my group and 6 total clydesdales racing. I barely lost to the under 40 Clyde.

I raced last year and was 2 mins slower than last. I compared last years and this years race. I swam longer in this race and the bike was about a half mile longer. So I guess I am about the same. I am not too terribly worried. I do have a big 2013 year and going to be well prepared.

My 1st place is a bittersweet victory because my 19 yr stepdaughter had a major surgery removing a tumor from her spine and rib area. She had to have 2 major surgeries and is in major pain. She is one tough woman and more than very proud of her. She was constantly on my mind during the entire race.