Woodlake Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

For this whole triathlon, I was one of maybe 5 people that were wearing wetsuits. The water temp was cool enough to make them legal, so I have to assume it was either b/c of the temps. For me, b/c I'm not a strong swimmer, I use a wetsuit whenever it is allowed. I am not going to give up free speed!

My AG watched the first wave start, then the RD asked us to get in the start area. I was ready. In the last 20 seconds, I kind of went to the front of the group. What was I doing?!

Once the wave started, I initiated my swim at a hard pace I knew I wouldn't be able to sustain for more than a few mins. Eh, redline, right?! The washing machine effect was in full force! All I could see was white water all around! I love this! Glad no kicks or punches to the face. :)

At the midway point, I started to feel gassed, so I backed off and just went at a moderate, controlled effort. I tried to swim smooth, but I could tell I was just splashing about. Graceful I am not during a swim...

In the last 3/4 of the swim, hooked arms with a pink cap. We were both swimming on the buoy line. I apologized, the kept at it. I also stuck my hand up someone's butt shortly thereafter. Oops! Sorry, pal!

Reached the end without further incident and started to run out while taking off wetsuit and googles/cap. The run towards transition is rough and rocky. Ouch!

I think I had a good swim. I am not fast in the water, so I am pleased with this effort.

Update: Actually, after results were posted, I was shocked with this effort. 5th Ag and top 25% overall? What?

Wetsuit got stuck on ankle, but just for one second. I ripped it off, then made sure chip was still there.

I noticed a bunch of ppl had pans with water in them. I guess they were goign to dip their feet in after the sandy run...problem is the run out of T1 is also sandy.

Once results are posted, I'll check, but I think I had one of the faster OA transitions. Maybe not.

Got everything on, then ran out.

I came out of the T1 with a HR at 177! Holy cow! I blow up on the bike at 162, so I knew I'd have to take it kind of easy at the start.

It took me about 10 mins before HR was under 160, which is where I have to stay to prevent blowing up.

Leaving T1, I did a flying mount. I swerved a little, but recovered fine and started to ride with feet on shoes. I stayed like that for the next half mile to mile. As I passed ppl, some looked at me like I was crazy for riding that way.

After getting shoes in, I started to hammer away. I had to keep it easy enough to lower HR while still going at a decent pace, so it was a bit of a challenge.

The onslaught of hills began at approximately mile 3.5. At that point, you start to go uphill for 1.5 miles. I was in a hurt locker at this point, but passing cyclist motivated me to keep it going.

Overall, there were four "peaks" to contend with on this route. I made sure I was in the proper gear and just kept grinding away.

At one point, as I passed a cyclist, I mentioned that the hills were killer. It was Alan! We played leap frog for the next 4 or 5 miles, but then he fell back on one of the last hills.

About 1 mile before the dismount, I started to spin faster and then pulled feet out of shoes. I was trying to lower HR for the run. Once I reached the dismount, did a quick dismount, never stopping moving. W00T!

More intervals for those hills!

Everything was great, but feet were sandy. I just brushed them off somewhat, then put shoes on and ran out. I was a bit disoriented and couldn't find the run start! Crap! I yelled out to a volunteer and they pointed! THANKS! Time to hammer it!

Ensure I am aware of the run start!

Upon starting the course, I just thought to myself...BRING THE PAIN! This is where you're going to catch your AG! BRING THE PAIN!

I started off at a sub 6 min/mi pace, feeling great! The heat and sun were climbing and I could tell it was going to be a rough run. At that point, the road turned off onto a trail! Crap! I'm in race shoes! Then, there was a TON of mud. I just had to grin and bear it as I squished through a few places.

Well, if it's rough for me, then it is probably rough for everyone else. I picked off a few guys from other AGs, then I started to pick off a few guys in my own AG. Oh yeah!

end of mile 2 and I could tell I was starting to hit puke level. I had to back if off just a little. There was a guy chased for the remainder of that mile, but I was just not able to reel him in without losing it. He was about 15 seconds ahead.



Scope out course better so I bring the appropriate shoes.

Walked around, stretched, at some food, and cheered for and talked to a few friends.

Talked to a few younger guys after times were posted and they stated I had blown by them on the run. We laughed about it, then talked about Ironman and other races.


The swim...it is my achilles heel. I have to get in the pool more so I don't exit the water with a HR that takes 5+ mins to lower.

I also have to get stronger on the bike. I'm leaving several minutes on the table to stronger cyclists, especially the ones in my AG.


Pretty good race that has potential. I had to leave before awards were handed out, but ppl seemed to be entertained. Atmosphere was festive and fun.