Hoosierman Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

The short swim was a serious disadvantage for me, and combined with the extended run may have cost me several positions. Since several people in my age group finished just ahead of me it bothers me, but I'm not bitter. OK, maybe a little bitter.
The swim was so short there was not really any strategy. I had not problems siting. I passed about 10 swimmers that I was aware of. It would have been 10 more if the course was the right length.

Nothing

Decided to wear bike gloves because some downhill sections get up to 36 mph. I didn't want to wreck without gloves. This cost time since I got fingers in the wrong holes on one glove.

I was a little relaxed in this transition. Sat on a bucket and put on socks and shoes. I tried out Yanks laces this time and was pleased with the results.

Cycling was much improved over last year. I was able to handle the hills much better than previous years. I avoided standing up and grinding as much as possible. Many of the people I passed on the bike were right after major inclines. I had ridden the course a couple of times beforehand. I had also improved my gear changing. I changed gears more frequently than ever before. This remains my weakest of the three disciplines and will need to improve to drop time.
Passed a bunch of people on the bike, I think 10, got passed by only 1. In my first year of this race I must have been passed by 80 or so after a good swim which was a wave start so it is getting much better.

Train more

I don't use clip on shoes. I rode with running shoes so that was easy.

Maybe practice running with the bike. It was a little off balance.

I ended up walking a short section on the uphill trail to catch my breath, but otherwise kept a good pace. Passed six, got passed by three. There weren't many people within striking distance by this time of the race. Those that were in front of me at this point were in good shape.

Train more

Walked around and talked, drank some water, ate a banana.


I was being a little conservative trying to make sure I would finish strong. Could have pushed a little harder here and there.
I need more cycling training. I still need to lose a little more weight to improve times.


This race was listed as USAT sanctioned, has been changed after the fact into sanction pending. No race results reported to USAT. No response to emails.
The short swim course was a joke but I made a lot of progress since last year. Further improvement in my bike and run times could have me in contention for a podium finish next year if I decide to return.