Kansas City Corporate Challenge Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

This swim was excellent for me for several reasons. It's only my second ever OWS and I panicked the first time. I was in the middle of the pack getting slaughtered and it brought on anxiety, that save for the sand bar, I wouldn't have over came. This race I started at the front, but as far off to the side as possible. I had little to no traffic up my backside at the start, and once I was able to settle in, I grew confidence. As I grew more confident, I tightened my line and was passing people. I swam freestyle the entire way. No alternate strokes or slowing/stopping to rest. Unlike my first race, no one from the wave behind me passed me, and I actually finished at the front of MOP. This gives me great platform to build on.

I wouldn't have done anything differently in the swim for this event. I was ecstatic on how it went and had it running through my mind as I was running into the transition area. I will use the same strategy at the next race, only trying to push my pace faster and harder. Shaved two minutes off my last race, and will look to cut off one minute at the next one.

Knocked off two minutes from my first race here. Socks and shoes on quickly. Glasses and helmet without a problem. Sprinted out, hopped on bike, and headed out for my demise.

Nothing will be the same. I don't wear a wet suit, and next race I intend on being on clipless pedals.

I had a very lofty time goal going into this race, as the bike and run distances were notably shorter than my first race. The bike is where I went from trying to achieve that goal to just trying to survive. I haven't pre-ridden a course before. I was told this course was a little hilly with some rollers and at 9 miles, I just knew I would crush it. I had been working hard on the bike and even increased my top speeds in training. I wanted to maintain 19 MPH for this ride. The course consisted of two 4.5 mile loops. However, one loop contained one severe hill with no downhill, 2 moderate hills with no downhills, and two fairly steep hills with nice downhills. The hills were steep enough on the first loop that I could barely get up a few because I wasn't prepared and didn't find the right gearing. I still ride with cages, and was up on my toes try to power through these hills, but all it did was set me up for cramps in my calves on the run. The second loop went much better, but still was dreadful. I had a better understanding of where I needed to be gear wise before it was too late. Spent little time on my front big ring, and a majority of the second loop on my front middle ring.

Pre-ride the course once or twice. Even if not hard, but just so I can have an understanding of the challenges that may lie ahead. Had I done that, I still wouldn't have been able to achieve my goals for the bike, but I would have performed much better and would have conserved more power for my legs and the run at the same time.

11th fastest T2 overall. Likely because all I needed to do was drop a helmet and rack a bike. I was also positioned right next to the run out.

At least I crushed something on this race!

Run was difficult. I had intended to go 7:45 splits here (another lofty goal, but more attainable than the bike goal). However, I used so much energy on the bike, I spent a majority of the run fighting off calf and hamstring cramps. Without my Garmin I had no clue where I was at on the course, nor did I know the pace I was at. I'm not used to running on rubber legs, so at times I felt like I was at 12 min/mile pace, and other times I thought I was at 6 min/mile. When I finished I knew I had more to give. I threw in the towel mentally on this run and didn't fight. Even with the Garmin today, I may have only managed 8:30 pace. I didn't have the stones I needed to go harder.

Run faster while yelling, "I can't hear you legs. You'll just have to wait until we finish!"

Bring my Garmin.

Proper nutrition leading up to race in order to battle cramps, etc..

Light jog. Chocolate milk, water, powerade, diet coke, chips, 2 turkey sandwiches. More water. Didn't have time to stretch and cool down like I wanted to. It was Father's Day and I needed to get home for family activities.

Calves still ached today (day after race). Pushed a nice 4 mile run over lunch in 95 degree heat to break up the lactic acid. Tomorrow will be a scheduled recovery day.


Coming out of the water I thought I was going to crush the course. My inability to be humble limited my performance. My arrogance as to not pre-ride or pre-run the routes, and the notion that I don't need to eat/drink/rest properly leading up to the race. All of those factored into my disappointing performance. I don't intend to set world records, but I should be doing the things that I am able to control. Fortunately for me, this is an easy fix.


I thought the race was run well. Directions were easy to follow and clear. Race also featured every skill level. Winners went slightly above 45 minutes, and on the other end, there may be some people still on the course.

Personal overall race comments: While I had lofty goals, and in other areas I rated this race a disappointment, this was only my second triathlon, the first only 3 weeks ago. I considered it a disappointment because I didn't achieve the goals I envisioned myself getting, no matter how lofty they were. However, overall, I am very pleased with this race. Getting up at 430am to do something grueling is not anything I've done in 15 years. I'm excited to do it again. This course was short on paper, but much more difficult (my opinion) than the 5150 course I did. I burned 4000 calories before half of the city even knew the sun was up. Just about everyone that passed me offered encouragement, and I did the same for everyone I passed, because we all knew that no matter what our end time was, exactly how much work it takes to even get to the starting line. I'm extremely happy to have had a disappointing race for 3 reasons: 1. I know what it takes in pre-race mental preparation to be successful now. An easy fix that will pay great dividends. 2. I'm more motivated to train harder so it won't happen again. 3. Most importantly, I lost 25 pounds to have this crappy race, and I'm still losing weight.