Rocketts Landing Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

I just don't have much skill in sighting in open water, and my form goes to hell. I swim at a pace that leaves me able to run out of the water without dizzily staggering... and that must be a slow pace.

Practice in open water more.

This timing company doesn't rank transition times, but I charted them myself within CD, and I come out in the top third. Out of the water you are treated to a long steep stair climb, but I felt good and was able to run. The only piece of gear I consistently have trouble with is getting my arms in the sleeves of my shirt. I had a terrible time getting clipped in at the last race but hit is spot on and hammered away from the Mount line, shouting something motivational to myself, and startling another athlete to the point I think I may have caused them to fall off (or they were also having trouble with their pedals).

Start swimming in a tri top.

Absolutely hammered this bike ride. Brand new drivetrain, aero bars, shifters, the whole deal. Had something to prove to myself. Made up 46 spots overall. Carried 1 bottle of water and 1 bottle of blue gatorade, as well as a package of Clif Shot Blocks rubber-banded to the aero bars, ate one every 5 miles. Was only passed by one woman on a $$$ Cervelo, and then right at the end one woman who I had traded with over the last half ( I downshift and spin my legs up in the last hundred yards to blow out lactic acid ).

Spend more time practicing hill climbing.

Top third of CD. Although I stayed at my bike to clip on my run number belt while I usually just clip in and go. I put in a new set of speed laces (elastic) the night before and it had to cut a minute off of tying my laces.

For the first time I brought Clif Shot Blocks and gatorade on the run with me. I always feel like I need hydration when there isn't a water stop nearby. The bottle was only half full, so about 10oz... and I finished that by the turnaround, and threw two dixie cups in at each water stop on the way back. Nutrition and hydration made a huge difference. This was a 10k split PR, and dangerously close to my standalone 10k PR of 50:38.

Absolutely nothing!

Some stretching of quads after finish line, but for the first time spent about 30 minutes on the floor back home stretching some more. Made a huge difference, as I usually have trouble even walking the next day after a race.


Poor swimming ability.


Looking forward to next year. I like repeating courses to see my improvement.