Jackson County Triathlon - Long Course - TriathlonLong Course

Still having trouble in the first couple hundred yards of the swim. Legs feel like they are sinking, and I can't get into a comfortable rhythm with my breathing. The swim was a two lap swim with a run down the beach between. The first lap was difficult and I struggles with the issues mentioned above. The second lap was a little better as I was able to settle in. Was a little surprised that the swim time was actually as slow as it was. Need to get relaxed quicker (a good warmup may help).

Not much to do differently, just need to practice more; especially in the open water.

Did not put shoes on while on the bike, but instead chose again to change shoes in transition. This slowed me down, but knowing that my bike time would be slow, I took my time and stayed relaxed at a hurried pace without getting flustered.

Still have not decided if I will change shoes next time in transition or on the bike. If I can get some transition practice this week, I may give it a shot.

Said it before, my bike is just bad and needs more practice. Lots of hills on this two lap course, and I felt pretty good (saw one nasty crash). I need more time this off season learning how to push harder on the bike and generate more power.

Nothing. Do need to get a water bottle that attaches to the handlebars--they seem much easier than having to reach down for a drink and then return the bottle to the holder.

Not too bad here. Want to get some tri-laces for my shoes so I don't have to tie them up (a time drain). Some idiot put his or her bike in my slot, and considering my slow swim and bike time, the rack was pretty full when I got back. Had to hang my bike a few feet away, once I could locate an opening, and then come back for my stuff. Not a major setback (a few seconds maybe), but I still thought it rude that someone couldn't put their bike back in their own rack. Number, hat, and glasses all going on as I ran out of transition.

Nothing. Need to work on smoothing it our a bit, but the basic pattern I want to follow is there and feels comfortable.

I have a feeling I came into this event a little run-down. While the swim and the bike are pretty awful, I live for the run which is my strongest event. Typically it takes me only a few hundred feet for my legs to come under me and for it to start feeling good. This run, however, never felt good. Pain in my shins hung on for most of the run, and I never felt able to shake off the fatigue.

Nothing much to do differently during the run, but it did become clear during this segment how important coming into an event well rested actually is. Next time I'll be sure to get more rest leading up to the event.

Didn't feel so great after this one--less from frustration (as with the last one) and more to do with physical exhaustion. There wasn't much in the way of post event food, so drank some water, walked around for only a minute or two, and that was about it.


Something about the organization of this race just felt "off". Not sure why, but it felt disorganized and a number of people I ran into didn't seem to know what they were supposed to be doing. It may have something to do with my mental attitude at the end, but this race seemed to lack some of the same enthusiasm and spirit of similar events. Not sure if I will do this one again.