Kerrville Triathlon - Quarter Course - TriathlonOlympic

My swim training was sporadic through the couple months prior to the race. I only got a solid 2-3 days per week of swimming the 3 weeks prior to the race. My plan was to take it easy on the swim and go at a comfortable pace. Staying calm before the race was key. I was able to do all the above and increase effort in final 300m. Felt the time was good for the preparation and on course effort.

Nothing in the race but make sure I can get the swim training in prior to the race for the full training cycle!

Had strippers 30 feet from the water. Was able to get unzipped but not get the suit to my waist by the time I got to the strippers. They got the suit off quick but it hung up on the chip on my left ankle. They noticed quickly and got it over. Had a 100m steep uphill run to T1 (separate from T2). All swim gear had to go in bag and did it pretty quick. Was able to get into bike gear quickly and out of transition. Feet were grassy and dirty. Oh well.

Nothing. Went fine. Probably best transition yet, even with having to stick stuff in a bag so the staff could haul it all to T2.

Course was a hard effort, not comfortable but not a quad burner except for on the short uphills. On one short steep section where I had to stand up to pedal I got a cramp in my left calf. As my legs fatigued I backed off the effort and dropped speed to keep level of effort constant.

Hmmm, I REALLY liked the ride! It was fun with a hard level of exertion. I was trading places with a couple of other riders throughout most of the course which made it even more fun. I would say back off the level of effort some so I could perform better at the run but I think I would just train more on the bike so I can go just as hard but do better on the run!

I could tell I was tired coming into transition. I forgot I was 5 rows over from the end and went up three rows looking for my run bag! Stretched some in transition to try to prevent any possible back issues on the run since it was hurting right up to the day of the race. Had some problems opening run bag to pull out shoes and visor. We had to drop bag the night before and it was raining so we all tied them over the racks to prevent rain from getting inside.

Try to remember where my gear was so I could get to my spot a little quicker. Tie bag different so I can get it open easier. was wishing I had a knife with me.

Started out having to pee cause I was barefoot waiting to swim and wasn't going into the porta potties so had to go as soon as I left transition onto the run. Started at 8:07s and had to force the pace down at first. Was planning to keep it around 8:30 to 8:45 but was more tired from the bike than I thought I was going to be. Sped up in the last half mile with the last .25 mile being about 8:05. Was REALLY hard to push it down.

Bike more so I can get the run speed where I want it after a hard bike split.

Got a massage right after finishing. Seemed to help, especially the lower back! Got some fresh made fajita tacos and a beer!


Training was somewhat sporadic, especially the swimming. Had multiple low back injuries in the previous two months. Now working on trying to isolate the problem so I can start ramping up training in the next couple of weeks.


Terrific race, well organized and run. Announcers were great as were the volunteers. Food was very good and had an excellent band at the end!