St. Francis Health Center Topeka Tinman Triathlon - Short Course - Triathlon

The start was weird. We lined up on the beach, but went out at an angle. I was about 6th along the water in single file, but I should have just lined up directly behind the first person.

When the gun went off, I dove into the water, but probably went out too far away from the beach, as I had to swim to the right to get on some people's feet. Lots of contact till the first buoy. I didn't find a groove until the first half was over. I think I was 5th or 6th out of the water in my wave.

Line up closer to the front. My effort was good, but I think that would have helped my times a bit. I was happy with my effort in the water, though.

16th overall, despite having the furthest rack from the entry. Struggled a bit with the new aero helmet and getting the wetsuit off, but I thought the wetsuit came off faster then previous races.

This was also my first race leaving my shoes clipped in and had no problems mounting my bike with them in. Probably saved me 10 seconds.

Nothing, other than keep practicing.

First time racing with the P2 and had a blast hammering this course. I was going to ride purely based on HR, starting out in low z4 and pushing to high z4 after 10 minutes, but that didn't happen. High z4-low z5 the entire time! I felt great, and passed 4 people and a truck. This was my first race I've never been passed on the bike. The course itself was pretty flat. I just concentrated on keeping my head tucked and as aero as possible.

I rolled into T2 5 seconds behind the second place racer after chasing him down the last few miles.

Maybe lay up a bit early on, but I was definitely taking a chance and pushed the entire bike.

7th overall. Slipped my feet out of my shoes prior to dismounting, and had no issues. I think I will continue with this in future races (although I will just wait for the day I screw up and drop a shoe or something). Had to rerack my bike because it was hanging funny and I didn't want my new carbon baby ending up on the pavement....

again, keep practicing. It was pretty smooth though. Maybe run faster?

I was pretty spent after the bike, but I knew I was in at least 2nd position in my AG. I began on the course and tried to keep a higher cadence. After a half a mile, I still wasn't hitting the pace I knew I was usually capable of doing. My legs just weren't turning over quick enough. I was also heating up like crazy. It was so humid, and I was really starting to overheat.

At the turn, I saw the 2 in front of me who were both in the 20-24 AG, which meant I was in the lead! Unfortunately, as I began to head back, there was a group of 3 guys about 30 seconds behind me that were in my AG and hauling ass. I started to freak out a bit, and thought of Chris Lieto losing his Kona races during the run. I just tried to focus on my leg turn over and not how effn hot it was.

I really gave it my all on the way in. My abs were cramping, which made taking a full breath impossible. As I turned to head down the finishing chute, I tried to kick it up a notch to give it everything I had. There was one guy right on my ass, about 15 seconds behind and closing. I was about to turn down the finish chute with nothing left in the tank, and was told I had to make a small loop around transition to the other side of the chute! I almost stopped and quit, and was certain I would be passed for 2nd place, but it never happened!

I held on, barely, and crossed the line for my first AG win by 12 seconds. The second place guy was nice and congratulated me, and said he was gunning for me, but just couldn't catch me.

Lose some weight, my run training has taken a back seat since I got the Cervelo,so get that going again, and try to cool myself off a bit before the end of the bike.

Uh nothing. Try not to pass out, grabbed a few waters and dumped them over me. And I got interviewed by a Topeka news station and half of what I said was misquoted...


My weight, my run fitness and speed, and my ability to deal with the humidity. Other than that, nothing. It's so crazy how my bike has changed from my Achilles Heel to now a weapon. I'm so excited for the rest of the year and will be training my ass off the rest of the summer!!!


This was my second time at the Tinman, but the 33rd overall race. They did great and everything was on time and organized, other than the awards ceremony that was a bit late. Also, just pizza to eat after (no fruit or sports drinks). I will definitely be back as this race as its my hometown race and my family comes! Ultramax does great races!