Callaway Gardens Triathlon - TriathlonOther

Swim felt great. I didn't have any of the OWS panic that these mass swim starts normally provoke which was great. I had to climb over some people in the beginning and had a few times where I was frustrated with the "frog kicking people" but easily found a hole and kept going. This was a milestone swim for me as well, as I did the entire thing FS (a first for me).

Get faster. I passed men from the first and second waves starting shortly after the 2nd buoy, which boosted the ego a bit, but I'd like to have been faster.

T1 went good. No issues other than speed.

Maybe practice over the winter with the shoes on the pedals thing..... Running in cycling shoes really sucks.

Bike felt great. Actually had to back myself off a bit since I knew I still had a run to survive. Passed many, and got passed by others. Lots of blocking going on which was aggravating. I've never felt hostile on the bike, but I did this time. Didn't want to break any USAT rules myself though. (Didn't know till afterwards that there weren't even any officials out on the course. Oh well.) Took two Gu's and good amounts of water and Gu2O on the ride. No stomach issues this race.

Pass the center yellow line to avoid the drafters & blockers. (Only if not USAT sanctioned or no officials around...)

The T2 entrance followed by two median hurdles was interesting, but not unmanageable. Would've been faster if not for the guy that racked his bike backwards in my space which left me NOWHERE to rack. Ended up with my back quick release shoved into his back derailleur. What made matters worse was that HE was standing there watching me try to get his bike out of my way.... ^#%@$

Have my space available to me when I come into T2...

Goal for the run was to keep running, no stopping to walk. Goal accomplished!!!! I may be slow, but I endured. I actually ran with a smile on my face, too, for the first time in my life. The entire run I thought about how perfect this race was. I also got to think about the squish my shoes made during the last 2 miles after dumping water on me at the aid stations... Oh well. Worth soggy shoes.

Get faster. Only persistance will correct that though.

Walked around, drank warm water and a Gala apple. Wanted Gatorade, but they were out already. Found my children & husband.


Overall, I think I just need time and persistance. I think my form is good, I just need to work on improving speeed and only time can cure that.


I love Callaway Gardens. Great place for a race. In my mind, this race will be hard to top. The gods were in agreement, the planets and the stars were in alignment, at this exact moment, life was perfect. I have never enjoyed a race more than I did this race. I have never felt truely prepared for something as I did today. I felt I did my training justice today. I am still smiling at my triumph.

Met several BT'ers today as well and enjoyed the weekend with them and their families. Shoutouts to 1111, Atl_runner, and their two sweet girls; HornJM; and tritiger90 and his wife!!!!