HITS Triathlon Series: Marble Falls - Olympic Course - TriathlonOlympic

I had a lousy swim. I couldn't get into a rhythm or get my breathing under control. My sighting wasn't very good, although I never got way off course. The flap that covers the zipper inside my wetsuit pulled off to one side, and I had some bad neck abrasion while I was swimming.

I need more open water swim practice, but living in dry, nasty west Texas makes that very difficult. I am 3+ hrs drive from any lakes, and the ones nearby are all chocked full of rednecks "tearing it up" in ski boats and jet skis.

After a terrible swim, I was trying to get myself together. I walked most of the way to my bike. Wetsuit came off easily enough. I put on socks and shoes before the bike, drank some gatorade, then headed out.

Run out of the water. Maybe try clipping my shoes into the pedals beforehand and going without socks.

The weather was beautiful, and after a bad swim I pretty much passed people the entire bike leg, which put me in a better mood. The bike course starts with some stout climbing over the first 4.5mi. Chip seal and rough, crappy roads are the norm where I train, so I felt right at home. "Race tires" are a foreign concept to me as I always need some heavy, durable Gatorskins. I heard a few guys with their race wheels on say they flatted during the bike.

This was the one leg I was the happiest with. I didn't stick to my nutrition plan exactly, and that might have left me gassed at the beginning of the run a little. It's hard to eat when you're busting a$$ on the bike.

Still making up for a lousy swim, I pass people the entire run.

Maybe I went too hard on the bike? It took my legs longer to get going than usual. Maybe it was just the giant hill at the start of the run...

Walked around the finish line area. They had water and sports drinks and various 'recovery' food items.


First tri, so it was all learning curve for me.


I heard a lot of complaining about the 2012 event here, so I was worried that this would not be a good race. From my experience, the local police and fire dept had all the busy intersections under control, everything started on time and seemed to be well organized, there were plenty of aid stations along the route, and most everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Mark, the RD, was everywhere and a very positive, friendly guy who asked me how my race was. I would definitely do this race again!