Patriot Half Triathlon - Triathlon

Took the swim nice and easy. No trouble at the start. Quickly cleared my wave and swam alone most of the race.

I knew this would be my weak place and I just let everyone fly past me as I told myself to race my own race. At least 2000 people passed my in the first 20 miles. I was like a rock in the river!

Two flats. Well, one flat that I just filled and it lasted about 8 miles. Then a tube change and refill and that held. I've never had a flat, never changed a tube, etc. I got help from someone not in the race, who was awesome I hope I didn't ruin his day. His other biking buddies ditched him as he helped me.

At this point I also realized my 2nd water bottle was full of pond water. Not sure if this was a joke or what. I didn't know anyone at this race. I don't know if drinking some of this is what caused the later problems.

By mile 40 I knew my stomach was off. I wished I'd had some nuun. Mile 50 I started to vomit. I hoped this might help.

Keeping slow was smart. I felt like I knew my limits. I'll practice changing the tubes until I get it down. I'll stop drinking sh*&ty water sooner and not just assume it is fine.

I felt awful. I stopped at the porta john, but no relief.

Leave a bottle at transition, just in case.

I had the dry heaves for the first 3 miles. At the first aid station I saw someone ask for salt tabs. I don't even know what they are but I got some. And some coke. As I sipped and walked I started to heave less frequently. I took more coke at the next two aid stations. I started to feel better and was able to run longer and longer without walking. Then the aid stations started to run dry and I could feel the difference as my energy went down and my stomach started to feel worse.

The awfulness was all related to my gi issues. I thought I had it nailed but, clearly, I don't.

Cooled off a bit in the kiddie pool, found a place to fart for a while then got some food. Food wasn't good (to me, I'm sure if was actually just fine).


My stomach was the weak link here.


Great volunteers, and tons of volunteers. You couldn't walk 8 feet without someone offering to help.

Lots of aid stations, but not stocked well. They should know how many cups they'll need! Plenty of port a johns.