Ocean Shores Big Weekend Half Iron Triathlon - Triathlon

Well, this was the only real discouraging part of the race, and even that was not too bad! I didn't feel that bad, but never really got my breathing as comfortable as I had been in training. Very little traffic the entire swim. I kept the out at 15X3 strokes of free and 14-16 strokes of side. Never really got relaxed during the side strokes. I tried to increase to 20X3 on the back portion, but must have been really inefficient on my stroke, because I lost about 3 minutes on the back! I was hoping to free all the way from the sprint buoy (400 meters) to home, but couldn't maintain that either.

I need to get stronger and more efficient for the latter part of the swim. I had a little water in one of my goggles, which probably didn't help with my anxiety. I had my tri-top over my shoulders, which didn't feel too constrictive on my breathing, but I'll probably try around the waist next event.

I felt really good about this transition, especially since I put on gloves, which probably added 20 seconds. Nothing stood out as perfect, just methodical and I didn't miss anything.

I won't likely be wearing gloves for too many rides. I could've got the cap and goggles off a little sooner, and also need to work on getting nutrition bag into the back pouch of my top.

I felt great about the bike segment! I didn't push myself hard on the first lap. I always tried to keep a gear under what my normal ride would be. The wind picked up for the second half, getting very strong on the home stretch heading north! I ended up with an even split, which I felt really good about. Stayed on the bars almost the entire ride. No real aches or hurts. A very good bike.

I didn't finish my 24 oz water bottle, so I may have left a little too much hydration behind going into the run. Other than that, I wouldn't change anything.

I was a little woozy getting the shoes on, but with getting the socks on in grassy conditions, I did a really good job of keeping my feet clean.

I went to my knees to get my socks on, which I'm not sure that I can go without. I'll probably get off the bike with my feet out of the shoes in the future.

It was a great run, and will always be memorable for the beach portion, and for wetting myself! I took off too fast, resulting in about 3 walking segments between miles 9 and 11.

Obviously listen to my body and use the toilet when I'm feeling the need! I just went out too fast. I'm glad I took the chance, because I felt really good for the first 6.5 miles. I'm not upset about the walking times, I'm glad I did before I crashed. I was able to still finish running and smiling!

A steady walk around the park while munching some snacks, and then a thorough stretch!


The second half of my swim, but strength and efficiency. I have probably peaked on my bike, not sure if I can get much more out of it with my current training strategy. I probably could've trimmed a minute or two off of the run if I hadn't pushed as hard between miles 4 and 8.


I had a great time. I wish the bike course would've had a couple hills, perhaps heading out of town instead of doing two laps would make it more interesting. Aid stations during the run needed a few more nutrition options as well. But overall, it was a great day and a great race!