Ballwin Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

The people in my lane were really nice. We had time to discuss a plan for the lane before we started. I was a faster swimmer, so they decided to let me have the whole right side of the lane to myself, while they circle swam on the other side of the lane. Made for a good swim time, which really makes me want to know what my split time was, but they weren't keeping them. I should have worn a watch and tried to get my own splits.

time myself, or have someone else do it.

Transition was a little slow. Part of the run coming from the pool included stairs (going down). I could have done without those. It was smooth getting my shoes and socks on, but then someone had knocked over my helmet and i had to walk around the bike rack to pick it up and then come back around to get the bike. It looked like people were riding from the racks out of the transition area vs. running and then getting on the bike, but i wasn't sure of the rules for this, so i ran to the line and then got on the bike.

I have considered biking and running without socks, but i don't know. I will have to try it in training first.

I need to work some on cornering, it still makes me a little nervous. Gear changes on the bike were good. Hill was tough, but i made it. I had to get out of the saddle both times. I don't know how people do hills while staying in the saddle, I always have to get out. Of course I don't like to change into lower gears, i would rather keep the gear on and power up the hill. During the race i passed, and got bassed by the same biker like three times, but it was good to have someone to keep pace and challenge.

I have to work on hill climbs before Babler. I won't be able to go up the hills in that park without shifting to lower gears. Also i just need to work on my stamina going up those hills. Work on drinking more water while on the bike.

I don't have clips, so no shoe change. That makes this transition a little faster, but i always take off running with my helmet still on. Took a few steps realized it turned, and kind of tossed it back into the transition area. I was in the last heat off, so when i got to this transition there were a lot of athletes that were already finished. Some were standing there talking saying: "Oh my god, can you believe those hills, both ways i kept wondering when it would end." Not exactly the words you wanna over hear. Lie to me, tell me its flat would ya.

Remeber to take helmet off

I thought i might not make it through this one. Coming off the bike my body tempature was already pretty high. During the first part of the run my legs just weren't with me and i couldn't get my pace going. Felt really bad and wasn't sure i was going to make it through the run, at least not very fast. The second half was soooooo much better!! Finally got some endorphins and adrenaline going or something. At the aid station grabbed a bunch of water and just poured it on myself at the half way mark. Body cooled and immediately pace picked up. Kept good pace till the finish. There was a woman in her yard spraying people with the hose, that was much appreciated. Even though we couldn't get splits i think the run was decent compared to my past times.

Try and get my pace going in the first half of the run. More water on the bike, bring some to carry with me on the run. The heat was really a factor for me on the run. That 3.2 mile run felt every bit as long as 5 miles.

walked around a bit, downed like 6 bottles of water. Said hi to getsome and his wife and chatted for a while, waiting for the awards. Congrats to Brandon for taking second in his age group, and I was happy to finish second in my age group as well. Overall i was very happy with my performance and time. I really enjoyed myself.


Late start 8:45, very warm day. I think the heat really was a factor. This triathlon was about half the distance of rec plex triathlon and felt every bit as hard if not harder. I don't think i was any less prepared, but I need to train some more in the afternoon hours, so my body gets used to preforming in the heat.


The run was short and there were two aid stations, but it was just sooo hot. I would have liked maybe another station. Not necessarily because i wanted to drink the water, but i just wanted to be able to dump it on myself.