Lame Duck TRY-Athlon Home Page - TriathlonSprint

This was my first OW swim ever. It was a good choice for an a first-timer. The water was murky - maybe 2 feet visibility - but clean. They provided a 50 yard floating boom at the start so people could spread out. There was only minimal bumping at the start. The lake was narrow enough that you judge your direction pretty well with each breath. I had been worried about the "first time open-water heebie-jeebies", but I didn't have any issues. I stayed calm and swam a steady pace

I did get a little tired about 3/4 of the way through - I found myself thinking - "OK, where's the wall"? I had never thought of flip turns as restful, but, clearly, my body is used to a little pause every 50 yards. Next time I will pool-training 10-20% longer than race distance.

ride more hills.

The swim went very well, then the punishment started. The bike and run course were both *very* hilly - like a roller coaster. The first big hill was right at the exit of T1. I spent a lot of time out of the saddle in my lowest gear. (I also got to use the highest gears coming down the other side.) The roads were smooth and well paved except for one short stretch on US25 (the only flat portion of the ride)

ride more hills

More hills. I had to walk a couple of times, but ran into the finish.

It's no secret that the run is my weak point. I need to run lots.

After-party in park next to transition area - good food.


This is race is organized by the residents of a lakeside development to benefit a charity for single mothers. The entire population of the subdivision generously volunteer their time and their homes. They opened their homes, ferried racers to the start in their boats, patrolled the swim course, manned the turns and drink stations, and cooked an awesome post-race barbecue.

Don't let the relatively short distances fool you - the hills make for a very challenging race. This is not a course where you will set a PR, but you will feel like you've accomplished something when you cross the finish line. I will definitely do it again.