Du the Polar Bear - Duathlon

I was having trouble deciding how hard to push on the first run. While obviously, I can't be gasping for air at transition, I figured I could push above my LT threshold (184) and "recover" a little on the bike. With all the fast runners out there, it is also easy to get caught up in the moment.

Probably slow down on the first run a bit, but I wonder if my total time would have been less.

I lost a few seconds fiddling with deciding whether to wear sunglasses for the bike. (It was cloudy)

Plan out the little things and stick to it.

Since it is a multi-lap course with a wide range of cycling ability, I felt like I was always passing someone or was being passed.

There are also a decent amount of kids out there and some can't hold a line, so it is always nerve-wracking to pass someone weaving. There was also an adult who kept weaving, who was fiddling with his bike computer.



Focus more and be more consistent. I would be alone for a period and drift off into la-la land and my HR would drop to the high 160s. Then someone would pass I would be jolted back into reality, push hard to make up ground.

I also probably pushed to hard at the end (there were people passing and I got competitive). I have to remember to race my own race and not worry about who is passing me.

Hit the turns a little more aggressively. It wasn't raining but it was misty.

Legs were hurting coming off the bike. I practiced some bricks, but when you don't go all-out on the bike as is the case in training, the brick run doesn't feel that bad.

I was huffing and puffing, but couldn't keep my heart rate up or go any faster.

Collasped on ground to catch breathe. Ate some food and chatted with folks I knew.

Today, I'm paying for not getting a massage (which were available but had lines) or doing some proper stretching afterwards.


Lack of a swim. Lack of a tri-bike. Being a crap cyclist.


It's a small race, but it has a lot of fast racers, so check your ego at the door. I liked the fact that it was closer to Houston than most races that are in the 'burbs.

Given it is flat, and it doesn't have a swim, the race also attracts some beginners. If you are a beginner, make sure you are comfortable on the bike, as lot of people will be passing you (it's a three lap course).

Outloud's races are well run, but have less frills than OnUrMark... although they cost about $20 less. For example, there are no finishers medals. Frills are less important to the seasoned veteran, but may be important to someone doing a race for the first time.