Topeka Tinman Triathlon - Short Course - Triathlon

In my excitement I forgot to start my Garmin (someone else said swim was long, so I'm happy my pace was better than it looked). I started to the outside a little fast. Was right next to someone who was swimming the exact same pace but kept drifting to the outside (right into me). At the first buoy I treaded water for a second to let him pass so I could take a more direct line. Realized then that I was pushing too hard and had to back off. Probably backed off too much.

I need to put some more time in the pool. Start a little more inside and find feet to draft off of. Also, don't back off as much. I realized toward the end that my stroke was horrible and not nearly as efficient as when I'm in the pool. I need to work on that.
Also, my sister in law started in the wave before me (3 minutes ahead). We had a wager (bragging rights) on first out of the water. She beat me by only a few seconds and I passed her on the way to transition.

Included a long run up the hill to the opposite side of transition, but my time was on the lower end and within a few seconds of the leaders. Heart rate skyrocketed after standing up, so it was only a jog through transition. Dropped off goggles/cap, put on sunglasses and helmet, and jogged out. Passed several people in transition.

Not much. 16th best time overall.

I had the bike at about half a mile long (13.5 instead of 13). Jumped on and started biking out of the lake area. Passed several people on the way out. Once we got to the straight open roads I tried to open things up a bit. Pushed hard while still trying to not trash things too bad for the run. I passed lots of people (several with much nicer bikes) and was only passed by a few.

Not much. Really happy with this bike.

Stopped pedaling too soon before dismount line. Pulled feet out and did a "flying" dismount (not super fast, so flying is a bit of an exaggeration). Sat down to put socks and shoes on, grabbed race belt, and took off.

Practice putting on socks and shoes to keep getting faster. Maybe learn to run without socks? Overall 156th best T2 time.

Hamstring cramped about 1/4 of a mile in. Tried to slow down to work it out, but eventually had to stop and stretch for about 10 seconds. Started slower to keep from cramping, and I held back to make sure it didn't lock up again. Course was hilly without any flat. After the turnaround I picked things up, but it still wasn't where I wanted it to be. Probably left 2 minutes or so on the run course.

I need to get some speedwork in. I've only been focusing on getting in the slow miles. Also, need to figure out how to make it so hammy doesn't cramp. I feel I was prepared to suffer, then the cramp came, and my preparation went out the window.

Kissed my wife, drank some water/perform and walked back along the run course to cheer my friends/sister in law on. Cheered others while I was waiting for them. When they came by I got them with a stream of water from my water bottle. Hung out with my friends and their families and watched our kids play on the playground. Got a couple pieces of pizza, grabbed our gear, and headed for home.


My run is clearly my weakest event. I need to train the run much more seriously to get it in line with my swim/bike. Also, I've only been putting in about 1 workout a week in the pool, so I could see some improvements there as well, but the run has to be the focus.


The venue was awesome, but execution left a little to be desired. No announcer or any guidance about the course. First timers were left hanging in the wind as to logistics (race numbers, mount/dismount lines, transition flow, etc.). Check-in was smooth, but they simply handed you your number and you were on your own after that picking up the details by context clues.