Pinehurst Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

This was my first beach start race. I just hung back and started to the back and outside of the rest of the pack. Never really found my groove. Freestyle most of the way except some breast stroke around the bouys. I was really battling with myself throughout the entire swim...why was I doing this today. Another testament to the fact that the body can only do so much if the heart and mind are not there.

Have all of me show up for the race.

I knew going in that T1 was going to be long. I brought fleece pants and a fleece top to wear and it took a while to get my wet self into them. Also had full-finger gloves.

Race on a warmer day.

My legs were dead going out. About 1.25 miles into the bike, the tube on the front tire started to ooze out the side between the rim and tire...the pre-race problem I had back to haunt me. Fortunately, this didn't pinch or puncture the tube. I stopped and deflated the tube enough to get the tire back seated properly in the rim and re-inflated the tire. Legs were a little fresher after this little break. About two-thirds of the way through I realized that I couldn't feel my toes any longer. My feet were freezing. The hills were tough, but I managed to spin up them okay.

Need to practice changing tires on my bike so I can do it quicker and more efficiently. Toe warmers.

More trying to convince myself to continue the race. I knew I couldn't finish the run in an hour and the race cut-off was 4 hours. I decided what the heck. If they had to pick me up off the run course, then so be it. Left the gloves and grabbed my hat and a bottle of Gatorade for the journey around the lake.

Walked the first mile until I could feel my toes again. Walking through the tinglies was fun. Had the guy in the SAG truck stop me around the 1 mile mark and explain that he wasn't stalking me, he was just going to be picking up the signs and aid stations behind me. I kept expecting them at any moment to say...sorry but we need to take you in. But they didn't. I continued to shuffle down the hills and walk up them. The drizzle started to fall heavier as I went along. Greeted a few golfers as I trudged along. Got tickled at that inner dialog that you have to expect is going along...Golfer - why would anyone run in this weather. Runner - why would anyone golf in this weather.

Run...then run faster.

Warm-down?! I was freezing. Cold and wet...a joyful combination. 1 Foot and Tri'nNC stayed around with the crickets to cheer me to the finish. I was grateful they were there. But other than the race director and his crew taking down the TA...everyone else was gone. Grabbed a couple of Diet Cokes, packed up my stuff, and headed back to the hotel for a warm shower.

Don't stay at the Days Inn in Pinehurst unless you have no other option. We had an overall bad customer service experience upon both check-in and check-out.


Weight and overall fitness. I also realized how necessary it is to have your mind, heart, and body all on the same page for events like this.

This was my first Oly and at least I can say I finished. It wasn't pretty, but it gives me a target for next year. I set out this year to complete 5 NCTS events and this was my 5th. I did manage to qualify for the NCTS Invitational. I just don't think I have another Oly in me this year, plus I'm not nearly as competitive as most of the people who will be doing that race.


This is a tough race. The lake is nice and the bike and run courses are challenging. Will I do it again??...I don't know...I'll see how I feel next year when time comes to sign up. Right now I'm just spent and glad the racing season is over.