Taylorsville Tri-Fest Half Iron Triathlon - Triathlon

This was an incredibly slow swim. I didn't even count to see where I ended up. I actually felt like I was moving along, which is weird. There was a group of about 4-5 of us, but I ended up in front with them drating me for most of it. Would never have guessed how slow we went til I saw the splits. Last year I was 42- over 5 minutes slower this time.

Swim faster. Not sure what happened- I felt comfortable and like I maintained a straight course.

I didn't leave my shoes clipped in this time. There's a HUGE hill coming out of transition so I did things the old-fashioned way just to be cautious. Also, remembered to put on sunscreen, which would be a godsend.

Nothing... it was fine.

Had the quickest split of the women despite being 6 minutes slower than last year. I got a new drink holder, and my theory is that I didn't cut the straw enough which led to almost unbearable discomfort from mile 18 on. My neck cramped, my shoulders and back cramped, and my elbows were numb. I have NEVER had discomfort on the bike before, and this is the ONLY thing that was different so it had to be that. I also had bad right achilles pain, which has been plaguing me on the bike lately.

Take care of the discomfort thing. Also, slow down more at the water stops because I missed a water grab completely.

More sunscreen.

Like many others, I suffered in the run. There is no shade on the course, and this was the first hot day of the year so no one was used to it. It felt like a slog fest. I poured water on my head every mile or so, but I still felt heatstrokey. About mile 9 I actually broke out in goosebumps and started shivering. Not a good sign. Anyway, the girl in first was a good mile ahead of me. I tried to make up ground, but only made up a minute or two. Lots of people were walking. It was a painful one and the finish could not come soon enough.

Well, you can't change Mother Nature so not much.

Sat in the shade!


The heat. The discomfort on the bike, and lack of swim talent.


I like this race, despite the tough course. A lot of people had times 25-30 minutes slower this year than last year, so being 15 minutes slower isn't too terrible. Finished second overall to a strong girl (she's headed to Kona) so not too worried about it.