HITS Triathlon Series: Ocala - Open Course - Triathlon

This was kind of funny. I would not have considered it a swim because it was so shallow and we were packed like sardines. We only went out 50 meters and back. Many walked to the bouoy and then swam back until you had to stand. If people are in front of you and beside you walking, you can't really swim around them. Then it was more like a Sprint to get out of the water and run to T1. The times look way off for 100 meters. This was actually perfect for a new person, new to the experience of OPEN WATER swimming/racing with 75 other people around you.

It was funny seeing everyone move slowly because the lifeguards on paddleboards made it single file around the bouoy, which created a back up of swimmers, waiting their turn I'm sure it was for safely reasons which is smart, considering so many newbies and various fitness levels, and some really little kids with parents too.

Pose as a guy so I can be in the front and go in the first wave. Ha ha! It was men first, then the women, then families with little kids.

Took goggles off and put in swim cap, at the end of the SWIM. Wow, I was thrilled to see how fast my first tranisition ever was! It worked having a picture of where I was to put everything. Other people around me were new too. Glad there is a small stool for each athlete to sit on. Each person has their own rack, next to a compartment to keep wet things in (I understand your wetsuit if one was used). Stools, compartments were labeled with the athlete name and event. Very fancy! OPEN DISTANCE does not get names which is understandable but did see verywhere for the SPRINT and OLYMPIC event.

Nothing, very happy. This T1 will only get faster with experience and practice before a race.

I learned that you say "Left" or something to indicate you are passing the person in front of you. When I heard a little voice from behind say "Left" and then pass me. I made sure I did the "Left" thing back and never let them or anyone else pass me for the rest of the bike. Love my Trek tri bike!

I probably should have shifted gears climbing the hill. Yep!

Very quick transition for my first T2 ever. Glad I had everything out on a towel.

Come better prepared for getting my legs ready from the bike to run.

I forgot to stretch. I was so excited I finished my first race on my new Tri Trek bike, which every one was admiring. :-)


Work on my running. This was only a mile long but my legs didn't move as fast as I had planned. ha ha!


This was the OPEN DISTANCE, a very short distance to give everyone a small taste of what a Triathlon is like. OPEN DISTANCE is a great way to get people to TRY a TRI and make the sport more accessible and possible for the young and old, the fit and working on it. The OPEN Distance was the last race on SUnday. All the commotion from the SPRINT and Olympic races was over, so it was quieter, more intimate with 75 registered and their families. It was such a positive experience, I registered for the HITS SPRINT for 2015 (50% off the $80 registration fee if you register online, that weekend of the race). They give awards 3 deep for each age group, even for the mini open distance. I was really excited when my name was called for 1st place in my age group. They gave me a gorgeous 1st place Wooden plaque which says" 1st Place, HITS OCALA, OPEN DISTANCE, 45-50 Female, date and location. I was only 44 but I learned from a friend that your age group is based on the age you will be on your birthday, in the year the race takes place.