Iowa Games Triathlon - Triathlon

The first two hundred yards was a mass of human bodies. I kept running into people and had others run into me. I had to slow down just because I could not get past the wall of bodies. At the first bouy a bunch of people had stopped to site and of course I got caught up in that mass. Finally broke free and got going in a nice rhythm. Slightly upset that I got hung up on that turn but the rest of the swim went well. Rounded the thrid bouy with no problems and made my way to shore.

Try not to get started so far behind the pack. Finally at the point on the short swims where I can start more towards the front and not get caught behind the other swimmers.

Got to my bike rack section quickly. Was a bit dizzy coming out of the water. Kept my speed at a walk and soon felt fine. Got everything on and in place and was off.

Nothing, happy with where my bike was placed, easy to get to and easy to find.

This is the same three loop course it was over the past four years. I tried to be more agressive over the tight corners and turns in the road. Almost wrecked my bike and after that decided to play it safe and take it easy. Was going up the large hill the first time and came up on a biker who was having troubles getting her rear tire inflated. She already used her single CO2 cansiter. I stopped to give her mine only to find out that she had no clue on how to use it. After a quick tutor session I left her to figure out her tire and took off again. Trying to get going on the steepest part of the hill was not easy but I was able to sprint back up to speed and quickly passed everyone thaat had passed me while I was helping. Only ten minutes later after rounding a corner I hammered down on the cranks only to have my chain drop. I was so mad! This is only the second time in three years that my bike dropped the chain. Of course it took me several minutes to get the chain back on and functional again. Which of couse in turn got my hands all greesy and nastly. Wanted to wipe the sweat from my eyes but didn't want to get the greese all over either. So I just let the sweat run. Tried to get caught back up and soon caught the back of the pack and started to pass people. But I never left like I fully caught up to where I was before.

Nothing really. I know that if I didn't stop to help that lady I wouldn't be able to sleep at night and there was not much I could do about the chair. Still need to work on fast cornoring.

Quick transition again. Took a sip from my water and I was off. Was amazed that even though I went hard on the bike my legs actually felt decent.

Nothing!

By this time it was HOT out. The run course had us going in and out of the tree lined path so it really wan't to bad as long as I didn't stay to long in the sun. I ran for a count of 100 with is six steps per one count then walked for 30 seconds. This helped keep my legs functional but still moving. Seemed like for every two people I passed I was passed by one. Still didn't like having to run a portion of it on the uneven grass but managed to not fall this time around. Came up on a lady who looked and sounded close to total collaps. I stopped to make sure she was ok then moved on with my run again.

The support on the course was great and reminded me of why I love this tri so much. Got some water at the aid stations and was soon off again. As I approaced the finish line I gave it one final last push and before I knew it, the tri was over.

Nothing! Happy with my run/walk intervals to keep my legs moving at a steady pase. Really didn't loose speed on the last few run sections.

Got my bottle of water, ate a few bites before I found a shady spot to stretch. While waiting for the results to be posted I ran down to the beach, showered, changed cloths and found another shady spot to relax. Found out that I managed to get a second place win in my division!!! That really suprised me considering that I stopped three times.


Nothing really. I don't like the heat but I think I did well considering how hot it was out there.


This remains one of my all time favoriate races. Will look forward to coming back next year.