Superiorman - Triathlon

Yep, I'm slow. The swim is unique in that you jump off of a boat for the start. The waves were such that the boat was unable to be anchored correctly so they were unsure for the safety of all the swimmers. Instead, they modified the course and shortened the swim but still allowed us to jump from the boat while it was moored to the dock. It all worked out well because we could swim with the current for two lengths of the swim and only against the current for one length.

Get a swim instructor and more open water swims with waves. Once I got into the chop I had an anxiety moment and thought that I was going to need to be dragged out of the water. Thankfully I found a woman that I could mark off of and it got me back into a rhythm. That other racer never knew that she saved my race.

I don't know what I was doing in T1. I guess I stopped to get a coffee along the way, read the Sunday paper, enjoy the scenery. Man, it didn't feel like that long, but I guess it's better to be safe and have everything I need in place.

Practice my transitions...at all.

The bike course was fun and my effort was right on spot. A few times I felt as if I might be pushing into the wind too much because I was passing lots of people. That happens when you are a whale trying to swim with sharks. You make up a lot of ground when you actually get to something you are better at. After seeing my time I was surprised that it took me that long as I felt I would make up lots of time on the back. Once we got back into town, your opportunity to make up time was pretty much lost due to the turns.

Practice biking into the wind. Find a better way to keep my nutrition on hand. More hills.

Had a nice little run into T2 so that helped to stretch out the legs. Nearly wiped out getting off the bike, but stayed upright. Emptied pockets, got essentials loaded, Body Glide applied, Tylenol ingested, gone. I could have gone a bit faster but didn't want to rush and miss something. After leaving I felt as If something was missing, but I had everything.

Practice, practice, practice.

The run started out strong, probably too strong. Felt great at the start but could not get myself to ramp it back. Figured I might as well go after it. Pace initially ranged from 7:30-7:45 for the first 5 miles. About mile 6-7 the wall began to hit. That was also the turnaround when we went back into the wind for the second time. Wind is demoralizing when you are tired. Continued to move along at about an 8:00-8:30 pace for a good 3-4 more miles. At the final turnaround (near mile 11) the adrenaline kicked in and I picked up my pace once again to about the 7:45 mark all the way through the end. I walked all the aid stations switching between water and Gatorade at every other station. I was disappointed because the only nourishment they had on the course were gels. I was hoping for bananas at least. My tummy wasn't feeling bad, but I didn't want to chance it by taking on gels as I have had bad upsets while taking gels before.

Not much. Maybe try to take on some nutrition during the run. Walking the aid stations was a bit demoralizing, but probably the best plan as I felt immediately fresher after finishing the walk.

After meeting my family at the finish line, I did a short run and stretch, but not too much. Paid for it the next day, but it was not too excruciating.


Lack of experience at this distance. It was my first time at this distance and my only tri of the year. My swim is always my limiting factor.


The finishers food was good as well as plentiful. The medal is pretty cool (a replica of Lake Superior). I would like to see better nutrition on the run course. The RD was in constant communication with us about the changes. A very fun race.