St. Patrick's Day Triathlon - Triathlon

I was moving at a great pace, but some folks in front of me underestimated (by a lot) their pace. I got caught behind two guys swimming side by side. Probably passed 5-6 persons total. The delay cost me about 30 seconds.

The water temperature was very warm. It took a lot more out of me than I expected.

It's hard to say, given that this was my first triathlon and it was in a pool. I am happy with my effort. I would probably do flip-turns on my next one, assuming I can get my breathing right.

It took me a few seconds to get my socks on. I had a hard time getting into my shoes, which were clipped in already. I had only practiced that on the trainer.

Practice getting into my shoes on the road, rather than just on the trainer.

Effort felt right. I didn't bring fluids, and that was a huge mistake.

Carry some fluid.

4th fastest transition. It would have been faster if I had remembered to take off my helmet!

Take off my helmet

I felt gassed at the beginning. It took about a mile and a half to feel good and then I was able to pick it up. Taking in fluid on the bike would have helped a lot. During the first mile of my run, I wondered why I was doing this and how I will finish an olympic in July.



Drink water on the bike.

What warm down?


Poor time estimation by other competitors in the swim, warm water, failing to take fluid on the bike, and forgetting to take off my helmet in transition.


This was my first triathlon, so it's hard to rate the race. I thought it was well organized and the course was well constructed for ease of navigation. The pool was too warm. I would have liked to have seen an aid station on the bike course, but that's mostly because I was stupid and did not carry my own fluid.

There was plenty of space for spectators. Several folks from work and church came to cheer me on. That was pretty fantastic.

The swag consisted of a pullover and green socks. I like the socks, but the pullover is an ugly shade of green. It probably will not get much use.

I think this was a good value race for a first-timer. The other competitors were friendly and the atmosphere was fun. I am glad that I lost my tri virginity with this race.