State Games of America Triathlon - Triathlon

The first 100yds were good. I was able to draft on someone for a good portion of it. I had someone all over my legs more than once, rhythm. I also zig zagged a little, with the "hot dog" shaped buoy being a bit hard to see. Once I was clear of the swimmer(s) that were hitting my legs, I was able to sight better, and held a steady pace. I swam nearly into the center of the buoy, and had to swim right, and then hard left to get around it. I actually ran into it a bit, not effecting my swim. The second buoy was easier to see, and I had no trouble from there on in.

The only things that were troubling where my thoughts. I hate not being able to see where I am in relation to others. I didn't know I was swimming as well as I was, and felt slow. In the future, I need to just concentrate on what I am doing. Because, I'm actually a pretty darn good swimmer.

Transition went perfect, until I went to put my feet into my shoes. I left my shoes velcro'd closed! This wasted a good 20sec on the bike. Also forgot to hit my watch until I was fully into my shoes.

Have my shoes open... so dumb.

Heart rate was high, and part of this was due to not feeling 100%. A head cold (sinus infection?) had me feeling pretty badly the day before. I am also not well trained for riding hills, as well as being over weight. I went nearly as hard as I could, trying not to overdo it and not be able to run.

The biggest stupid thing that happened was the fault of course workers...or lack of. The first lap, just .25mi out of T1, there were still barricades up blocking traffic, and competitors from the course. Several riders, including myself, turned left as it appeared we were routed that way. NOPE. This easily added 20+ seconds to our time, and was also fairly dangerous. This took us to an unmanned BUSY intersection and traffic light. Luckily, I was there at a green light, and was able to turn right, and get back on course quickly. Totally inexcusable though. I was told that they would adjust the time somehow, but I don't think that happened...as my watch shows 42:28...I hit the lap button after getting into my shoes.

Get more road miles in, vs trainer time.

Good T2, with the exception of two things. When coming in fast on the bike, the guy directing athletes to T2 was yelling very loudly. This scared the guy in front of me, that stopped WAY short. I slammed on my brakes, and barely made it around his left. On the way out to the run, I almost ran the wrong way, thinking that there was a separate run exit. Nope. Same place as swim entry. That was just funny.

nada

First 1/2 mile was tough, but ok. Legs felt heavy, but I was able to keep them turning at a pretty good cadence. I was really hot at about the one mile mark, walked for maybe 10sec, and dumped water on my head at the aid station. I didn't drink at all on the run, and my gut was sloshing pretty badly. I was really feeling the effects of being a little sick, and the hard bike now. I ended up walking another 10sec uphill near the turn around, and then again, in the shade of some trees, with only .25mi to go. After that, I finished strong, and am happy with my run time.

Drink less fluid on the bike. MORE the day before!

Finish line crossed, and catching my breath, I ate some orange slices and drank a cup of water. Found my wife and sister, and chatted for a few minutes before collecting my stuff from transition.


First year back, and typical overweight me. I may do this race every year (even with the nasty water), just to gauge my improvement.


The sign in area was very well manned. Rescue crews and police controlling intersections were perfect. There were not many volunteers on other parts of the bike or run course, with a few controlling traffic at neighborhood sections. I feel, even though this is a 5k out and back, there should be two aid stations on the run. Mostly for moral support I guess? I give bad marks for the barricade issue though. That was really bad and totally preventable. They need to have a motorcycle make a lap of the bike course just prior to start, and then leading out the race leader. I may volunteer my services for that purpose next year instead of racing. I really don't know why they have it at this lake? There are better places (Branched Oak Lake) to have it. It's convenient for spectators and competitors, but the lake is nasty and the bike course is less than ideal.