Patriots Half - Triathlon

First river swim, and first open water swim in 3 years. Water was surprisingly choppy - wasn't sure if this was normal until i spoke to other athletes.

Pretty much slack tide

Course looked really long from shore.

lost quite a few strokes to waves, and breathing was impacted by taking waves to the face.

practice open water swimming

more time in the pool.

navigation was tough due to the choppyness of the water, but wasn't bad.
expected to swim it in 45 minutes, got out of the water in 41. overall time includes the 1/4 mile run (ish) to transition.

Seemed slow, lots of grass on my feet. tried to wipe it off which was pointless. Not a flying start person, nor do i leave my shoes on the bike. i put them on then clip in.

managed to grab a sip of liquid before leaving.

ignore the grass on my feet.

Humidity was a challenge. was borderline on dehydration headache most of ride (would fade after rest stations, and return)

overall happy - anything better than 16mph average was acceptable for me. (first HIM)

ride more!
more hill work.
more speed work.

pretty fast, no issues

not much, not a flying dismount person.

Was hot, walked whenever heart rate exceeded my limit.
walked through stations

Practice in the humidity?

knew the run would be a challenge, didn't have a great gear with running.

stretched, walked


the run.
the humidity.
heart rate on the run - body felt fine, heart was racing.
had issues on the right sit bone, right lower back (typical)
foot pain issues (bike) that didn't exist in training



Volunteers were great.
Course was pretty good.
Weather the day after was much better - but not much to be done here.
Pre-race meeting was helpful.
start time was coordinated with the tide, which helped.
athletes were friendly