Square Lake Triathlon - Half Iron Distance - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Comedy of errors. Could not have had a worse or more comical start. However, it seemed to follow the way my morning had been unfolding. This was my first long distance race so I guess I was more nervous than I had thought...After losing and misplacing several items through the early a.m., I finally thought I had it together and headed down the hill one final time in wet suit for the swim start only to realize I had left my goggles and earplugs in my bag -- at the top of the hill. Sprinted back uphill and retrived them and to save time decided to put my earplugs in on my way back down hill while the annoncements were being made. Bad idea. When I retrieved my lost keys from the race table I thought the announcer told me I would be in the second wave going out 3 minutes after the first wave. However, upon reaching the beach -- ear plugs in -- I thought I heard that 35 and over were to go out second wave. I confirmed my start info with a guy next to me,(who it turns out was equally as clueless) as I see my group of white hats mustering for the start? I'm thinking what's up with that as off they go - without me. Apparently, while I was away chasing my tail, they announced that my group was in the first wave. Two minutes into the swim I hear the announcer proclaim "35 -- and under -- get ready." Upon hearing this I realize I missed my start and franticly pull my goggles down and begin swimming after my group, that by this time has a 100-150 yard head start. My goggles were not set properly so I swam blind for the first 400 yard leg of the race with the goggles half full of water. Emptied and readjusted the goggles at the second buoy and after recovering my composure from the debacle at the start the rest of the swim was uneventfull and went pretty well. I seemed to drift a lot in my navigation so I don't know if it was me or the buoys...

Relax. Put in my ear plugs -- after the announcements, and be sure my goggles were fitted properly before my start...

Deliberately took my time to get bearings and minimize mistakes. Should have put on a wind shirt but I felt pretty comfortable coming out of the water.

Dress warmer.

Since I was lagging behind I didn't see many bikes ahead of me and became a bit disoriented and numb on the second bike loop. Trying to conserve energy for the run, I slowed down prematurely during the last 5 miles thinking I was nearer the end than I was. Figure this cost me about 5-10 minutes. Froze my toes and cajones on the ride but hydration went well and legs felt reasonably fresh (or too numb to hurt) going into the run.

Dress warmer. Pay better attention to landmarks on the first loop and be more familiar with the course.

Frigid and numb coming off biike. Took extra time to wipe feet and put on dry socks for run to guard against recurrent blisters but should have grabbed a shirt too. Forgot to take HRM on the run but did not miss it.

Better organization

Went well and pretty much according to pre-race plan and goal -- hydrate, don't cramp up, finish the race first and worry about pace second! A little rotator cuff pain in my left shoulder during last five miles was a minor annoyance but overall I was comfortable. While slow, my run was my best event today. I was happy with the event and even happier to finish my first 1/2IM! This race was a great barometer for my progress leading up to the Twin City Marathon in 21 short days.

More speed and hill training.

Dressed warm and walked up and down that miserable stairway one last time to get some snacks ;-)


Nerves and organizational mistakes I normally do not make...Goal was to finish sub-6:30 for my first race but considering everything that can go wrong in a long race I am happy to have just finished..


Could use additional sponsorships! What was touted as gatorade was very watered down so I am happy I brought my own rehydration drink! Maybe it was a combo of the weather and my snail finish but, for the type of race and race fee charged, I was dissapointed by the post-race activities and the lack of items at the snack table to eat. All we received for entering was a cheezy t-shirt and nothing for finishing. I would think a 70.3 hand towel or race cap with a 70.3 club inscription awarded to all finishers would not be too much to ask for as an atta-boy or atta-girl award...

Regardless, everyone was very friendly and accommodating and the volunteers were very helpfull and absolutely wonderful to endure such a miserble day outdoors. This was my first 1/2 IM so in spite of the weather, and all other things considered, I enjoyed the race and am immensely pleased to be a member of the 70.3 club. I now feel like a true triathlete.

Thank you.