Yellowstone Kelly Mountain Man Triathlon - Triathlon

It was a good swim. There was a lead group that created some separation early and I lead the chase group so I was pretty alone up there and there was no one to draft. But I was able to sight off a couple of distinct on shore landmarks as the buoys were a little touch to pick up while sighting.

Not much, it felt like a really good swim. Maybe I could have pushed a little harder but it was a safe swim that put me in a good position coming into T1

Wetsuit got caught on the timing chip ankle and hung up a little bit but not too bad. I had planned on having my shoes clipped in and doing a flying mount however, there happened to be a large speed bump that was positioned awkwardly that would have made it tough. The gravel on the paved lot would have made it tough to run past it and if I mounted before I would have hit it just as I was trying to get settled. So I elected to run past it in my cycling shoes and them mount and clip in. Cost a little time but certainly didnt effect my results any



Dry off less. I should have just forgot about my towel but water was running down my face and in my eyes when I was bent over trying to get cycling shoes on so I grabbed it.

I had scouted the course previously but failed to realize I had to re-ride one section twice until the day of the race. The big climb was tough and the decent was a narrow bike path that had other users on it so it was tough to advantage of the speed going back down. I felt like I held my own on the ride, I did get passed by a few guys but my position leading the chase pack out of the water made it tough to get anyone in my sights to catch.



Again, not much. The competitive side of me would have loved to do better but I rode my race and stayed within my limits and finished just below my expected time.

I made the last minute choice to run in my new shoes and didn't have speed laces in them yet so it took extra time to tie them.

Not forget my race belt. I almost made it out of transition before realizing I didn't grab my belt with my required race number on it so I had to run back and grab it.

First lap felt great, I was running a little faster than I had hoped by felt strong. At around mile 4 it got tougher as it was starting to hurt (just plain hurt not any specific injury). So I started a walk run strategy and this is was what I think really caused me to fall back in the standings. I did however manage to stay on a pace that would bring me to the finish line under my goal of 3 hours.

There was one aid station providing water at the turn around I should have taken a few more minutes to get more water in me while on the course. I cant say it was dehydration that was starting to kick in but it certainly may have been a factor.

Just walked the lake shore while re-hydrating.


I think it was just a lack of depth to my fitness, I performed at a time I was very happy with. For my first Olympic Distance race, goal #1 was to finish, #2 was to finish in under 3.5 hours and my dream goal was sub 3 hours (and I just made it). I felt it was pretty good given 7 months ago I couldn't run around the block without stopping.


This is only my 3rd Triathlon, and first Oly distance so I didn't feel it was fair to the race director to rate it based on my limited experience and lack of comparisons. Additionally it was an inaugural event so I'm sure it will only get better (not saying anything was bad). Id recommend the race to others for sure. There was nothing outside of my own performance that left me wanting more from the race. It was a great setting in a beautiful location with some great athletes.