Got the Nerve? Triathlon - Triathlon

Swim went pretty good, I was happy with my sighting, positioning and performance overall but should've swam faster! Minimal contact, passed a fair amount of people, got a strong start. 62 degree water usually feels pretty chilly but with air temps of 52, it felt 'good'!

Swim faster!

Decent transition overall considering the cold and rain. I was a little fumbly and also talking to EFP who was taking his sweet time, lol, but Imainly kept on point and didn't waste too much time.

There was a little bunch up at the mount line. I'd have preferred a better start but it wasn't entirely my fault.

Headed out on the bike feeling, again, decent physically and mentally. A bit frustrated at the cluster of bikers in front of me who put on the brakes needlessly heading down the little driveway out of transition out to the main road. I may have yelled for them not to stop, to keep moving. I don't remember exactly what I said.

After getting past them, I systematically I made my way through some slower bikers satisfied with my performance so far. Frustrated with a pair of friends who insisted on riding side by side and not toward the right who caused consternation for many riders, not just me. Saw a friend cheering near Dinosaur Rock - it's always great to get surprise support! Made good time getting down the hill and through the rollers.

Was my start PR material? No, but it felt good especially considering the weather. Turned onto Creek Road about 5 miles into the bike and saw a biker down with a couple people standing around. I asked if they were ok and they replied affirmatively, then I recognized the person on the ground as a friend so I stopped. I quickly saw she wouldn't be getting back on the bike today. She remained laying on the road for a while, then wanted to sit up. I had a vest on and gave it to her since she’s about 100 lbs soaking wet and WAS soaking wet (it was still raining steadily) and shivering heavily and obviously injured.

The other female and I tried to keep her warm with our body heat as one of the other people attempted to get in touch with someone to send an ambulance. We stayed with her until the ambulance finally arrived, probably 20-30 minutes later, I have no idea for sure. By then I was pretty cold and it seemed most of the other bikers in the race were passed so I and the others loaded our bikes in the SAG wagon to be taken back. The ambulance passed out blankets to us after they got my friend loaded up.


While I wouldn’t change my decision to stop to help a friend, I was a little disappointed in not finishing the race especially since I was feeling ok.

Put my bike back on the rack and had my injured friend's bike as well. Put my rain gear and boots back on and watched LT finish, congratulated AH and a few others from AYP. Got to see EFP finish and got some pictures of him!

Injured friend was released from the ambulance and in a wheelchair. Some folks from her tri club offered to drive her car back plus drive her to get further medical assessment. Chatted with her a bit and told her I'd take her bike and belongings to her house.

Gathered up our bikes and gear and took our stuff and my friend's back to our car. Normally we'd stay for awards but we were both cold and ready to be out of the rain so we went home for warm showers and dry clothes. I was shivering so hard by the time we got home despite having the heat in the car cranked up to 78!

Went back out for BBQ and beer after we got cleaned up. Sadly none of our pals were able to join us for various reasons.




My first official DNF ever. Not a bad track record, I suppose.


I fully endorse this race and its cause and will continue to support it in years to come but I've learned today that there needs to be some better method in place to get help for someone in need of serious assistance. Thank heavens my friend didn't have more serious injuries - it took way too long to get in touch with someone and for help to arrive.