Pinehurst Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

Completely lost it mentally right at the beginning. This was my first OWS race. I let the initial pack do their thing before I decided to jump in. I took off way too hard, probably trying to keep up with all of the caps ahead of me. This made my first 500-600 yds. exhausting. I was spent and PISSED. I knew exactly what I had done and was trying to figure out how to regain my composure. Fell into some breast stroke, but wasn't recovering fast enough to suit me. I then rolled over to "sweet spot" (for all of you TI'ers out there) and focused on my HR recovery. By the time I made the first turn, I was beginning to find a rhythm and halfway to the next turn I was feeling pretty good. Luckily I didn't have to worry much about being kicked in the face; however, I did wallop a few myself.

Feeling really good about my progress on the swim. Which is extremely motivating, despite the complete botch of the start.

Mentally prepare myself to not to focus on the surroundings as much (i.e. those in front of me). Always remember ....slow is smooth and smooth is fast. (Thanks Edde and Devin)

I was suprised that I was able to get out of the wetsuit quickly. I took a little more time to focus on putting on a shirt, jacket, and socks to ensure my warmth. Which turned out to be clutch!

Practice start with shoes already clipped. Be confident in my setup and not double think myself before leaving the TA.

Felt pretty good on the bike and this is the only leg that I broke my goal. I wanted to come in under 1:30 and I DID IT!!!! During the prerace meeting on friday, the USAT official explained the draft rules in detail which was very educating. I was unaware of how strict the rule are. The one thing the did forget to mention was how to handle a speeding ambulance coming up behind you. So damnit, I was in a race the heck if I'm stopping or pulling over. Luckily there was enough room for him to get by. A while later, I came up on the scene. Several medics were tending to a fallin' athlete. I think there should be a universal hand signal/phrase or something to pay respects to an athlete like that as you pass. Just a thought. I did get a "Go BT" as I was passed by someone climbing. Don't know who he was, and it took me a good 5 mins or so to realize what he said while passing me. A little while later I think he was out of gas, b/c I passed him and didnt see him again. Finished strong.

Drive the course before the race. Overall I was happy with my performance.

Felt slow. Bringing my bike into the TA, there were a herd of like 4-5 elites that were just chatting. Almost ran them over, well I pretty much did sort of push one of them. Don't stand in the frickin' TA to chat! It's bad enough to see you jokers already finished, much less have to dodge them in transition.

Not think as much on the transition. Just do and go.

Fell into the run quicker than I thought. No, Edde, I didn't surge. I was too worried about actually making it to the end. I kept the pace pretty good. Beginning to feel some confidence in my running. Still the weakest part of my race, but we'll work on that this winter.

Try Eddies surge method :)

It was fantastic seeing Robin, the 'rents, my roommate, and the BT'ers right there when I finished. This was my first race like that and it was frickin' awesome. Ate like 30 oranges...40 bannanas...and socialized with everyone. Took my time getting over to pack my stuff. I loaded the car, saw the 'rents off, and returned to see Teri (NCTriNewbie) come in. She's a big ball of determination and it's very inspiring.


Lack of training...just need to build more base. Lack of experience in the OW. All of which will come. I can't wait until next season, to see how much I can improve! This definitely just fed the addiction.


So glad I signed up for it. Although I feel extremely slow, I feel a huge sense of accomplishment having done this distance. Again it just continues to build my confidence that I will be able to do not only a HIM but a full at some point. I'm so stoked. And BT'ers just continue to be so inspiring. Thanks to all of you who were there physically and all of you that have checked up and encouraged me from all over. We're doing this thing, baby!!!

I'll upload pics as soon as I can get them.