Tempe International Triathlon - Olympic Distance - TriathlonOlympic

I kinda figured my swim today would be bad, but not this bad. I haven't been in the water in 3-weeks and it showed. I petered out about half way through and had to start backstroking. I tried to swim a little wide so I wouldn't impede (get run over) by the fast AG's coming from behind. I should have had a sub 30-minute swim, but my HR was way up there and I just could not get it down.

Well for starters I think TRAINING for the swim would be a good thing;)

Considering the size of the transition area I did pretty good here. I should have arrived earlier to get a better spot more near the bike in/out. I didn't like have to run 50 yards to the mount/dismount after leaving the transition area.

Swim better so my HR isn't in the stratosphere while trying to get on the bike.

The course had one big hill in it that we had to climb four times (once each lap). Although the course was fast, it got cramped quickly. Drafting could not be enforced here as there was always someone ahead and behind of you. A lot of people were dropping water bottles and not retrieving them. I found out later there were quite a few wrecks from traffic and debris.

This was a very good ride considering the first lap was tough (HR was still coming down).

Great T2 here. My HR had settled during the bike I was mentally prepared for a tough run. I had been drinking a lot but dropped half a bottle of Vitamin Water (potassium) jsut to be sure.

Not much here.

Again a BAD 10K. It seems no matter what I do I cannot stave off the cramps on a longer course. A lot of walking was the definition of my 10K.

Not do the Oly! LOL

Walked around and drank water until the muscles let go, then a lot of stretching especially my back and hamstrings.


Genetics, Knee Surgeries, take your pick!


The event itself was terrific. Very well done just like Havasu was. As I've stated in my blog I have had to re-evaluate why I'm doing Tri's. I have had nothing but dread approaching the last two longer races and no the usual excitement. Oly training for me is work and I find myself looking for excuses to skip workouts. I even almost didn't go to the race. Shoot I took me until last Tuesday to make the hotel reservation!

On the other side, I really like doing the sprints. They are fun for me. I know I'll never get a sub 1-hour sprint but they are fun none-the-less.