St. Anthony's Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

After starting the swim, the very first breath contained about two cups of sea water. Welcome to OW swims.

START-200YD - Had a few guys in my way (that's a first), that I didn't want to draft from but didn't want to risk speeding up thru them so early. Had no choice but to back off, go left then squeeze to finally free myself.

200-FIRST TURN - Got into a decent groove, sighting was decent, was still working off a few guys that apparently had gone too hard too soon (more bouys).

FIRST TURN-SECOND TURN - Half way thru this my right calf wanted to cramp up so I had to concentrate on keeping that down, wasn't working, finally had to do the side stroke while keeping Rt. toes pulled up as much as possible.

SECOND TURN TO END - Was feeling good again for at least the first half of this part when the cramp decided to hit full force like lightning. Cursed it a bit & kept swimming in place but with Rt. toes up. I could feel this slowing me down significantly. Funny, how clear the water was enough that I could see where the bouys were anchored to the floor about 15-ish feet down.

FINISH - Was a bit disappointed that I could not go as fast I really wanted (dam cramps), but still happy I beat last year's time by 2min. I estimate I could've done at least another full minute better.

Make sure at least a 2,500yd swim is cake by the time this size race comes around again (Lumpy pancake in July). Find ways to keep from cramping. Overall, I'm happy with the swim...especially that it was done without a wet suit this time. :)

Transition times have not changed much since I still use this time to relax, focus & make sure I don't violate any of the simple rules that get so many in trouble.

I'll probably start paying more attention to how I put on socks. I seem to really slow down paying attention to this.

START-10MI - All went well and was definately feeling better than last year. I remember last year I was still trying to catch my breath here. Was still not to comfy in aero.

10MI-15MI - According to my computer, I held an avg. of 17mph up to this point. Still comfy but could tell things were about to change. Not sure if it was fatigue, I started drinkiing a bit more gatorade. Had held areo most of the way here.

16MI-20MI - Not bad, got a boost and started to pass more people. Forgot to look at the computer. Going aero was more comfy still.
Turning is probably my favorite part. My motorcycle training pays off nicely here. I alwsy seem to pass a number of people here. The secret is......YEAH RIGHT! :)

21MI-FINISH - Started dying right around here. Was bummed out cause I could tell the run was going to have a lot more walking than desired. Lower back started giving me grief. Wish I had packed Tylenol here. Forget aero at this point. Was dropped by a group that I had been following for the last 10-ish miles. :(
Not sure if it was my imagination but I thought I felt the bike coming a "bit lose". Can't really describe it but it was either fatigue or the frame is coming lose at this point.

MORE SADDLE TIME! Stretch more.

Usual

Worry less about my socks. I'm sure I could save at least a full minute if I don't dry my feet off again and switch socks here. I'm always thinking I'll get the blister to end all blisters if I don't watch it here. This probably holds true in 1/2IM distances & up.

START-3MI - Couldn't hold a single mile without walking. Was not happy. Still had hopes of beating last year's time.

3MI-5MI - This is where I started to lose hope of beating last year's time. I had it in my lungs but my hams & lower back were burning up everytime I tried to keep running.

5MI-FINISH - Triathlons are such a good test of what you are made of. Really wanted to finish running at least the entire straight away (about 3/4mi), but I let tight hams & lower back get in the way.
For whatever reason, all I could think about was the two holes going thru my bike frame. Made the best of it.

Run more, stretch more.....keep my bike from getting a hole in it.

No warm down.


- Stretch more
- Build a bigger base.
- Train with heavy clothes. NY had lower than average temps (almost like winter would never leave). In hind-sight, I would have liked to have hotter weather to train in at least a week prior to this race.
- Lose weight. This never ending saga has to end


I like this race cause it's flat & fast (unlike me). It also doubles up as a vacation/Disney destination for the clan & of course stone crabs are still available, but barely with the season close to ending.
With proper planning, we'll be back again next year (for my redemption).
Briefly met some BTer's but had to head back to the other end of FL to meet up with the family for the start of the Disney trip for them.