5430 Long Course Triathlon - TriathlonLong Course

There was a large amount of traffic from the get go. I spent the first leg of the swim just trying to get around traffic. I felt good though. I went into the race with absolutely no goals. Just have fun and enjoy the race. That's what I did from the moment the gun went off.

I think I'm just going to start at the front from here on out. Not that I'm a super fast swimmer, I

Did I mention, I was just out to have fun? I came up out of the water and almost immediately saw Ocky when I heard him cheering for me. I walked to the transition area while I took in the crowd, my competitors and the views.

Absolutely nothing. This was a Zen like transition.

I continued my "take it easy" approach when I got on the bike. I really didn't care who fast or slow I went as long as I was enjoying the ride. I got passed by quite a few guys in my AG pretty early on, but I didn't feel like I was in a race. I went fast at times because it was fun and I got out of the saddle to climb some of the hills for the same reason, but I never really worried about speed. I did take care to drink often, take my Endurolytes and gels on a regular basis. Regardless of how easy I rode, I knew the run would be tough.

Nothing... well maybe I would have ridden slower through the "Bikini Aid Statilon"

Pulled on my socks and shoes while chatting w/ some of the guys racked near me, then headed for the port-a-potty. I tried to pee while I was on the bike, but apparently I didn't have to go bad enough then, cuz I just couldn't go. I left the TA, a few ounces lighter and feeling pretty good.

Nothing

I started off feeling pretty good, but at mile 3 I felt the first twitch of a muscle cramp. I brought about 20 Endurolytes with me on the run and began popping them like candy every time I drank and finished that first lap without any big problems although I walked the aid stations to help prevent cramping. I also discovered that putting ice in the pockets of my jersey seemed to keep me nice and cool.

A couple miles into the 2nd lap I saw Laura from the Parker Tri Club and Jen/Numberswoman where the course doubles back on itself. About a mile later, Laura caught me, so I ran w/ her the rest of the race. I was getting pretty lazy when she caught me and it was about time that I start working a little harder. I was thoroughly impressed. We walked the remaining aid stations, but when we were running, we held a pretty good pace with Laura pushing. She kept on telling me I could run ahead, but I don't think she believed me when I told her I couldn't go any faster :)

More run training. Overall my training the past few weeks has been crap, but as far as this race goes, I really enjoyed it. I got to talk to some pretty cool folks on the course, and did the event w/ no pressure on myself. So while I should have trained more, I did the race perfectly for what I had to work with.

Cooled off in the Res, chatted w/ friends, got a massage, had a couple beers and some pizza.


Training


The aid stations were done very well. They could have been spread out a bit more since they seemed to be too close to eachother on the first half of the loop, but I'm not really complaining. The bike course is definitely a fast course. If you're looking to PR for a HIM, the course won't hold you back, but the heat could get to you.