Make-a-Wish Triathlon at Sea Colony - Triathlon

No, that swim time is not a typo.

Ok, first of all--the waves were pretty huge for Delaware. When my wife walked out the beach, she said she thought, "surely they're not going to make them swim in that?" It was my first run-into-the-water start, and my first real washing machine. Getting out through the waves, which were well over my head, was really tough. I definitely had a couple moments of near-panic, thinking, WTF am I doing out here?
Once I got around the first buoy, the current was incredible. The waves were so high, and there was so much chop, I couldn't see any of the other swimmers, the buoy's or much of anything, and I think I swam a little too far out to sea at one point. Occaisionally, I'd get a look at the pack, and I'd try to get into someone's wake, but I'd usually wind up passing them pretty quickly. Once I got around the last buoy, I bodysurfed onto the beach and climbed out, happy to be done with the whole thing.

I saw my wife and son as I got out. Apparently, my kid had found a pinecone he wanted to give me for luck, and when I ran past, he chased after me, up the ramp and out towards transition, causing some chaos among the volunteers who were trying to keep him from getting run over. I would've stopped if I'd seen him, but it all went on behind me and I had no idea.

Not panic. I don't think it affected my time, but it wasn't fun havnig to fight the voices in my head telling me to quit for the first few minutes. More practice in similar conditions would probably help.
No real complaints, though. I mean, look at the time?

I felt like this was a just ok transition. No problems getting out of my suit or anything. THe time reflects a long run from the beach to T1. I didnt' leave my shoes on the bike, but I have gotten better at running while pushing the bike by the seatpost. My rack was right next to bike-out, which was nice.

T1 is still a work in progress. More practice.

Pretty strong headwinds on the way out. I tried to follow Bill's nutrition plan--just Powerade Endurance, with a gel w/ 5 minutes left. Since the course was so short, I really wated to hammer, but I wanted to be sure I wasn't too tired for the run. I also really wanted to bring my HR down. In the end, I was pretty happy with it, although I think I could have gone a little faster. I think I was more or less even in terms of people passed vs people who passed me.

Go faster.

Almost managed the flying dismount, but dislodged on of my shoes and had to go back and get it. Otherwise fine. My rack was a mess, and the guy on the other side had precariously balanced his tri-bike so that the slightest wiggle of the rack would cause it to tip over. I did the best I could.

Don't lose the shoe.

Pretty good run. I started with an easy pace just to get my legs, and pushed it a little up the 3-mile long hill. Passed several people in my AG and didn't get passed by any. Had a gel w/caffeine at the 4-mile point, which was great. Played cat & mouse with this guy for most of the way back. I'd pass him, he'd pass me. Whenever I'd try to pass, he'd pick up his pace. Eventually, I decided, "I'm beating this guy." I started to pass him, and made him match my pace, and just kept accelleraring until he couldn't keep up, then I kept it up until he was well behind me, and never saw him again. That was kinda cool.
Got a blister around mile 2, which was pretty painful by mile 4 or so. Can't say whether it affected my pace.

Don't get a blister. Race more. Again, I think I finished with a little more in the tank than I needed to. Probably coulda gone a little faster.

Went and got a bandaid at the medical tent. Put on warm clothes and walked back to the car to put my stuff away, then went to the picnic with my wife & kid.


Mostly inexperience, I think.


I give this race a "2" because of the bike leg. Advertising an Olympic race and delivering a 7-mile bike leg is unacceptable. Otherwise, it was fine, although unremarkable. Post-race picnic was a nice event. Nothing really special about the bike or run course--along a highway. I certainly wouldn't consider the race again until they get the permits sorted out. And even then, it's a long way to travel (5 hrs) for a race that's just ok. I'm glad it was for a good cause, and I'm happy I was able to raise some money for make-a-wish, but, unless I had friends who were participating, or something, I don't think I'd do this race again.