The Nation's Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

My first deep water start. I felt really good about the swim even though I had several guys trying to swim over me and getting kicked. To keep my panic down, I remembered an article in a Tri magazine about Tris where you just live the moment and enjoy it - this helped on the swim and run. I did run into a couple of folks coming back but I'm not sure if it was me swimming off course or them. Coming out of the water was a challenge with the ladder so steep and the arms were tired.

I was happy with my performance considering my time for my last OWS was significantly higher.

The run from the river to bike was a long way. I had a great spot for my bike -it couldn't have been better if I had bribed someone. I'm surprised my time was so long.

I was happy with it considering I was 19/67

I should have pushed harder at the beginning but I wasn't sure about the course on the 1st loop so I took it somewhat easy. I kicked it in for the 2nd loop knowing where the hills are.

Overall rank 6th - Man that was good. Makes a difference to have a great spot.

Nothing.

I started running out of transition and felt like I was walking. The 1st mile was difficult with sharp pains everywhere but after I got past the 1st mile I was starting to feel good. I thanked a amputee veteran as I passed them for his service and was inspired by his willpower - my pain is nothing compared to his sacrifice. Mile 4 and 5 seemed closer together. I was expecting to see the festival as I turned right onto Pennsylvania Ave and knew I still had a ways to go when it wasn't. As I ran around the porsche, I asked the volunteer is we could just drive it in but he left the keys at home :). I kicked it up and ran strong to the finish. My wife was waiting for me and she said she felt an overwhelming sense of pride at seeing me finish and not falling onto a gurney for aid.

I think I could have pushed it more but being my first OLY and I was happy to finish.

The shuttle buses were a disappointment and they could have had more jons out there given the number of participants. I was happy with this race and would recommend it as well as plan on doing it next year. I was really pleased to be able share this race with Tink and Oliver. My wife also changed her perception of Tris and was very proud and that gave me significant encouragement.