Oklahoma City Redman Aquabike - Aquabike

My swim should have gone a lot better. I didn't pick out a landmark to sight prior to the start and that coupled with my uncanny ability to turn right got me way off course. However, I thought I was just on the outside edge of the pack because many others were over where I was. The course wasn't parallel to the shore, but I swam parallel to the shore - do the math. When I finally stopped and got my bearings I was really far off course. I'm sure I swam an extra 200 yards.

I made the turn well and navigation on the return was much better. Had to pee about half way back on the return leg, so I stopped kicking and took care of business.

1.) PICK OUT A LANDMARK PRIOR TO THE START!!!

2.) If necessary, stop to check navigation regardless of perception

Jogged right past the wetsuit strippers - didn't need them with the shorty suit. Got the suit off and sat down on the ground, dried my feet, got the shoes on, and was ready to go. I kept thinking I was forgetting something, but after double and triple checking I knew I had everything and took off.

Maybe use my bucket, other than that it was perfect.

I'm very happy with my performance. I was fighting a cold prior to the race and even contemplated not going. It turns out I was getting over it by race day, so I'm glad I went. Anyway, I had decided to just take it easy and go at a pace that would allow me to run 2-3 hours after getting off of the bike even though I can't run that long...yet. But the race bug bit and knowing that I didn't have to run I went a little harder. I kept my HR in check and just gave a significant effort.

Things went great until about mile 20 when I had a bad shift and dropped the chain. However, I was able to reach down and get it back on without stopping. Then at the turn around I should have down shifted a couple of more gears, and even worse I tried to check my split and completely reset my computer. Damn! It gets worse. At about mile 50 there was a unique turn. We went from riding on the right side of the road to riding in a closed part of the left side of a road blocked off by cones. I was getting pretty tired by this time and was kind of zoned out and messed up the turn. I had to lock up the brakes and almost wrecked, but again avoided disaster. I took it easy for a couple of miles after that and then when I got back on the road around the lake I picked up the pace again.

I had a blast on the bike. The voluteers were great. I think I thanked all but a few. I only got passed about 10 times and I must have passed at least 50 bikes. It was really fun, even though I knew the whole time that these people were being more conservative so they could run.

Purchase disposable bottles for the race. I had to put my empty bottle in my jersey pocket to make room for hand-ups. Next time I will purchase a couple of Gatorade bottles and pitch them on the course.

I felt really good when I finished. I could have ran 3-4 miles easily, but no more. I did a little walking and a little stretching then got a massage.


Nothing


I've read a lot of race reports from this race last year and I knew there would be good voluteers, but they were great. There were so many voluteers stopping and directing traffic all along the course. The aid stations were staffed with great people that did a great job. The best voluteers were two teenage girls that were cheering like crazy on the way out, and when I returned an hour later they were still at it. Good kids, great spirit!

The venue is awesome. It has good parking for athletes, especially if you get there early, and plenty of room for spectators. I can't wait to do the Half Redman next year.