Merrill Lynch Race For Sight Triathlon - TriathlonOther

We got into the Rec Center area (after a wait because the door was locked). Then we had to wait a while longer while the timing mats were getting set. We were lined up by approximated swim times and I put my self at the end of the 8 min because I was at 9:00 for my test and I figured that would be good place for me so I wouldnt get run over. I had to wait quite a while (about 40 minutes or so) until I started to swim because they were running everyone off at 11 second intervals. I started feeling dehydated and alittle hungry when I was waiting for the swim to start because the pool area was very warm and muggy. I probably should have brought a water bottle in with me. The swim itself went fine, I wasnt used to the 50m pool. I swim in a 25 yard pool normally. Swimming that far without turning around was a little wierd, but managable. I was ok about my swim for where I am at now, and the amount I have been in the pool. I will expect to do better in my next race

I first would have spent more time in the pool training for the event. My life has been pretty hectic lately and I havent been able to get into the pool. Things should clear up shortly and I should have more time to swim. I probably should have brought food and drink into the pool area so that I could have fueled up before I started

From the pool, you had to go out the of the building, up some stairs, down and hill, and across and astroturf field to get to transition. That was a long way to go. I am surprise that I was even that fast because I was really dehydrated at this point and I couldnt get my legs to run very fast. In transition, everything went pretty smoothly. I put on socks and they went on pretty easily and got my shoes on and was even able to take a few drinks of Heed. I had a little trouble getting on my bike at the mount line.

I think it went pretty smoothly, but i could work more on jumping on the bike and clipping in.

After troubles getting clipped in, it went pretty smooth. I was consistantly passing people, which is good. There was one person who 4 people that pasted me on the first lap, but I passed 2 of them back on the second lap. Other than that, I passed alot of people. Just a quick comment on the roads. There were alot of potholes and cracks in the road. This winter was pretty harsh, so I know there is nothing that could have been done, but I just about lost it going down the second long descent on the first lap because I was going about 35 mph and it a huge crack in the road. I thought I was going to fly off the bike. Also one other comment. At times the bike lane was fairly narrow (no more than 1 or 2 wide) and this held me up a couple of times. The worst of which was on the second lap, when on the last long decent there was a slower person on the right and someone trying to pass him on the left. I came up on them really fast (I was probably going 5-10mph faster) and I yelled "right behind you", hoping they would realize that they needed to make the pass and get out of the way. I said it a few more times but The person passing would not get over. I was going about 10mph slower down the hill than the lap before. Finally at the bottom of the hill (before a gradual hill then the Wall) I screamed "On your left move over!!!!!!" Finally the guy moved over and I sped up the hill and left him. He put me in a very awkward position. I didnt want to draft, so I stayed back and slowed down. I could have been at least a minute faster on the bike if he hadnt slowed me down. I dont know what the exact rule is, but I think that you have a certain amount of time to complete a pass, dont you?

On the first lap, I would have picked a better gear for going up the first long hill. I was in 3rd gear (i think) and I decided to stand up and pound out the hill on the first lap. The 2nd lap I was in 1st gear and was able to spin up the hill faster than the first lap. I would also have tried to take more water in on the bike. I regretted it later

None of the results have a T2 time on it, so I assume it is mixed in with something else. I dont know

I started out pretty slow. My legs wouldnt move and I felt dehydrated. About 3/4 mile in I started to feel dizzy. I slowed and tried to regain composure. At the first Aid station, I took some water, and it made my stomach hurt bad. I walked for about 5 seconds while I drank the water, but that was the only walking i did. By mile 2 or so I felt better and I started to run harder, but it wasnt very much faster.

I would have taken in more water prior to the run and I would have pushed a little harder. Overall I was disappointed with my run. It just didnt seem smooth and I never found my rhythm. This is only my first tri, so I am sure it will get better

I drank some water and stretch a little. walked around and watched a few other finishers


Hydration/fuel and limited workout time lately. I think it will get better. I am not worried.


They did start a few minutes late, but overall it was a good race