Tempe International Triathlon - Olympic Distance - TriathlonOlympic

The race organizer was a little disorganized in getting instructions out and getting people in the water on time. As a result we got off late and many people missed the fact that they had to round the last bouy on the inside. Overall though it went pretty well. Water conditions were average, and the bouys were well placed for spotting.

Swim a little straighter. I arced the 2 bouys down by the dam, probably adding a minute to my time. Also I could have been a little more dilligent in finding and holding drafts.

Pretty good T1 in my book.

In retrospect I think I would have done better to bring an extra hand towel or foot wash to get the sticks and grass off my feet. I wear socks, so those little irritants were with me for the rest of the race.

Good bike overall. The highlight was the guy offering Krispy Kremes as he blew by everyone. I don't know if he was just having fun or trying to make a statement about everyone he passed, but it still got a giggle out of me. The low point was the bike accident. I hope the person is ok. It's always a dreadful feeling when you realize that sirens are heading to the race course.

I may have pushed the HR a little to much, but it felt good. The bike is the one part of the race where I actually "Race". I got overzealous on the second lap and started pushing the big ring. Looking at the splits it didn't help my speed at all, so I should have kept the cadence up in the little ring and saved the muscles for running.

Good quick T2. I even took a few to get on some extra sunscreen.

I wasn't expecting mutch from this run, but wow was that bad. Early on I assessed what HR I could hold, and found that I couldn't. I had to interval run/walk the whole 10K. I ran, working the breath and relaxing the form as much as possible, until I hit 170. Then I walked until it got down to 145. I walked over the Curry hill.

Bring some electrolyte tabs.

Walking around, light stretching.


Burned too hot on the bike. I should have averaged a HR about 10-15 BPM lower. I'm still looking for that magic workout to simulate how my legs feel on a triathlon run. Bricks don't do it, and I fear I'm going to keep walking my tri runs until I figure this out.


Instead of a comments section here I'm going to add a ranting section. I'm actually a little suprised that this race went as well as it did. The race organizer is apparently infamous for fantastic failures. (Racing through raw sewage in the streets of Rocky Point for example) The most notable failures this time around were a lack of communication and a lack of sports drink. The main announcer, I assume the director, was one the worst I've ever worked with. The pre-race briefing gave unclear and contradictory information. His tone was consistently condescending. He took the mike while people were finishing and quashed their accomplishments by yelling at kids. So instead of people hearing for example, "Number 480 Harry Meier, congratulations!" they heard this guy yelling at people. The volunteers and secondary support crew were the saving grace as they seemed to know how to talk to people and keep everyone hydrated and moving. The support staff made up for the incorrect info by giving correct information where needed.
In my opinion though, the cardinal sin of race organizers is a lack of sports drink. Any race longer than 1hr or in heat greater than 80 degrees must provide electrolyte replacment at aid stations. i.e. ALL TRIATHLONS. I think USAT should have this in their requirements to be a sanctioned event. There was a real danger of hyponatremia out there. There were a few coolers of Gatorade at the finish, but by then it was too late. The temps on the course reached over 90, no communication was given about only water being available, and people were hurting because of it. As an experienced chap, I made sure I had enough of my own stuff on hand, but beginners should beware.