Pewaukee Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Well I broke the cardinal rule in trying something new on race day. In an attempt to jump start by horribly slow swim times, I decide to race into the water, with legs high and then dive in - just like the fast people do. Well I did that and then about 100 yards in I found myself gasping for air, feeling like I couldn't breath. I breast stroked for a little bit and caught my breath. I had to do this a couple times befor I rounded the turn around. The way back I got my breathing back to an acceptable level and felt pretty good (for me.) Lots of chaos out there, as there are lots of beginners. You know when I'm passing you, you have problems! A couple times the lifeguard kayak was actually in the swim lane. I swam all the way until my knees hit the sand. Last year my swim was 13:30, so even though it is a snail's pace, I was elated to see that I was out of the water in under 10.

Go back to my old way of walking into the water as my wave starts.

Well I decided to wear suit in this swim (very glad of that with the breathing issues) and I paid for it in transition. Although the suit came off pretty good. I also have been putting on my Garmin in transition and this is slowing me down. I was a bit in shock, how many bikes in my rack were still ther. I am usually on of the last ones out. Had trouble clipping in as I mounted the bike.

Figure out a more efficient system.

Because this course is so close to my house, I know it like the back of my hand, I know just were to shift and this really helped. My plan was to push hard on this and I did. It was so fun passing people and not just passing, but going by them like they were standing still. I got passed a few times too, but I decided I was ok with it if (a) there bike was nicer than mine or (b) they were at least 20 years younger than me. Two big things about this race for me: First, I think this is my fastest bike split in a race ever. Considering that is a not a flat course, I am very happy about that. My avg was about 2mph faster than last year and nearly 4mph faster than my first year doing this race! The other big thing was not so good. At about mile 5, some elderly gentleman decided to pull out of the driveway in front of me with out ever looking for traffic. I was about 15 feet away and going about 25mph at the time. I was in my aero bars. I instinctively grabbed for the rear brake (not both) I started to fish tail and skid sideways. I seriously prepared myself for the crash that was about to come...but it didn't. Some how I was able to regain control of bike. Scary!! I rode past the car, that was basically standing still and yelled out some stuff that would make a sailor blush. It took me a mile or so to regain my composure, but I was so mad that it did not slow me down. I have to admit I was a little skittish from that point at every hill and every driveway, but I was determined to not slow me down.

Probably not have a near crash with an old guy on his way to church, otherwise this ride was near perfection for me.

This transition is in a parking lot so running with my bike shows was a bit of a trick, but I made it without taking a spill.

be closer to the bike in/ run out

With my IT band blow up at High Cliff HIM a few weeks ago I did not know what to expect. I went out a little conservative. My first mile pace was about 8:30. I felt good and passed lots of people from previous waves. Once I was pretty sure my leg wasn't going to blow up, I started to push it. At mile 2 I noticed my shoe was untied. I was debating whether to keep going or stop and tie it. With a mile to go, I decided it would be smarter to stop and tie it. I took a fuel belt water bottle with me and drank when I felt like it. That was a smart move. Last mile I felt strong, my avg was down to 7:54. I pretty much poured on the last 1/10 th of a mile with my pace pushing to 6:50 and... no pain. YES.

push harder from the get-go, although that is a little tough with the hills to start.

got some food and hung out with my friend Kyle and Scoobysdad. Good company as always.


genetics and fear of IT-band flare up


Two years ago this was my first race ever. I use it as a benchmark. Year one time: About 1:47. Last year time was about 1:39. This year my time was 1:27. I guess that is what they call progress. I have moved from a BOP to a solid MOPer. Overall a good day.