Buster Britton Memorial Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Thanks to Team-Magic and all their organization we actually did a time trial start. This was my second triathlon and the first one I did was just a mass wave start. Giving a few seconds between the swimmers I think made a huge difference. The course went out and made two right turns while keeping the bouys on the right. Very nice lake to compete in, the water was suprisingly very clear.

I gave my swim time as 9 minutes. I don't know if it was easier to start behind the faster swimmers or maybe I could have done better with someone pushing me from behind.

Transition arean was up the hill from the lake in which you had to run up stairs. Not bad considering the transition area I had to reach competing at My First Tri at Lake Lanier. Sat down to put my shoes and socks on and then trotted out and got on the bike.

Compete in an event where the Transition Area is closer to the swim.

When we got our packets we decided to drive the bike course and we noted how hilly it was. That didn't compare to actually riding the course where the hills were even worse. Yes it is Birmingham and they have lots of hills but it was a challenging race for me. I didn't like the turn around because it was going downhill so when you turned around you were instanly heading back uphill. Overall loved the bike because of the challenge but I have got to ride more hills. Another clydesdale and I kept exchanging the pace so that made the ride more competitive.

Ride more hills, practice using all the gears on my bike.

Not gonna lie, gassed at the end of the bike. Forgot to put on my number halfway out so I had to go back and get that.

Remember my number.

Whoever it was that told me the race course was changed and now it was pancake flat, I am looking for you. About half a mile into the race it changed into a trail-like path that had some serious hills. With the hills and injuring myself playing softball that prior thursday made the run difficult for me. I knew going in that I would have a slow run time and that all I could hope for was finishing in a reasonable time. I will say I had the opportunity to run with a fellow U.S. Marine, who started just in front of me, as we both encouraged each other and finished together. Definitely something to say about that bond. Didn't know him prior to the start of the race but enjoyed conversing with him on the run and completing the race side by side.

Not do something stupid 2 days before a race.

Dumped water on my head and walked around for a little bit. Waited for my wife to finish.


Injury


A big thanks goes to the Team-Magic organization. A highly competitive course with a lot of support from the volunteers. Definitely will do this race next year.