Callaway Gardens Triathlon - TriathlonOther

First segment was surprisingly crowded - Struggled to find open water. Since my game plan was to start easy, I really didn't catch a rhythm until about the halfway point. Swallowed more water than I would have preferred, navigation was just so-so, and I lost concentration a couple of times when competitors got too close.

All in all, not my greatest swim but I still took a minute or so off of last year's time.

Spend more time in the pool and regain some swim confidence

So, I really zip in and out of T1 because I don't put on a shirt or socks and shoes are already clipped in

It's all good

My strong suit. I was worried that a long ride I had done two days before would slow things down but I actually went through the course feeling pretty strong. Passed tons of riders from the first swim wave and a few people from my own AG and was passed by no one. Even so, I feel like I could have been even a little stronger in the hills.

Last year, I got lost in T2 and couldn't find my spot on the rack for love or money. Nearly happened again this year. Don't know what it is but this transition zone confuses and scares my primitive brain. Slower in general than one could hope for.

Legs were fresh out of T2 so I got up to speed in short order - I think I probably held pace the whole way. I got passed by someone in my AG around the 2nd mile and then again with 200yards to go. Unfortunately, second pass was the difference btwn podium and fourth place. It's not so much that I care about not getting a plaque for 3rd in AG, it's the idea that when it came time to throw down, there wasn't the will power to fight for the place in AG. At the time I had no idea I was so close but I do admit to being a little frustrated with myself. Otherwise, a quite nice improvement over last year.

Kick! Kick!

Really seems to be organized and streamlined. RD has been hosting this race for a long time and it shows. Beautiful spot for a race.