Buck Creek Triathlon - Olympic Distance - TriathlonOlympic

My wave only had about 20-30 people so not a lot of jostling around by others. Started off a bit slow but I felt like I steadily picked it up throughout. Navigation was pretty good but not excellent. Rounded buoys tight and caught some decent drafts on the second lap. This was probably the best drafting I've done all year and I could definitely feel a difference. Passed my brother who started two minutes before me on the first stretch of the second lap. Of course he caught back up early on the bike and crushed me the rest of the way. I swam in till my hands hit sand then got up and ran in. Swim time includes the run to T1 over the beach and up a steep grassy hill. I was highly disappointed when I saw my slow time. This is my slowest swim time ever in an Olympic and I thought I was doing pretty well. After the race several people felt the same way, so we decided the course must've been long. Typically I'm 2 or 3 minutes faster. --I've had problems with goggles fogging up lately. I read somewhere to try a drop of baby shampoo in them. It worked like a charm, no fogging.

Not much other than keep working on navigation skills. I think bilateral breathing would help. I'm working on it but not comfortable in races yet.

I believe this was my fastest T1 time ever. Wetsuit came off superfast and I did it while standing, usually I have to sit down. Sunglasses and helmet on, grab bike and run to bike mount. Got shoes on while riding. This worked great and definitely saved some seconds.

About the only thng that could speed this up now is running faster in and out of transition. I think I could put on my helmet as I'm taking off wetsuit. That's not easy though, kind of like patting your head and rubbing your belly at the same time!

I got going pretty good on the bike but felt like I never really could get the power I wanted. I felt like the wind really slowed me down on several flat stretches. I kept thinking "I'm pedaling hard, it's flat, why am I only going 17 MPH". The course was also hillier than I remember from last year. I got passed by a few riders early on and passed a few slow riders, but mostly I was by myself the entire time. This was the lonliest ride ever in a race. I took a Power gel almost right away, another in the middle and a third on the homestretch. Drank only water, two bike bottles. Last year I averaged 19.6mph for this race and my goal was to make it to 20 this year, no such luck. This is very frustrating since I've worked so hard at my cycling this year. One problem I found is after completing my half-iron which was my "A" race, I found it hard to stay as motivated for other races. That may have been part of the problem here, also the wind. Anyway, made it into T2 in due time.

Just keep working on cycling.

Another fast transition. Feet out of shoes while on bike, helmet off while running to rack. Sat down to put on socks and shoes. Hat, number belt and gels in pocket while on the move. Put on sunscreen with a little sunscreen wipe, works great.

The way to speed this up is to go sockless. Maybe next year.

Felt decent on the run but never great. Never could really keep a good pace going. Had to walk very briefly at the second lap turnaround but that didn't cost me much. Basically I just ran slow. Took two gels on the run with water and a little Infinit. Stomach was a little iffy, not as bad as other races but not good like training. I don't know what it'll take to get the stomach problems worked out. Overall the run felt ok and if I had to guess, I would've thought I ran it a couple minutes faster. I was a bit disappointed in the time. I did finally make it to the finish and the sounds of my two screaming daughters! The first race that my wife and kids made it to this year, always a bonus to have hugs at the finish.

Maybe do some more speed work, hill work.

Found some ice cold water and ate some orange slices. Chatted with brother and a few others about the swim distance.


I'd say that I did ok at this race and put together a steady performance, but overall the times were disappointing. I finished this race 11 minutes faster last year on the exact same course. It was/is a PR and frankly I'm not sure how I did it. It is a bit disappointing to have worked so hard trying to improve only to lose 11 minutes. I will keep working hard and try to make some improvements over the winter.


HFP events are always well run and organized in my opinion. I enjoy them and will keep coming back. Also you can't beat the price.