Anthem Holiday Classic - TriathlonSprint

Jerry and I waited around for the crowd to loosen up. We also were attempting to stay warm, so we went indoors and chatted with some newbies. I had a good swim and passed a few folks along the way. I felt good and was able to have good form throughout. This was good for me as previously I would get tired and my form would go to sh**. The warmest part of the entire event was the water.

I think next time I would get in line a little sooner to get the show on the road. I'm sure our supporters would appreciate that as well.

The run to T1 was pretty long. I quickly toweled off my upper body and put on a LS shirt and a jersey. Helmet and gloves on and I was off. I did not put on socks and would come to regret it later.

Put socks on. It was cold outside. Put Garmin on. I left it in my tri bag. Doh!

I'm still working on the bike. I'm new to this and my inexperience shows. I could never quite get comfortable with a gear. This was partly due to the hills and wind. I was a peddling as fast as I could go. I was not happy that my legs were burning at the start of the first lap. I took a gel and things settled down a bit. I passed a few and got passed by a few to include Jerry. I struggled with a runny nose again and the numbing of my toes. No flats or mechanical issues. Yippee!

put on socks in T1 when the weather is cold. Gain more experience on the bike.

So, I thought I would try to slip out of my shoes before the dismount line. The problem was I started too late. So, my left foot was out and my right foot was still in the shoe at dismount. I ran to the rack with one shoe on and one off. I'm glad no one was laughing at me. I'm sure it was funny. I grabbed my shoes and sat on the curb to put my socks and shoes on.

My practice with mount and dismount of bike. Roll my socks so they are easy to put on.

I got a cramp in my left shin and calf just after the bridge. So. I'm thinking "How nice." I had to walk more than I would have liked to allow it to loosen up. At about the half way point I was able to run without pain.

Grabbed a banana, recovery drink and bagel. Walked around and met up with the other ESCKTC peeps. Watched Sally and Tanya compete in their races.


The weather su*ked out there. I am thankful it did not rain on us. I'm just slow at this point. My goal is to keep improving my fitness and times.


Despite what my comments listed above may suggest. I enjoyed myself out there. I enjoy competing against myself and the sharing in the experience with others. It was great to be out there with Aaron during his first race. He did a great job. It was great to have the support of Chris, Matt, Jerry's wife and Zach's GF during the race. Good to see the ESCKTC members competing: Zach, Woz, Jerry, Aaron, Sally and Tanya. It looks like Sally won the the Women's race.

I am now the owner of the Pink Crocs. I am not sure If I won them or lost them, but regardless they are mine for now. There is a pic of the exchange ceremony posted under the Arizona forum