Hy-Vee Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

The first bit was crowded, but i felt the most comfortable of any open water swim to date. i started in the middle back and was able to navigate my way through slower traffic without getting run over myself. On the long back section. I found someone going about my speed and I drafted and side drafted with them all the way to the next turn. At the last turn, you made a very sharp right turn and were running parrallel with the back section for a bit. As you turned back, you were facing directly into the sun. i could see the bouys at all but i could see 2 seperate groups of swimmer ahead of me.. one going to the left that seemed to headed toward the shore, and one to the right that appeared to be headed into the back out toward the middle of the lake. I chose to follow the left group.. I chose poorly. The group on the right was actually making a straight line to the swim exit, while the group on the left ended up making a half circle toward the swim exit. I probably lost a good minute here.

I would have gone with the other group. Really at the time it was crap shoot because i couldnt really see and it would have just been a guess. I was unlucky... no big deal Overall it was one of my better open water swims

I forgot that i had my watch on when i was taking off my wetsuit so i struggled to pull the arm of my wetsuit off. There is actually a picture of me that shows my struggle really well. The rest of T1 was average. It was made a bit long by the fact that we had to put our wetsuits and other supplies into a bag to send to the T2 because we would not have access to the T1 area after the race

either not wear my watch or remember to take it off

I went out pretty hard and then settled into middle to high zone 3. I was pushing hard but not redlining. struggle a bit on the rough road halfway through the course. The road had a large seam (crack) every 15 feet or so and it seemed like it would take away your momentum every time you hit one. There was also a headwind on that section that i wasnt aware of until we turned around and headed the other direction on the same rough road.

It went pretty well and kept my heartrate right where i wanted it. I cant thing of anything right now

Jumping off the bike was probably the best i have every done. It was smooth and i passed 3 people who stopped to get off their bike. I hit a big bump in the field with my bike it jump up in the air and almost lost control of it but i managed to keep ahold of it. I also ran past my rack and had to double back. This was due to the fact that i hadnt seen the transition area since the night before- a product of the late race venue change. No biggie.

I could have gone a bit fast but i was very methodical so that I didnt forget anything.

The first 3 miles felt really good. The first 2 were right at 7 minute pace and the third wasnt too much slower. Once i hit the short steep hill about mile 4 i began to feel it. I may not have gotten enough calories in on the bike. I planned on downing an entire gel flask on the bike but i ended up only getting about half of it down. The last 2-3 miles were rough, There were times i felt like walking but i didnt. I thought i was going to pass out going up the final hill, but the encouraging cheers of spectators and volunteers kept me going. I could see the stadium where you finish, so as soon as I crested the hill. i ran as quickly as i could to the finish line

Overall it was an ok run. I probably could have taken more calories on the bike, and could have drank a bit more on the run, but overall i was please with it

walked around.. stretched... talked with a few other Columbia people at the race and scoped out the food booth


I may have not taken enough calories on the bike, or maybe i just got overheated.. i dont really know. I was pleased with the my overall performance in my olympic distance. I now have a time to try and beat next time


The race promoters did a great job dealing with the issues with flooding that they faced. Barring a few little logistical hassles, the race was well put together and well staffed. The expo was good and the goody bag and swag was A+. I will definately do this race again.