Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon - Triathlon

Time trial start. Line up single file by race number. Once the race started (right on time by the way) the line moved quickly. About 12-15 people in water at a time. Slide forward in line to the end of the dock where they call your number and send you off. Got into my swim rhythm quickly and kept the same pace the entire way. I stayed pretty far left of the bouy's out of the main pack. Started raining during swim. Swim under 3 bridges and head back to the shore to the exit. Stairs were placed in the water, so the exit was easy. Timing pad was immediately after exiting the river.

Nothing

After swim exit, it was a decent run up a set of stairs, through sponsor tent area, across the street, into transition area. Socks and bike shoes were a bit wet from the rain. Slow trot out of transition to mounting area...took my time.

Cover my socks, shoes, and glasses to protect from the rain.

Rained for most of the bike course. Since it was a highway with no sharp turns, the rain wasn't a major factor. I have not done a lot of riding in the rain, so I was a bit nervous. Especially the long downhills when I could build a lot of speed. My shoulders are sore from the death grip I put on the handlebars. After exiting the interstate, the rain really started coming down hard (read: downpour). I had to slow down signficantly (especially on downhills) due to the rain and the fact I couldn't see too far in front of me. I didn't realize I had made it to the end of the bike stage until I had about 50 yards left to go and finally could see some people yelling at riders to get ready to dismount.

Nothing.

It was still pouring down rain. The bikes were racked in a grass field which was soaked by this point. I sat down, changed shoes, and changed shirts. Luckily, I had covered my running shoes and a fresh shirt (w/ race number) my backpack. That didn't really matter much as my socks were already a lost cause. Took a gel.

Nothing...happy to take my time.

Had a good first mile, but then the lack of nutrition came into play (so far only 1 oatmeal square and 1 gel for the day). Just after the 2 mile mark I had nothing left in the tank and had to walk periodically.

EAT!!

Really tired/spent. Walked around a bit and then sat down by my bike for 5 min. before moving. Packed up and walked back to the hotel with my family.


Not enough food.


I thought this was a good course for the race. It was a bit odd going onto a major highway, but that kept the hills to a respectable grade for the bike. While I struggled on the run, it was a nice course.

Everything started on time and was well run. This was my first Olympic distance race and only my 2nd tri of any kind.