Tempe International Triathlon - Olympic Distance - TriathlonOlympic

I feel really good about my swim. My goal was to just have a good comfortable swim. I experienced some bumping at the start and when the ladies in the pink caps caught up with me. I was OK with that. I was able to stay calm throughout. My sighting was pretty good. I did not stray too far off course with the exception of the last bouy. I knew it was towards the middle of the lake and tried to aim towards it. I could not see it because of the two bridges that were out there. Once, I cleared the bridge, I was able to spot it and swim towards it. I then headed for home.

This was by far my best swim in TTL. I was not concerned about the distance as I have been in prior races. I was able to stay calm and not let anything bother me AND I did not stop at all for rest. This is a first for me in the lake. I'll take this time. The last time in the lake it took me 32:15 for 1000 meters.

I struggled with getting my wetsuit off. I put some bodyglide on my ankles, neck and wrists in an effort to get it off but it got stuck on my calves. Otherwise, I felt pretty good. I had everything organized well so it was simply putting everything on and going

Work on wetsuit removal. I do not focus on transitions in training so this is to be expected.

It took me a lap to figure out which gears to be in during the different sections of the laps. There were some parts that I just did not have any strength or momentum to get up the hill. Mostly this was on the off ramp of the Loop 202 at Center Pkwy. I was not too concerned about people passing me and did not let it bother me. I tried to work as not getting completely worn out prior to the run. I saw just about everyone on the course. It was fun going around the Mill Ave corner where Jen, Zach and Harry were cheering for the Cool Kids.

Ride more

I remembered to ride in the parking lot with my feet on top of my shoes. This was good. Walking my bike to T2 was not good. I had the energy, I was jsut trying to get my legs used to being off the bike. I applied some more sunscreen on before I left. It was already hot out there.

I had a few issues starting out on the run. My stomach was sloshing around and my hammys were tight. Oh, Yeah. I was Hott! The first loop I briefly thought about calling it a day before I got too far away from transition. I stuck it out and walked more than I ran on the first loop. The highlight of the loop is when a woman snuck around a power box to go potty when the restroom by the horse stable was 100 yards away. I guess she was not familiar with the area. I stopped at said restroom and went to hopefully relieve my stomach. I also got some water on my arms, head and shoulders to cool off. I continued to walk and run to the Mill ave bridge. I also thought about just walking the rest of the course. My legs were fine, I was just hot with the upset stomach. I started to run on the bridge and felt pretty good and ran the majority of the second loop. I got a cup of ice water by the horse stables and ate the ice cubes for the last two miles of the race. I ran up the stairs onto the bridge the second time around and ran the rest of the way. The highlight of the second loop was the volunteers under the bridge. Them: Splash of water? Me: No Them: Splash Them: More Splash Me: No No No!

I was a little disappointed. I could have probably finished with a 3:20 or so time if not for my issues. I did not want to risk injury so I slowed down a bit.

Sat down and drank a bottle of water in the shade for a few minutes.


Well, I'm old and slow what can I say. Today it was the heat that slowed me down.


I had a good time today. I would like it if for once I could race around TTL and it not be over 90. My goal was to practice for Boise and not get injured. I accomplished that. The course had plenty of cold water which was nice. The race schwag was weak. Where are the race splits. Why have all of the timing mats if splits are not published? A water bottle or medal would be nice.
The ESCKTC had a very nice showing.