Cincinnati One World Triathlon - Duathlon

Decided I would try to push the first run portion pretty hard since it was only two miles. I also decided to run without socks for the first time ever! This decision was based on a faster T1. I left bike shoes on pedals and didn't want to run through wet grass with socks on. It really wasn't a problem to run without socks. Just felt a little squishy.

Anyway, I probably pushed it a bit too hard because I really had a poor bike performance. The first run section was a bit boring with poor footing in areas and lots of debris... almost felt like an Xterra run.

I would probably ease up a bit the last 1/4 or 1/2 mile to save my legs for the bike. There was a very steep hill in the first mile of the bike that killed me going up it.

This transition went very well. It appears to be one of the faster for the entire day. Shoes and hat off, helmet on, grab bike and go.

I didn't know the steep hill was shortly after T1, so in hindsight, I may have been better off take a few extra seconds to catch my breath.

Took me a bit to get my feet into my shoes. Not long after I did, I came upon the onramp to Columbia Pkwy which was absolutely brutal the first time around. I didn't have my bike legs under me yet and was still breathing heavy from transition. Felt like my lungs were gonna heave out of my chest.

After that I never really felt like I could push it very hard. It was like I was just going through the motions to get through the course... not really racing. I did a 12 mile run for Special Olympics on Wednesday, so my legs may still have been worn out from that. The second lap actually was a little better. I guess I started to get into the groove a bit. My lower back was starting to hurt quite a bit more than normal, so I had to get out of aero position at times to stretch.

On the bike I took two GU gels, about 2-3 bottles of water, 4 endurolytes, and two Tylenol.

Not really sure. I guess it has to do more with what I did the previous week.

Got out of my shoes while on the bike, hopped off and made good time to transition. Got my helmet off on the way and racked the bike. I decided to wear socks for the 10K run since it was longer and I hadn't practiced with it, so that took extra time. Socks on, shoes on, hat on on the way out.

I almost went sockless but decided it best not to since I hadn't practiced it. I think I'll give it a try for my next tri.

Started off feeling pretty good actually, which was a surprise since I had such a poor bike. Started taking water at each aid station and dumped a little down my back. I took a bit of Gatorade at the turnaround which tasted very good. Made it to the stairs up to the bridge and had to walk up them. Walked a couple other times but not too much... just ran slow. Saw my Dad at the end of the first loop which is always a boost. I was enjoying myself and not overly stressing about a bad day or whatever. I took one gel on the run and never got around to taking the other one that I had planned on. When I got to the finish I was surprised I had a lot left in me for a strong finish. I should've started that awhile ago. They did announce my name and of course pronounced it wrong which is always a guarantee.

I'd just push harder and be a little bit mentally tougher.

Just did some walking around and chatting with my Dad. Did some light stretching as well.


I think I was lacking mental toughness for this race. It all started when the swim portion was cancelled on Saturday. Up until then I was really excited for this race and hoped it would stick around for years as the hometown triathlon. I just couldn't get into this race after that.


I found several flaws with this race to the point that I likely wouldn't do it again next year. They changed the run course about two weeks prior to the race without explanation. It was supposed to go up into downtown for one lap. Instead it just stayed in the park and went up those steep crappy stairs twice. It was also fairly expensive at $85 for early signup. I expected better for the price.