Avalon Islandman Sprint Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Rough and cold swim; got off to a nice start then panic set in - don't know why - was a swimmer growing up and have spent a lot of time in the ocean in my life. Wound up backstroking and breaststroking a lot of the way. Came in about 3 minutes above my SWAG of 10 minutes, not really happy with my performance here.

For water temp this cold, would wear long sleeves. Then again, water is normally 10-15 degrees warmer this tie of year. Try to keep my head on straight next time; get more experience with ocean swimming. Definitely need more time and yards in the pool too. If I swam like I know I can, could have easily finished 5 minutes faster.

Glad I watched the video that was on BT recently; got a lot of good ideas. Little slow in T1; first time so wanted to be sure I had it all together for the bike, especially after my rough start in the swim. Nice idea from my wife's cousin about bringing a bucket to get sand off feet. Used mountain shoes, easier to run in; good velcro for in & out.

Practice a couple times before race day. Maybe go sockless.

Now that was more like it; my goal was 20 mph average; came in at 20.5 officially. My computer said 12.5 miles and 21 mph. About a 2 mph difference going south on the loops due to headwind. Passed lots of people on the ride. Saw my kiddos and their cousins on every loop waving their great signs, which was awesome. Had some bike envy, but that's a given most of the time on my old QR. Fortunately got to admire a few as I passed them.

If anything push it harder, especially on the last loop - held back a little going in to the run.

Would have been a tiny bit faster if I didn't have to pose for pictures with my other half (sorry, dear!). Slammed down a gel and a drink. Felt pretty good at the start of the run.

Practice, practice, practice.

Came in a lot faster than I thought; goal was 8:00 miles. Was really psyched about my run split till I found out the course was short. Legs felt pretty good compared to a lot of brick workouts I'd done. Crossed the finish line with a smile on my face!

Run harder; had way too much left at the end. Do more bricks and running races to work on pacing.

Hung with the kiddos, drank and ate everything in sight. Did some stretching.


Think it was mental and lack of race experience since the 1980s. Stayed mostly aerobic which is great if you're doing a marathon or IM. Need to let it all hang out more next time; you only go around once.


Would do it again next year. Especially great to not have to travel and to have my whole family there cheering. Looking back, I'm proud of how far I've come since January, when I could only run 1/2 mile straight. I've got the tri bug now; the sky is the limit.