Georgia Veterans Triathlon - Triathlon

This swim was as expected, since I haven't put any time in the pool for 3 weeks (since Aug. 1). My intention was to just get it over with, but I found myself pushing pretty hard. I tried to start as far left as possible, but the first bouy was placed to the left. This meant that everyone was to the left so they could line up for it. I was able to draft for the first time in a race. I could really tell a difference but ended up crawling over the guy after he started to breastroke (sorry). Rounded the first bouy perfectly on the outside. I ran into one guy 3 times along the back straight as I veered too far inside. I've got to remember to stay outside even after rounding the bouy. The final straight was where I could tell that I was really pushing. I was breathing once for every stroke during the whole swim, which is what I do when I am trying too hard. Normally, I would alternate sides so that I breathe every 1.5 strokes.

Really nothing but train more. Even then, swimming is my weakest event. So unless I really make an effort to improve (coach, lessons, etc.), I can expect the same results.

Oh....I almost forgot; 1) two guys mistakenly started their race with the "disabled category" start. I talked to the ref after and those guys received penalties. 2) Saw a small water snake just before the start. Kind of funny to see everyone part ways. One of the athletes ran over, grabbed it and took it away. Steve Corwin lives....!

T1 was actually hard to remember, so it must have gone by quickly. No problem finding my rack. I was the last rack on the right which is fine with me. I would rather run barefoot than with my bike shoes on. If I was the first rack to the right, I would have had to run the entire length of transition in bike shoes. As it was, I only had about 10yds to run in the shoes. Once I arrived at my area I geared up as follows: Shoes , glasses , helmet then gabbed my bike and made the short trot to the mount line.

Nothing really. This was a pretty good T1 for me.

This was the same course as last year as far as I could tell. The start required many turns some of which were > 90deg. I tried to push myself hard on this course, as it was relatively flat compared to my training routes. Came across several guys throughout the race who looked like they were drafting. They were not wheel to wheel, but less than 3 bike-lengths. Not sure why, but I am so paranoid about getting a penalty here. I pretty much stop pedaling when someone passes me until there is at least 3 lengths between us. I let up during the last mile and got passed by about 5 guys who were just all out flying. I wanted to save something for the start of the run, where everyone usually hurts pretty badly. The motorcycle followed me for about the last half mile, which freaked me out. With about 1/4 mile left, I undid my shoes and prepared to jump off. Right before the dismount, one of the guys that I battled with during the race took a spill. It looked like a collision with another rider. I was pleased with this race, but could have pushed just a little harder.

Not much...maybe push the last mile.

This felt quick since my rack was so close to the dismount. No problems at all, except that I grabbed my glasses then decided not to used them and threw them back onto the towel.

Not much. I really liked the rack position I "lucked" into......

It always takes me about 1 to 1.5miles into the run before I feel good. This race was no different. I ran alone for the first 2 miles of the passing a few people but not too many. The pain left my legs after 1.5miles of the run start, during which, I really had trouble stabilizing my breathing and getting into the zone. I tried something new in this race....not drinking much. I only splashed the water on my face and neck. Every other race, it seems more stressful to try and time drinking with breathing. I would probably not try this on an Olympic distance, but it seemed to work here. During the last 1.5miles, I caught up to a guy in my agegroup. I could have tried to pass him, but didnt want to get into a footrace with him. So I just paced with him from about 10ft back. With about 0.75miles left I kicked up the pace, caught up to him and passed. I think I should have passed him earlier, but again I didnt want to waste energy racing with him. Coming down the stretch to the finish, I looked at the clock and couldnt believe my eyes.....1.07.43!! During the entire race, I decided not to time myself. I figured that I would judge the ability to push myslef by "perceived effort". I had no idea where I was on final race time, until I came around the final bend.

Drank some water, took a quick dip in the lake to warm down, grabbed my orange t-shirt, walked around a bit more and waited for the results to be posted.


Not much, I suppose, since I dropped 3min 47sec from last year. But with that said, I think I could have still taken another 20 seconds out of it if I pushed a little harder on 1) the last mile of the bike and 2) passed earlier and not paced the guy in my agegroup.My race target was 1.09.30 or better.

Last year, I finished in 1.11.30 so to finish in 1.07.43 is a pretty big improvement. Funny to note that last year I came in 4th in my AG with 1.11.30. This race I came in 8th in my AG. Hard to keep a good race quiet I suppose.....


I really enjoyed this race......again. It was my 3rd time participating in the event. It is amazing to see how much this race has grown. Unless I missed it,though, there was not a "goody bag" this year. Not sure if there is was a photographer on course this year. Oh well, still a fun event.