Nautica New York City Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

Wow! First group start - felt sorry for someone who hopped in and lost his goggles. Someone offered him their spare-awesome group of people. I was still pulling my goggles when the start sounded (do not even recall if it was a horn or whistle??)
I started towars the back of the pack so no kicks or elbows until I started picking up pace. I started to feel as if I was in the octogon during a UFC fight, I backed off a bit and tried to get towards the right to take advantage of the current...I did an excellent job as I finally looked up and saw a kayak on my left side yelling at me to move to my left. (yeah-I went to far).
I started to feel stinging on my left hand, then my face - no biggy, couldn't do anything about it so I didn't concentrate on it.
I remembered to "glide" which was amazing - I was taking half the strokes as the guy next to me and was along side him for a major distance. This helped me bring my breathing down to every 3 strokes (like I practiced) instead of every 2 since the start of the race. Looking up and seeing the end was a light at the end of the tunnel.
Not sure this was the smartest move or not due to jellyfish however I felt as if I was overheating..I slowed down and pulled the top of my wetsuit and allowed the water in...this really cooled my down, being that I had a 2 piece suit on , the water quickly made it's way out of the botton. I kept doing this throughout the swim and it kept my temp very comfortable.

Work on sighting and more OWS.

I was shocked to see my T1 time - I walked a bit whn I got out of the water, rinsed off and then started the long trek back to transition.
Everyone knows about this transition being a long distance, barefoot, etc...I'll spare you the details.
I carefully changed and went over everything to make sure I wasn't forgetting anything.
I'll chalk up the slow T1 time to being a beginner with lots to learn.

Pick up the pace, avoid the shower line to rinse off.

What a blast! Not as bumpy as expected. Some really nice hills. I was trying to be very careful about the drafting rules, not many others paid any attention to it. Not that I'm a pro, but many people seemed to have problems staying to the left and allowing others to pass. Very frustrating having riders "cruising" side by side. I was doing alot of passing where I could and getting passed occasionally by what I call "tri-aliens" wearing aero helmets, full rear disc, etc.. (I'm still a roady at heart...still can't see myself in full aero gear...not just yet.)
Passing aero-aliens was even better. It was very inspirational to watch up to the 55+ wave - I hope to competing with a 70+ number on the rear of my calf!
Had a small tech problem - chain came off as I was beginning an uphill section - quickly got it back on and resumed my position by catching up to an aero alien that was in front of my when the chain popped off.
On the way back I saw a rider with a trailer, pulling along his handicapped child and he had to stop (either a flat or other technical problem) - I literally started crying! Almost balling. My emotions were really going at that point.
OK, stopped crying and focused on finishing this leg...followed everyones advice on spinning out towards the end - it worked well and my legs actually felt great before the run.
I consumed 1 full 20 oz bottle and started on the 2nd...I was feeling strong and didnt want to feel too bloated to run.

Not much, maybe push a little harder next time.

Felt great and was psyched to be 2/3 done. Once again very careful not to forget anything.
I know that "I'm not that important" - but I threw my blackberry in the back pocket of my tri-top so that would be able to find my wife and kids afterwards.

Pick up the pace + leave the blackberry at home.

I knew I had family watching along 72nd St towards the park...I had to look strong! I walked up the 1st monster hill towards the street and began my run. It was great to be on the last leg and very exciting to see my wife, brother in law and my 2 boys cheering for me in the distance...I took a deep breath and picked up the pace to impress them (it worked).
Entering the park, I started to see victims of the race, one guy puking anothe on the ground with severe cramps, etc... This scarred me and I started to feel cramps as well - I slowed down, popped 2 endurolytes and tried to relax...washed down with some Accelerade and a cup of water over the head and I was back on track.
It was very hot and humind, I slowed to a walk at every aid station for fluids and a cup of water over the head. I was happy to see an under one hour time even with walking mixed in.
Running towards the finish line was amazing...yes, you feel like a rockstar!

Work on the running, especially the hills.

Came thru the finish line, the cold wet towel was heaven. I bowed to accept the medal and wore it proudly. Had some water, banana, took some photos, walked through the tents afterwards then took my kids to the beach.


My 1st race - I found it amazing and will do it agian in 2009!
Very well organized.