Bank of China (Hong Kong) - 51st Festival Of Sport - TriathlonSprint

It was my first OWS ever, so I went to the outside to be safe. I was quite excited so I went a little too fast in the beginning and had to slow down and remind myself to breathe. Once I got to the first buoy I started running into people and had to fight to get past some of them.

Get out front and away from the others so I can use better technique. Warm up so I can get into a groove early on.

I was using trainers, so I just put them on and ran with the bike. Had a momentary lapse of reason and almost got DQ'd by getting on the bike before I got to the mounting zone. Luckily I realized what I was doing...

I was using a bike I borrowed from the club I'd been training with. It was way too small for me, the brakes weren't safe, and it handled poorly. The course consisted of a couple very steep hills (hey...it's Hong Kong!) and I was surprised that I actually made it through alive. This was my weakest part.

I definitely need my own ride, one that fits me and is comfortable.

I got off quickly since I was riding with trainers and not cycling shoes. I just racked the bike, took off my helmet, and bolted.

I somehow had the energy to do this. I got a good pace going but at the 3K point I started to run out of gas.

Guzzle more water in T2 and possibly a gel. Work on cadence.

Hung out with a couple acquaintances, had a water and a sports drink and started the hour-long ride home.


Considering it was my first tri ever, I was quite happy with myself. I'll need to focus more mentally and get decent hardware.


The swim course was pretty good, with clean-ish water and easy entry and exit. The route to the transition area was a bit long. The ride was too steep and hilly. A couple guys I talked to after the race said that big advantages went to those who had a better bike. I don't know if this is true or not. The run was on a dam, so it was nice and flat, although no one I talked to really believed it was as long as 5K.