Memphis In May - TriathlonOlympic

The start was different with the 3 second gap per athlete. Going 127th meant I did not have to wait around too long to get going. (But was a little embarrasing to watch people in the 700's pass me on the bike).
I was able to pick out my Mom and daughter on the dock and wave to them as I swam by. That was pretty neat.

Figured it would take me about 33 minutes for the swim...so this was right on time.

Train more. I had been focusing more on running this year and was not too worried about doing much more than finish this race. Being my first Olympic distance and third tri overall, I was just going to try and finish between 2:45 and 3 hours.

Did not rush things in T1. Could have left shoes on bike, but decided not to as the mount line was right before an incline and did not want to risk it. Took too much time messing with my gloves though, next time they just get shoved into a pocket.

Shoes in pedals, not worry about gloves (don't really think I needed them), and tape gel packs to top tube instead of putting them in pocket in T1.

Ah the bike. OK here is where the lack of prep really shows. This was only my second time on the bike since winter. and the first time over 12 miles. (Shame on me.) I have been on the stationary, but it is no substitute. So taking that into account, I did pretty darn well. I am not good going up any type of hill, so that was slow, but I did what I could.

Um like...train.... or something.

I was just happy to be off of the bike in less than 1:30. Again the excellt rack sport helped out here as I dismounted about 20 yards from my rack and was able to get my shoes on and grap my visor and number and book the entire transition with no problems. The T2 run was long as the mat was far far (far) away from the run exit.

Kind of cam up on the dismount a little sooner than I had planned, biek computer must be off a little. So I did not get feet on top of shoes. Ah well.

I knew I could have done much better ont he run, but I was just in finishing mode now. It took a good mile and 1/2 to lossen up after the bike before I was comfortable. Once I hit the 5 mile marker I knew I had it in the bag, no way I was going to miss my 3:00 goal. The last 1/4 mile run down the levee with all the on-lookers was definately the best.

Avoid second gel. It sat in my gut like a rock. The first one was good but gel #2 was not needed I guess.

Hit the shower to coll off and walk out the legs. But my favorite was hugging my daughter who was there for me at the finish.


Lack of focus for this race. I have a baby due next week and priorities are not all about tri's this year.


A must-do for next year. I loved this event and it is too close to home to pass up.