Columbia Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

A so so swim for me. Started in the front row and quickly settled in with a group from my wave. I drafted for the first 300 or so, then decided to break thru from the group. I basically got to parallel with the girl I was drafting off of, and then just stayed there. I should have sped up or got back in the draft. I was having coughing fits while in the water from the residual sickness/allergies. That was annoying. Not much contact from the wave before and I was pleased to see that I was finishing about ~1.5 minutes faster than 2 years ago (last time I raced at Columbia).

Draft more.

Perhaps one of the worst transitions I have ever had. I was fine getting out of the water and getting to my spot. I couldn't get the wetsuit off to save my life. The new timing system had a really comfortable wide banded strap, but it got caught and almost tore itself off (from the velcro). SO I had to adjust that. Then when it was time to leave I couldn't get my bike off the rack. My seat is too high and I actually have to bend it to the side to get it out, problem is that the rack was now full, so it was practically impossible to do this. I almost went around the other side to bring it out when I tried one more time (had to push the other bikes a bit, sorry) and it came out.

Not sure, this was sloppy all around. I lost a lot of time here.

My plan was to start the bike relatively easy to get warmed up. Well the conditions were great with lots of wind and pouring down rain (the rain eventually slowed towards the middle of the bike). The first 8 or so miles are mostly uphill and I was annoyed as I was stuck with a group of 4 other girls and one guy where we would constantly pass and re-pass - with them usually passing me on the uphills :( (need to ride more hills apparently). After the water stop I was tired of dealing with the back and forth so I dropped the hammer on the next section that was flat to slightly downhill. I was passing people like they were standing still, it was awesome. I never saw anyone but one girl from that group again :). I finally got some legs for the two big hills on the lollipop and just kept pushing.
I was proud during the ride that I wasn't scared to corner fast or hammer on the downhills. I think the new tape on the base bar near the break levers helped a bunch with my confidence as I used to feel like my hands were going to always slip off. Finished the bike strong and prepared mentally for the run.

Nothing. It was a good ride for me. ~2.5 minutes faster than in 2007 when I was riding a ton for IM training.

I sprinted through transition - helped that it was downhill :) and racked my bike with ease, since there were no other bikes on my rack. Slid the shoes on and ran out carrying my visor and race belt. 15/512, 2/88

Nothing. I was only 11 seconds off the fastest T2 from the pro women so very happy with this. My transition location was also pretty ideal.

Well again, the run is my worst discipline - but I was happy with how this turned out. First two miles were ~8:15 pace, second two miles ~9 pace, last two I sped up again and tried to haul assss. The hills weren't that bad, but I had coughing fits on a couple. I did stop to walk for 10 sec on two of the early ones, but not sure I needed to. With about a mile to go I knew I needed to turn it on because only one girl in my AG passed me and I figured I needed to hold on to get the AG podium which was my goal for this race. The last half mile I really turned it on, completing the last quarter mile or so in a puke-worthy pace.

Nothing. ~2 minutes faster than in 2007.

I was so out of it at the finish and Bailey told me to go get my medal from Chrissie Wellington so he could get a pic. Thanks :)


Not sure.. Being sick 2 weeks ago didn't help - but I felt that the race went about as well as I could have hoped. I wish I had figured out exactly how to get the bike out of T1 more quickly.


This race is my favorite local oly. I love how much competition there is, as well as the challenging nature of the course. Thanks to Bailey and Katie for coming to watch!