SuperSeal Olympic Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

I decided that I was going to do my own swim. I wasn't going to race, just cruise and swim. This turned out to be the best decision I have made in a while. I didn't run in, I merely strolled in, and took off. Settled into my pace and took long easy strokes. I sighted very well, and felt very comfortable. As I got past the halfway mark I began to pick it up a little, and as I was on the home stretch I looked around and decided to drop a few people who were in my AG. Felt great as I got out of the water as I had been swimming with my ear plugs. Didn't have any sea legs at all. I checked my watch as I got out, and was very happy to see my time.

I think I can pick up my stroke pace a little more. I really took it easy, so it would be interesting to see if I keep the length, but pick up the pace.

There is a VERY long run from the beach to transition in this race. Probably adds around a minute or so. Most people were taking it easy, but I was booking and I raced past at least 10 people. My HR was around 163, so I know I was running. Once I got in I pulled the suit off real fast and got going right away. I did drop a gel and spent a moment trying to pick it up, only to decide that one gel would be enough and I took off.

I was the 2nd fastet in my AG in T1.

Keep my gels in my pants pocket. They always fall out of my top.

I love the bike, and I knew this course so I was really looking forward to it. We did have some good headwinds, so I had to put my head down as much as I could in places. My goal was to average 24mph, and I stayed close to that pretty consistenly. I knew I was in good shape when I caught the female pro's on their first loop, and I stuck with one of the male pro's as he tried to pass me. So in the end, not a single person passed me on the bike. I wanted to stay in low Z3 (161-165) and I did that. Pushed as hard as I could without destroying my legs.

Nothing. Had an excellent ride. Can't wait to do more speedwork though. Feel like my base is very strong, and now I just need to do some serious LT work to increase my top speed. But I have all season to do this.

I had the fastest T2 in my AG. It was freaking fast. And I even had some problems getting my shoes on, and not only that, but once I got the left on and pulled the lace, it snapped and I had to get down and re-tighten it. But it was great. I took my helmet off as I ran with the bike which I have never done before, and that made it even faster.

Practice getting in the shoes. I hadn't done that before and that didn't work so good.

My coach had told me to take it easy on the run given that I am racing New Orleans 70.3 a week later so that was the plan. I started out easy (about 7:00 pace) and as I got my legs back around Mile 3 I began to pick it up a little. I also brought a gel on the run, and that was very helpful. Really made a difference. To begin with one guy passed me, but I caught him after two miles, and as we moved along I kept reeling people in. There was one girl who just took off like a bat out of hell in T2 that I wanted to catch, but I was unable to in the end. I had enough energy to really give it my all on the final stretch, and afterwards my legs didn't feel too tired, so I don't think I pushed too hard.

I can't wait to get my running form to its max. I feel so confident that I can train myself to run 6's off the bike with the right amount of training, so the only thing I would do differently is push harder next time. I was holding back due to coaches' orders, but would love to really smack it!

Did some light stretching. Had a hot-dog and was shocked when I saw that I was 2nd in my AG. Ran into Chris McDonald (the pro) and spent some time talking to him about New Orleans. Super cool dude.


Lack of run training.


I love this race. I thought it was the best kept secret until I saw the turnout this year - wow! So many people, so well organized, and the most amazing post-race activities. Super cool race and a lock for next season.