Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon - Olympic Race - TriathlonOlympic

The current was strong from the start. I jumped in the water and seeded myself on the front line. We kept being pushed down river because of the current and it was difficult to actually stay in line with the bouy.
Once the race started, I felt like I did a good job of drafting. I am really pleased with my navigation on the last few OWSs. I didn't drift off course at all during the race. I tried to stay towards the right of the course as I thought the current would be strongest in the middle of the river. The swim went really quick and I could tell the current was helping. At one point, I felt like I was getting a side stitch which was really weird as I've never had that before when I swim. I rounded the bouy and headed towards the swim exit. I thought the strong current would be an issue as I was now swimming across the river, but it really wasn't. Was able to swim nearly to the ramp, got up and started running with no issues.

Nothing really...maybe I could have pushed it more, but I felt the swim went well.

There was a long run for T1, running behind, on the side and then down the TA. I found my rack without an issue. I sat down to roll my socks on. No issues with the aero helmet or sunglasses. I quickly (and not so descretly) put on chamois butter, grabbed my bike and I was off. Also a long run out of TA to the bike start.

Execution went well. I was efficient once I was at my bike rack. The run in and out of transition seemed to go in slow motion.

Got breathing under control at the beginning of the bike. The first climb was more challenging and longer than I remember. The first loop was really crowded, but most people were staying out of eachother's ways. The road conditions were pretty good with just some patches of concern (grates, potholes, etc). There was a slight headwind on the TA side of the river. Nothing awful...just kind of annoying. I took a GU at mile 7 which ended up to be right before a climb. My stomach wasn't too happy, but I tried to just relax and use the downhills as recovery. I saw Tim pass me on a hill and yelled out as he went by. Brad passed me a short while later which was nice to see him on the course.
I finished lap one and was onto lap 2. I saw Brad on the run as I began lap 2. Lap 2 was a lot less congested. My legs never really felt fatigued, but looking back, I feel like there were sections where I could have gone harder. I took another GU at around mile 20. Stomach never felt awful, but it never felt settled. The rest of lap 2 was very similar to lap 1. Fairly uneventful. I was just looking for friends. On the stretch past the art museum, I saw the lead males and females which was cool. I also got to see Laura out on the run and she looked strong. Finished the final hill and sped into the dismount area.

Actually push harder on the bike. There were flat sections where I just maintained a comfortable pace and didn't use it as a chance to make up some time. The good part of the bike was that I was able to stay aero for nearly the entire ride (where I wasn't climbing or descending). Happy with that based on my lack of time on the tri bike in the aero position this year.
Honestly, I am happy and disappointed with the bike. The bike split for me is a good time, but I was only a few seconds faster than last year. I feel like my biking has improved since then so it's a little disappointing not to necessarily see the improvement on the course. Again, I think it comes down to the fact I didn't capitalize on the flat sections of the course.

Got off the bike and immediately felt a shooting pain running down my right inner thigh. Have never had this before. I started running when I felt it and was reduced to a walk/limp. I found my rack and it was still hurting. I was thinking it would be quite the long 10k walk, but was hoping it would work itself out.
Didn't use speedlaces as I was running in my Newtons so I had to tie my shoes. Opted to go with just sunglasses and no visor.

Not really in my control, but the leg pain slowed my T2 down. I also could have used speed laces, but don't think it cost me too much time to actually tie my shoes.

I was giving my leg pain a pep talk and telling it to go away. The run starts out on grass behind the TA. I hate running on grass. Got onto the road and felt like my GU was sitting high in my stomach. The first part of the run was semi-shaded and into the wind which kept me cooler. I hit the turn around and started pouring sweat. I kept trying to stay cool by squirting water on my head from my water bottle. Sweat kept running into my eyes which was annoying and painful. I don't think a visor would have helped any (I usually feel hotter wearing a visor). I saw Sissy and Brad in the TA as I was at around mile 2.75. She yelled that I didn't look good...was it that obvious? :)
Hit mile 3 and had a pep talk with myself that I was nearly half done. Earl found me on the run and it was nice to see a familiar face. The way out to the art museum was HOT. Into the sun and with a tailwind. I finally hit the turn around and got some relief with the headwind. My leg pain went away, but my stomach felt full the entire run. I continued to dump water on my head to remain as cool as I could. Hit mile 6 and I could see and hear the finish line. For an olympic race, this finish line is loud, crowded and awesome...the fans were great!

I don't think I could have done anything differently.

Grabbed some ice and water and found our crew. Made my way to the food tent and had some cookies and a diet Coke. We found some shade and I finally stopped sweating.


I think most of it was mental. I have been putting the training time in on the bike and run to post a little better times. Especially on the bike, I get comfortable and never really push myself past that. Something to work on.


A great race! It's well run and is a pretty good course. I don't think I have any real complaints. There were a lot of athletes and more this year than last year. The course was a little crowded, but not awful. I'd do this race again.
It was also great to race with our friends. When we were standing in line at the port-o-potties before the swim start, I said that I couldn't imagine doing these races by myself.