Tri the Parks - John Tanner State Park - TriathlonSprint

Wanted to find Arnett's feet. Saw him come down around me to line up so I snuck in behind him. Gun went off and we were off. For the first 100 meters, this was like an Ironman swim. Bodies and arms flying everywhere.

I caught a great draft (maybe Arnett) to the first turn. Just after the first turn buoy, we started to hit the wave in front of us and in the swimming around, I lost my draft. From there until the end, just to tried to hammer it.

Fastest NAMCer out of the water but I paid for it later. I should start taking the swim parts easier. Pacing = 0, looking like a rookie = 2.

In the good news column, last years split was 10:37 and this years time was an improvement by almost a minute.

Coming out of the water, my HR was near Saturn. I was so out of breath that I could hardly get my wetsuit off.

Coming out of transition, I tried to do a flying mount. I must be out of practice because I landed with my shoes upside down and could not get them flipped over. Had to stop and get them setup right. Flying mount attempt = 0, looking like a rookie = 3.

Practice my flying mounts. I did not take this race seriously at all and the rookie mistakes show that. Better to get them all out early in the season and at a sprint than at a race where you pay dearly for them.

Since my only plan was to go as fast as I could from start to finish, I put it in my big gear and never took it out. Going up a few of the hills, required me to grind it out but it wasn't too bad.

HR coming out of T1 was still way high and issue with my mount did not help. Once I got up to speed, I was passed by Arnett and a freight train of P3s. Spangler and Cornelius caught me about 1/2 way on the bike and that caused me to pick it up. Coming back into the park, I got caught behind 3 guys and just decided to spin it in since Spangler and Cornelius were in front of them and had taken off.

As is typical, I gave up slots from swim to bike. What is deceptive is that I come out of the water ahead of the strong cyclist and feeling like I am getting passed by everyone in the race. Even more deceptive is that the competition was tougher this year despite the improvement on my part. I think it is because of the economy and people are choosing local races (plus they increased the size of the field this year too).

In the good news column, last years time was 32:49 so that is an improvement by over a minute.

Also first, race where I didn't have any water on my bike. Also first tri with the 808s. The did awesome.

Had trouble getting socks on. Heard Ninja call out 42 minutes and I started doing some math in my head. 1:05 seemed doable (until I started running that is).

Came out of transition fast and started to feel a side cramp at 1/2 mile. Slowed it down a bit. Mile 2 felt uphill the entire way and I almost walked. This is where my poor pacing really got me. This run felt like pure survival. Saw Kirk and Kraig just after the turnaround and tried to kick it in for the last mile.

Pace better.

In the plus column, last years 5k time was 23:36 so this was an improvement by just under a minute.

Water, hanging out, cheering others on. Ran/walked out to cheer Bill Haynes to the finish.


Pacing. Overall a great race and I PRd which is always cause for celebration. I might retire from sprint racing; I seem to do better at longer events.


A great season opener. They always do a great job and there is lots of local talent. Don't kid yourself though, this course is deceptively hilly.