Lone Star Triathlon Festival - Quarter - TriathlonOlympic

This is my first open water swim triathlon. My goal was to swim the course in about 20-23 min. For the most part, I wasn't unhappy with the swim. Although,I never could truly find a good rhythm. I think I could swim faster if I tried to site a little more often and learn to breath on both side. I felt I was zig-zagging in and away from one buoy to next. At the end of the swim and right after the last buoy turn. My calfs really cramped up. So, there was not going to be any finishing kick this time around.

1. Stretch
2. Stretch
3. Stretch
4. Site- every 6th stroke (like K- told me to do) not whenever. I think this will help with finding a better swimming rhythm.
5. Learn to breath on the left side. Otherwise, only enter races that have a clockwise swim course
6. Learn to draft.
7. Getting more comfortable in the open water.

Because cramping prior to finishing the swim leg. I basically walked to the transition area. Thank God for the strippers. Wetsuit came off in 2 seconds. Getting on the helmet, socks and shoes went smoothly.

1. Stretch
2. Stretch
3. Stretch
4. Try to run to the transition area
5. Learn to mount bike with shoes preclipped.

This was my best part of the whole entire race. My plan was to ride at a 18-20mph pace. Average 19.6 mph. So, I am very happy about that. Pass a bunch of people, but also had more that a few guys blow by me. I went faster coming back in than going out. However, because I may have gone too hard, after getting off the bike, I started to cramp immediately. So again. I walked my bike through the transition area.

1. Stretch
2. Stretch
3. Stretch

At the dismount area. I almost fell off the bike. I think because of cramping in my legs again. Also I almost ran out of transition with my helmet still on.

Not much. Except try to remember to take my helmet off before leaving transition.

Coming into this race, I was not completely injury free. I have been suffering from an ACL strain since December. So I have not logged any outdoor running or speed work. My goal was to try to finish the run in 50-60 minutes. Because of my cramps I could not get going. I had to stop after about 30 yards to try to stretch my legs. So throughout the race I was running, walking, running. I also had to take a rest room break about at mile 1 or 2. Adding insult to injury, I developed a blister on each foot at around mile 3. All in all, the run went from bad to worse. But the great thing is I finished and never thought about quitting.

1. Stretch before the race
2. Stretch before the race
3. Stretch before the race
4. Incorporate a negative strategy

Hung around, talked to other finishers, and ate. Then decided to make the 5.5 hour trip back to Dallas. After the kids went to bed, my wife and I opened a 2003 Elderton Shiraz to celebrate completing my first open water tri.


Poor pre-race preparation. Leg cramps


This was a very organized race that EndorFun put on. The pre-race meeting was very informative. The volunteers and spectators were very encouraging throughout the entire race. The bike ride was protected from street traffic. Nice looking Techinical T and cap. I would definitely do this race again. Maybe next year, I will try doing the double. Finally, Kudos to EndorFun for coming back and giving Galveston a chance to host the event. The economic impact of having an event like this will surely help Galveston rebuild.