Columbia Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

Thought i could do this in about 27-28 minutes based on swimming a mile in the pool at this pace. Adding the wetsuit thought if i didn't freak out, i might be able to swim it faster. Thought i was lined up in the right spot, and must have gone out too hard because i couldn't really catch my breath. Spent until the 2nd orange buoy mostly on my back before i caught my breathe and was able to freestyle in.

This was my first OWS, and didn't get a chance to practice this. Might have just paniced a little, but didn't fell nervous. More time will help this out.

Already after the swim i was 10 minute off my goal of breaking 3 hours.

get comfortable in open water, get further to the back of the start.

Went smooth. Long run up to transistion. Everyone on my rack was already gone by the time i came in, so had it all to myself (that's a bad thing). socks on because i figure my toes would go numb (they did)

Rode the course a few weeks ago, and didn't think it was as bad as i heard prior. Don't get me wrong, it's tough, but i'm used to the hills here in southern York County, so i am used to hills.

Was able to pass going up hill, and felt like i kept speed up. Only hit 36.1 mph, was hoping to go faster at some point, but with the wetness and faster riders flying by me (really cool sound from those with rear disc wheels), i wasn't pushing so much.

Finished in about what i expected, was hoping for a little faster, but 1:36 is about right.

More time on the bike. Only been riding for a few months and I commute to Baltimore for work, so i spend most of my time on the trainer until it gets light real late.

was cold from the bike, so changed into a long sleeve compression shirt. probably shouldn't have.

I used to be a runner in HS and just got back into it a year and a half ago. didn't run much in the last 3 weeks due to shin splints that i needed to rest. legs felt good coming into the race, but just had barely any volume so i didn't know what to expect.

coming out of T2 my legs weren't wobbly or hurting, just didn't have any life to them. Ran up that first switchback, and down and started to cramp slightly in my lower quads on the downhills. backed off a little. Legs finally had a little energy around 4.5 miles, but that only lasted about 5 minutes. Disappointed i had to walk numerous times, but i just didn't have any legs.

10 minutes slower than i had hoped for, but looking back about what could have been expected.

have to train more and stay healthy.

Found my wife/parents/daughter (son spent the weekend with my MIL).


lack of quality training. newness to the sport.


I was largely disappointed with my performance after the race, because i know i should have been able to do better. Life got in the way of training (2 kids, 1 1/4 hour commute each day), and i need to find better times to get quality training in. On the other hand, i did about what my ability was at this time (except the swim). I have nowhere to go but up, so the future hopefully looks bright.

I enjoyed the experience and the challenge, and i hope to do this race next year to get a little personal revenge.

The rest of this year, though, will be running baltimore 10 miler, baltimore half or full marathon, and some sprint tris, and another olympic.

Congratulations to all the great performances out there. Hope to have more good ones to share.