Lake Norman YMCA Triathlon (Sunday) - TriathlonSprint

Started in the 5th wave. It was a good swim. I improved my time from the last OWS by a minute. I felt good from the start. I did start behind some people I knew I shouldnt have. I should have just gone to the front but other guys were hell-bent on being in the front. I figure I would just pass them in the water. And I did. Quickly. But it did cause me to swim Tarzan style with my head out of the water for the first 50 or so.
My turns were great. By the time I hit the first bouy, there was no one around me and I made a nice easy turn. The second bouy, I had caught the previous wave but they were gapped enough so I could get around. Same thing through the third turn.

Start up front. And I need more OW practice. My training is all done in the pool and I usually breath every 6th stroke. In OWS it is every stroke. Just need to get more comfy in deep water.

I am biking in my running shoes with cage pedals so I have to take too long to put socks on and shoes on, etc.
When I saw my time I thought it was too long, but it looked about average for Master Novice category.

Go clipless. That is my next paycheck.

This was my first race with my new 08 Raleigh Sport so I was curious to see how I would do and I will say a newer bike makes a lot of difference. Mine is still not a carbon frame or fork, but it is 7 pounds lighter than the 1983 AZUKI I have raced with all season long and I could tell a difference.
This course did have a few decent sized hills on it. But between that it was pretty much flat. Coming up the last hill I got into the small ring and halfway up, my chain popped off. Had to stop to fix that. The same thing happened at almost the same spot when I rode the course last weekend. WTH?

Still need more time in the saddle. Got to get into group rides and longer rides.

I believe that this was one of the fastest T2 times among Master Novices. I told you I had a great spot. But in reality, all I had to do was rack my bike, take helment off, grab belt and visor and go 25 feet to the mat for run start.

Go faster.

Pretty good run for me. I am not the fastest runner in the group and I know that. I took water at every station and walked during that. I read on one of these forums that if you have difficulty running and taking water, fold the cup and hold the water in your cheek. Well, that is tough to do when water is in styrofoam cups. They crush. So I walked when I drank.
At the one mile mark, met up with another runner and he and I ran/talked until about 1/2 mile left and then I slowed a bit and he finished ahead of me.

Gotta train more. Same as the bike, hafta do longer runs. Also, bricks during training would probably help.

Step 1- got a water, bagel, banana, strawberries, and a doughnut.
Step 2- Repeat step 1.
Didnt hang around long. Got my stuff together and left so I could make it to the important things in life. My daughter, and the rest of the 3rd graders in our church, received her Bible from the congregation. After church, I made it to my family reunion (in time to eat and run). Then my son had 2 baseball games, and his team won the tournament. Way to go Nations Elite 12U!!!
Very busy, but very good Sunday.


I missed too many days and havent followed a specific training plan this year. I just swim one day a week, and try to bike and run a couple times a week.



Good race. Another good job by SetUp. Thanks to all the volunteers. They were great.