Wow, this was quite the different exeprience from the first two sprints that I ran. 1/2 mile. I figured it would be more difficult but this was a nightmare. I kept my wits and did not lose it, I just couldn't get going. Like my shorter lake swims I had a problem keeping with the crawl stroke, I'm not sure why, I can certainly do these distances in the pool, but once I hit the open water I can't wrap my mind around the same type, style, timing of stroke that I perform in the pool. Maybe it's not being able to see the bottom? I'm not sure. Meanwhile I used a lot of sidestroke and breast. I was hoping to do this in about 20 minutes so I guess I shouldn't be let down, I just figure had I been able to keep up with the crawl the entire distance I may have been able to come up with a much better time.

The bouys were moving too much, it was very windy and they told us we had to stay to the left of the bouys at all times. Right before they were about to start us in the first wave the third bouy out moved about 70 feet to the left, hmmm, now it was swim between them, then it began moving back, hmmm. Back to keep the bouys on your right. I think they need shorter ropes to the bottom next time. This was frustrating before the start, and once out there they were still moving a good bit.

More training beforehand, as I noted I haven't swam in the pool in about a month. God knows that can't have helped.

I think it was quite so long because of a long distance between the water and the transitition site. I was winded after the water and only put on a slight jog to the transition area. Had to sit to put on my socks and bike shoes. Helmet and gloves went on well.


257/357

For next year I would like to learn how to get into my sneakers while their clipped onto the bike.

Ughhh. My bottom bracket (I think that's what's wrong) must be all fucked up. My pedals are not spinning and it's like pedaling in 10th gear all the time. I knew about this a few days before the race but wasn't able to get it to the shop. My biggest dissapointment, I think had I been able to have this fixed I could have dropped a significant amount of time. Ate 1/3 of a Clif bar right away, wanted to avoid any dizziness/lightheadedness that I experience in Danbury.

316/357

I have to get a new bike. Next spring. More hill training leading up to this one next year. I'm also beginning to think that my legs are warming up much to late in the bike ride, I must need to get out before the race and ride for a while. So far the idea of this has made me nervous in terms of trying to do too much. Hopefully next year will have room to experiment and get some more experience.

The racks were way to crowded. Almost no room left when I tried to rack mine and I knocked the bikes on either side off the rack. Tried my best to fix the situation but since they were still standing figured what the hell, I tried.

Find out if I can rack my bike at the ends of the rack, they had a few empty ones for latecomers. Speak to the organizer about this for next year.

I don't remember drinking so much on the bike, actually checking the bottles afterward I probably only drank about 15oz or so, but I did drink about 30oz at 7:30 and then probably swallowed some lake water. Meanwhile on the run my stomach was sloshing away. Very uncomfortable, must figure out how to avoid this in the future.-

Considering that my recent 5 mile runs have been at about a pace of 13 minutes I'm pleased that I was able to run a faster pace.

Push harder. Not drink so much on bike? or in the morning?

Bend over, stand up, bend over. Two small cups of warm water provided by the wife.


Lack of training leading up to this one. The last month has been a major let down on my part in terms of my training.


The kids volunteered again. Very cool to have them personally urge me on over the PA system. The DJ was using them to help call out names passing the finish line. My wife was taking off ankle straps. It's great that they are still so willing to get involved. Next year my boys will definately get a taste of a kids tri, who knows, maybe even the girls.

The food following this race is good, it's too bad they don't offer any chairopractors or massages. They have what seems to be a huge turnout with what they say are some of the best in the field.

Overall I am very pleased to have finished. I was hoping to break 2 hours, I figured 20 mintues in the water, an hour on the bike and then 36 minutes on the run. I guess without my transitions I accomplished that, especially since I did not include them in my estimate. Either way I see it as a good base to build on for next year. Feeling back in the groove and looking forward to training throughout the fall and winter.