kenaxford's Group - Closed and kickin' tale !!! (Page 10)

sounds like that race was a good educatiional experience in a number of different ways.  way to stick it out.

as for the water temp, it was a nice 61 degrees.  Plenty warm enough with a wetsuit.  Fortunately we had some warm temps last week that helped the water temp climb.

Food for thought: I'm thinking about concentrating more on the bike because you're on the bike the most during the race, duh.  This is an endurance race so if I just get a good even pace during the swim and not exert myself completely (because I can't make up that much time anyway) and give it my all on the bike, I should at least be able to hobble in on the run. (Did I mention I don't like running?)  My time in the swim should improve as my form improves (hopefully).
Post-race ranting

oh and by the way Coach K,  last year I had a flat front tire while riding and had all the necessary "stuff" in my saddlebag to change it, but didn't have the knowledge.  I kinda muddled around for 30 minutes or so and finally made it happen and moved on.  Replentished my CO2 and bought a new tube and just basically hoped to not get another flat, as it wasn't a grand experience worth repeating.  I was looking over your website and watched the video for changing a flat and (being a visual learner) think that I've got it down for the next time, so thanks!

glad it helped.  I am going to be posting 1 or 2 others in the near future.  I will try to rememebr to give you guys a heads up.  I think transitions will be next followed by nutritional strategies for race day.

Changing a flat seems like a silly exercise, but it is so important to know how to do that out on the road.  That is by far the most common mechanical issue.  1 or 2 times of practice in the garage using your saddle bag equipment and you are good to go. 

DVR is set.  I get goose bumps just watching the commercials for it on versus.

I'm kind of "over" the Lance hoopla, but there are a few shows scheduled just before the tour that take a look back at some old Lance moments.  Might be good too.

me too brother.  either that or "columbia highroad"  (can you tell I'm American)  I hope Vendevelde does well this year.  The Garmin team director is very active in the media, so it's fun to get all the inside scoop with them.

On another note, it will be interesting to see the dynamic between Lance and Alberto Contador.  I think Contador has the goods to be the leader.  (with or without lance)  That kid is freakin' amazing.

Well, the hard part is done for now.  My first sprint is Saturday July 11th.  I'll be easing thru the rest of this week after a very hard bike on Sat, good run on Sun, and solid swim today.  Taking Tues off completely, Wed I will swim in my wetsuit for the first time and bike the actual bike course as a scouting mission.  Taking Thurs and Fri off completely, maybe a light swim or bike.  Then race Sat.

In my mind, if everything goes according to "plan", I will be shooting to break 18:00 in the 1100 yard swim, break 36:00 in the 12 mile bike, break 24:00 in the 3.1 mile run, and keep total transition time under 2 minutes, for a total time of 1 hour 20 minutes or less.

Or plan B is just to survive my first triathlon and go from there...

GOOD LUCK!!!!  I'm sure you will do great !!!  I recomend following through on that light run or bike.  insert a few race pace "pick ups" of 30 seconds or so just to keep your legs fresh.  keep us updated.

your doing your homework, that's smart!!!  the pull cord on teh wetsuit typically has a little velcro patch so you can place it down at the bottom of your back or up by neck.  (creating a little loop)  If not, you can let it dangle and it shouldn't botther you or hinder your swim.  As for sighting, I would advise you to not follow someone else.  The majority of swimmers veer off course more than they need too.  tehcnique will always suffer as your head rasies because your feet drop as a reuslt.  however, it's a necessary evil in open water swimming.  take a look at the sighting drill in the swim video here:  http://www.fast-tri.com/pictures.htm  This should help you understand the proper technique of sighting to limit the negative effect on your stroke.  As you sight, pick an object beyond the bouy that might be easier to see.  this could be a mountain peak, big tree, tower, whatever.  this way, you don't have to strain so much to see a little orange bouy.  Hope that helps and I look forward to hearing about the race.  Again, good luck, don't be nervous, stay relaxed, and have fun!!!

AWESOME MAINER!!!  good work and welcome ot the club.  It sounds like you had a great race and learned a lot as well.  doens't get better than that especially for a first timer.  congrats.