I started in the back of the mass start as I'm just a 'get it finished' swimmer. The pack quickly spread out so no contact. Actually spread out so fast I didn't have a chance to catch a draft so swam the course solo. Ended up mid pack so no complaints. I just cruised through at a comfortable pace. Good race to work on navigation as the previous ones were either short, or I found a draft.

Nothing. I'm happy with the swim peformance based on my practice swim times. More training and time should give me better swim times, but no complaints in getting a comfortable swim done.

This was not a chipped race, so just have to estimate times based on their race clock and bike/run computer.

Nothing, everything done okay. No sitting down during transition so I'm happy.

TOUGH! This was my nemisis for the event. Started out great, riding at 20mph along the rough roads. Trying to take it easy as it was a 34 mile ride (yeah, yeah you IM's, but that's long enough for me). First 16 miles was average to flat with just a rough as heck road. At the half way point the wind really started picking up. There was a constant high headwind for the entire ride back. Lots of uphills for most of the return as well, with one downhill near the end to balance it out. My biggest problem was having to go to pee during the entire ride. Not sure how I'm going to deal with this on a longer event unless I find a place to stop during the ride. The combination of riding a rough road with needed to pee badly was brutal and I just wanted to be done on the bike. I've read about the peeing on the bike technique, but just not ready for that yet, especially since I was never far apart from other riders during the course.

For the combination of factors, this was just a horrible ride for me. I think next time no matter what the time penalty, I'm just going to find some bushes somewhere and take care of any needed business.

Just need to get more riding time in.

Got passed by lots of aero guys during the ride. They must have been horrible swimmers since this was only a single lap course. Maybe the short course intersected somewhere. I passed a few people, and at least didn't come in last. I did manage to catch a few nice Cervelo's on the hills, but they just flew by me again once we got to the top or flats. At least on my road bike I don't have to worry or embarrased when I'm passed by anyone. Makes me not want to get a fancy tri-bike.

Also need to return to training in tri-shorts. My butt was hurting during the second half of the ride. I think I got spoiled with the Sugoi bike shorts.

As bad as I feel the ride went, the overall pace of 16.6mph is right on target with my typical training rides. So I was giving it all the effort I had.



Find a way to pee during the ride.

No problems, bike gear off, run gear on. Glad to be done with bike segment.

For my running pace, I am elated on this. After what I felt was a horrible bike ride, I was determined to run the entire segment and finish strong (the faster I finished, the faster I could get to that pee stop). Run started on a loose gravel/sand uphill path that had several people nearby walking. I was feeling great and just kept going. Typical asphalt run through the next part. Passed 6 people in the first 1.5 miles. Then at the RV park there was a short steep downhill. Passed a few more guys here. Was downwind for another mile or so and just worked on running a comftable pace and catching a few more people. Hit the final turn and knew there was only 1.5 miles to go. Ran strong and caught some more people. Sprinted the best I could at the end and the offical race clock said 3:08:54. The printed standings show 3:10:00, so not sure where the extra 1:06 went. Maybe I should send in a race finish photo and ask :)


Nothing, great run for my ability.

Big high-5 from my son. Then off to the bathroom! Phew!



More bike training.


Positives:

- Well organized race very well marked, lots of volunteers and on time start.
- Good pre-race briefing by the event staff.
- Blue Water casino/hotel is family friendly and a good place to stay. Water slide pool is -cold- (75F), though so prepare for that. No comments on the casino part as I'm a Vegas resident so not really a fair comparison to rate it. Seemed like the typical retired / local folks hangout. Buffet dinner was decent and the race event gave a $3 discount coupon.

Negatives:

- No chip timing. Don't understand why, this was organized by the same Mountain man events that host the Las Vegas triathlon so it shouldn't have been an equipment issue.
- In the post race announcement it was indicated there was no professional photographer for the event. They could have announced that beforehand and I'm sure they could have organized something. Heck, -I- would have dropped my entry, brought a few friends with our DSLRS's and make some $$$ for the weekend snapping photos.
- Parker is a small town, so don't expect much other than the Casino/hotel and a few chain restraunts. Just for the COJ forum...we stopped at the Pizza Hut for lunch Saturday. Yum!

If I wasn't scheduling for IMAZ next year, I'd do this event again.

Hotel and Race pictures posted in my album.