It is possible to win a tri in the swim...

I think when people say that they're referring to really really stong swimmers (1/2 or 3rd out of water out of the entire field) and people who aren't in the to 20 in the bike or run.

clearly, you're a good biker and runner in addition to being a good swimming and it seems you're well rounded.

great race!!

Congrats!!  I still have a ways to get before I'm close to placing!! 

Way to go!

It's an interesting concept for me. I've always swam. But biking and running are relatively new sports for me, that I just took up as a 30+ year old adult. Normally I'm front of MOP on the bike now and MOP at best on on the run, but never before has my swim kept me ahead of the competition. I felt like I was holding on for dear life during the run, kept waiting for someone in my age group to pass me (as has been done in my last 4 tris)....


One funny from the swim... I never noticed any women ahead of me, which really bummed me out- I was looking for someone to draft off of... I ran in to the back of 2 of the men's waves, and as I was getting out of the water, I didn't see any other women. I was so sure I was first woman out of the water and couldn't understand why the announcer didn't say anything...

Turns out I was 10th out of the water, but the 9th place girl was about a minute ahead of me. That's why I didn't see anyone! Sure do wish i had seen those girls at the start... would have loved that draft!

Even though you were 2nd in the bike & run, I'd say you won it in all three events, not just the swim!

yeah.. 1, 2, 2 is a strong showing all around!

What he said!

I can place 1st in my AG for the swim.... 6th on the bike... 12th on the run and I won't place top 3.

But congratulations on your win! You are obviously strong in all 3 events.

+1, you had a good swim but a good bike and run too. If not for the other two the swim would have meant nothing. I know, my last two tris have been this way.

"You can't win the race in the swim, but you can lose it."

Or so goes the saying.

Congrats on your result!

I'd say your swim got you out first and then your bike and run maintained the lead. Finishing 2nd on the bike by 1 sec and second on the run is far from having your swim win the race.

Great job.

Thank you!  I'd also like to add that I am PROOF that years of dedicated training and good base will take someone who is very clearly BOP and make them competitive. When I started, a 5K race pace for me was 12:30 per mile. My bike race pace for 15 miles was around 15 mph. And that was a struggle. My swim was the only thing that wasn't a struggle, and even then it was probably only 2:00 per 100. That was in 2006.

In the vast majority of my races I am just on the outside edge of the podium, inching my way upwards. Three years ago when I started tri'ing I thought I'd never podium and that I would always only be racing for a PR. Then I wanted to start doing longer distance tris, so I hired a coach.

When I first started with her, she assured me that she would make me a competitor. I wasn't quite as confident but loved that she had that confidence. While I've always been athletic and played sports, I've never been a runner or been particularly fast.

So beginners.... those of you who are BOP and think you will always only be in triathlon for just the pure enjoyment of it and chasing a PR. I want to tell you that if you put in the time and work hard, don't be surprised if one day you realize you are competitive...

Now, I'm not under any delusions that I'm gonna start winning awards at all my events. It's all dependent on who shows up to race. There is most always going to be someone faster or slower than you are. But I have to say... it feels darn good to leave a race with more than just my finishing pride... and it's made me want more of it... yep, I'm head back to the track this week. Gotta work on that run so fewer girls can run me down...

Congrats on the win.  Personally, I think that you won because either because you biked 1/2 mph faster than you might otherwise have or because you avoided going :15/mile slower on the run . . . or maybe it was the swim.   Whatever the reason, a great accomplishment!

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I could of told you this long ago.. I've lost a race or two by swim splits.

Congrats!!  I personally don't believe you can win a tri in the swim.  I am doing a sprint next week-end that only has a 300 yard swim.  Pretty tough to make up for weak cycling or running with a 300 yard swim.

I have improved my swimming this year.  But in the past I have taken 2nd AG with the 17th best swim, 1st cycling and 5th running.  I am a strong cyclist and with most triathlons it is the most important leg for a podium position.  Pretty rare to be on the podium without a top 5 cycling time.



Edited by bartturner 2009-07-13 5:13 PM

Congrats on the win!! I'm glad someone can put South Carolina on the map in a positive way!!!!!!!! 

I am not a strong athlete in any of the 3 sports in triathlon. However, I like to swim and swim pretty well.
I am doing my first olympic length tri later this year and am hoping that my swim will help me stay ahead of some of the bike and run speedsters.
Of course, since it is my first oly, I have to survive it first.
Plus, I have some time to work in some speed. Getting faster at running each year.