Since I didn't do any jogging for a warmup, my body decided that the first 100 or so of the swim would be easy. It seemed like 5 mins before it got the message that we were racing. Some dude passed me and I decided to catch a draft which lasted for about a 100 or so.

I hugged the buoy line (which is where the current is). In my view, if the kayaks are not pushing you back inside the course, you ain't racing.

The current must have been really strong this year because this swim was over before I knew it.

Nada. Other than catching a draft, I could not ask for a better swim.

Ran hard up stairs and into transition. Decided to wait on removing speedsuit and I think this was a good choice - allowed me to run hard to my bike.

Need to learn how to remove speedsuit faster.

Tried to push hard on the bike. Didn't really look at watts. Just trying to drink something every 15 mins and get a gel down at mile 10.

At mile 15, I grabbed my water bottle and took a drink. I thought I had it in the holder when I let go but I didn't. Next thing I know, it's spinning around on the ground. I thought about stopping to get it but then I noticed I was going around 20mph and it was a lost cause.

Got some hunger pains towards the end of the bike. Took a gel (maybe not a wise choice).

Also, tried something new: no peddling going downhill above 30 MPH. Just used the time to rest the legs. I think this was a good plan.

Entire workout (201 watts):
Duration: 1:13:14
Work: 880 kJ
TSS: 101.6 (intensity factor 0.914)
Norm Power: 218
VI: 1.08
Pw:HR: n/a
Pa:HR: n/a
Distance: 25.924 mi
Min Max Avg
Power: 0 481 201 watts
Cadence: 31 174 92 rpm
Speed: 0 38.8 21.3 mph
Pace 1:33 0:00 2:49 min/mi
Hub Torque: 0 249 72 lb-in
Crank Torque: 0 799 187 lb-in




Gonna try liquid nutrition next time.

A standard t2 for me. Grabbed water on the way out to try and wash down the rest of the gel which was now gumming up my stomach.

Still much work left to be done here. One of my goals continues to be sub 50 in an Oly. I just ran a 7:03 paced 10k the weekend before. I also ran a 7:38 paced 1/2 marathon back in March. I thought I could hold 7:45s.

My stomach cramped right out of the gate. I think it was the gel with no water on the bike. Just tried to push the pace hard up to the point of puking then I would back off just a bit; wash, rinse, repeat.

Took in water at the aid stations to try and ease up the stomach gel. At the turn around I took some Gatorade (which I dropped all over myself and it was red). Skipped the last aid stations.
Paces were:
8:19
7:56
8:10
8:14
8:12
8:33

I love this finish - down hill the last 1/4 mile. You can really turn on the jets.

Try to move to liquid nutrition on the bike. Maybe that will help the stomach cramping issues.

Sat down at the finish line. I really felt like puking for about an hour after the race. I guess that means I pushed it pretty hard.


My goals for this race were to:
1) Qualify for AG Nationals
2) Break 2:30
3) Run sub-50 10k.

I did #1 and #2.

It would be easy of me to be critical of my run. I think I am capable of faster run performances. My run doesn't keep up with my bike which doesn't keep up with my swim. However, when I look at the following analysis, I have to be happy with the improvement (I am most happiest with my AG bike improvement):

07 Overall Placing (S/B/R/Total) 19%, 54%, 58%, 50%
08 Overall Placing (S/B/R/Total) 13%, 22%, 32%, 21%
09 Overall Placing (S/B/R/Total) 5%, 10%, 27%, 12%

07 AG Placing (S/B/R/Total) 33%, 70%, 75%, 66%
08 AG Placing (S/B/R/Total) 13%, 25%, 36%, 21%
09 AG Placing (S/B/R/Total) 4%, 14%, 39%, 15%

Chattanooga is the only race I have done every year I've been in triathlon, so it serves as the best indicator of year over year improvement.


Best big race Oly in the SE IMHO. I have not done St. A's, but the non-saltwater swim and river current has to make this a better race.