So I made this public despite its terrible triathlon resume building.  I finished DFL in Clydes and only 2 men finished slower than me.  This was my first Olympic distance and I was pretty unprepared:  I came no where near my benchmarks for my training plan AND I struggled with weight and some depression late in the summer.  Instead of coming into the race as I had envisioned when I committed to it, I towed the line at least 20 lbs heavier than I had hoped and much less mentally prepared.

That being said, it was important for me to be there and important for me to finish.  Rather than commenting on the tidbits I could have done better above, suffice to say I am looking at a need for overall improvement.  Much like the new weightlifter who focuses on dumbbell curls instead of squats and deadlifts, detailed analysis is not as helpful at this point.

I am certain that I was not quite ready for the Olympic distance.  I had yet to complete a sprint with any competitive swagger.  I came to be enrolled in the Malibu Oly for the right reasons though.  I challenged my church regarding their own vitality and fitness and promised that I would challenge myself at the longer distance IF some would join me by doing the Classic as an individual or relay.  Our little church of about 45 regulars fielded 14 athletes spread out over 4 relay teams and two AG competitors.  I could not have been more proud.

So, coming from a very centered and contemplative place, I would say three things:
1.) I finished and DFL>DNF>DNS.
2.) I have a base line to evaluate all future Oly endeavors.
3.) I moved 320 lbs through the world yesterday, covering roughly 33 miles, over the course of 4 hours, burning 4400 calories in the effort.

Edited by Revbigdog 2009-09-13 10:19 PM