beginner (seeking advice about a month ago...)

Well, I did it. My first Tri. For those of you who might remember, I was asking for advice for a 260 pound 34 year old who was considering doing a tri in 32 days. I was fit, but had never combined any of the sports in any way and hadn't been in the pool for distance, ever. Well, here is the scoop:

Today I completed an olympic distance tri in 3:30. It was a little demoralizing when I finnished my bike leg and saw several athletes walking around with beer while I still had to do 6.6 miles, but I took it all in stride (though I have to admit I subvocalized a few expletives as I passed each one!).

Anyway, I have been spending a lot of time in the pool this past month doing the crawl, but a lot, though not all of it, was wasted. I showed up at the event and I was one of 5 not wearing a wet suit. The water temp, I'm told, was below 60. Anyway, I got in the water and couldn't breathe!!! The course was a 1500 meter half oval, but the first 500 meters were into the wind, waves and current. I couldn't breath, so I had to settle for the breast stroke (dumb ass never did an open water swim!) About half way through my legs started to cramp I guess because I hadn't been practicing the stroke much, so I basically locked me knees and ankles and went through the rest with mostle arms. Ugh. 49 minutes.

Out of the water I transitioned well and into the bike and managed to catch quite a few people, despite the hills. I felt really good (until I saw the people who finnished the race before I finnished the bike leg.

Wen I got into the run, I didn't have jelly legs, but I started cramping at about mile 2 and the cramps and I spent the next hour becoming good friends. I drank a bucket load of gatoraid, but subsequently spent the last 2 miles with a tearing stitch in my side!! the winner came in at 2hr, 1 min. What a stud. I guess he is trying to make the Mexican olympic team, I think.... All in all it was great fun with only one dissapointment: no tee shirt for my first Tri! Got a hat instead!! Now, 9 hours later, my calves are doing a little mamba infused with a heavy rap beat and I am dead tired, but I am really satisfied. Thanks for all your help and encouragement!!!

Thomas