General Discussion Race Reports! » Indian Creek Triathlon Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
 
 
of 2
 
 

Indian Creek Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic


View Member's Race Log
Woodworth, LA
United States
85F / 29C
Sunny
Total Time = 2h 56m 17s
Overall Rank = 115/148
Age Group = 45-49
Age Group Rank = 10/12
Pre-race routine:

Woke up at 3am, drank coffee and ate a Cliff Bar, showered, dressed, got gear together and was out the door at 4:45. Arrived at the race site by 6am, but by the time I stood in line at the packet pickup and then another line for the restrooms, I only had about 20 minutes to set up transition and get ready.
Event warmup:

Only got a 5-minute warm-up swim in before the first wave went out. We were the second (and last) wave.
Swim
  • 39m 15s
  • 1500 meters
  • 02m 37s / 100 meters
Comments:

This is about the best I can hope for given my current swimming ability. Strategy was to swim fifty strokes freestyle then twenty breaststroke, which I did for the entire course. Stayed just under my goal of forty minutes, but still my bike was one of the few left in transition.
What would you do differently?:

Get some swimming instruction, I guess.
Transition 1
  • 02m 26s
Comments:

Fifty-yard run up the beach, through three kiddie pools to wash the sand off my feet. Still took my time to towel the feet of, get them dry and clean of sand.

Good bike mount for me, running start, stepped on the back of the left pedal with the arch of my foot, swung the right foot over and immediately clipped in. Couple pedal rotations later, clipped in the other foot on the first try.
What would you do differently?:

Eventually I'll get tri shoes that I can leave on the pedals and put on while riding.
Bike
  • 1h 13m 49s
  • 24.9 miles
  • 20.24 mile/hr
Comments:

This was my first Olympic distance, so I wasn't sure how to pace this, coming off my longest OW swim ever and facing a 10K in high heat and humidity.. Ended up just trying to stay just above 20mph the whole way, that turned out to be comfortable, maybe a little too easy.

Unlike previous tris, did not pass hardly anyone. Usually pass a couple dozen people, which I credit to my crappy swimming ability more than my cycling proficiency. Competition here featured good cyclists who could also swim. Didn't have a lot pass me either, one guy passed me at the turnaround and I let him pace me on the return trip, staying about 10 lengths behind him. During the last three miles in the park, I cranked it up to 23-24mph and passed him, but no one else.

Used a gel container with three servings of Carboom Apple Cinamon; took half at start of bike and half at end, with water(aerobottle). Also had Gatorade in the seat tube bottle, this combination worked well.
What would you do differently?:

I'll probably have to get a couple of these under my belt to get some feel for the proper pace to ride. Really think I could have pushed harder, maybe held 21 for most of the ride.
Transition 2
  • 01m 29s
Comments:

Not bad. Good dismount, took my time changing shoes, grabbed my hat, race belt, and a gel, then took off.
What would you do differently?:

Nothing. This was pretty clean.
Run
  • 59m 17s
  • 6.2 miles
  • 09m 34s  min/mile
Comments:

Again, not a bad run for me, given the conditions of high heat and humidity. Here are the splits:

09:33.0
09:21.0
09:25.0
10:00.0
09:56.0
09:32.0
01:54.0

Pretty consistent except for mile 4, which was up the hill, and Mile 5 which was in the bright sunshine.

Stomach was kind of queesy, but I was going to try a gel at the second waterstop (Mile 2.5) anyway. They were out of water, so I didn't, went with the Gatorade instead.
What would you do differently?:

Do the run in Minnesota.
Post race
Warm down:

Stood around and drank a water, then ate and packed up.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

MadCow Syndrome (Big-ass Belly, Slow-ass Legs). Of course I need someone to look at my swim, possibly suggest some drills.

Event comments:

This was a good event, one of the few Olympic-distance races in our part of the state. Great venue, on a reservoir in a recreation area, great roads once the construction is through.

Good food after (Barbecue Chicken and ribs), music provided by a DJ wearing a BT.com T-shirt. Introduced myself, turns out he is Michael Pate, one of the guys that originally helped Ron put this site together a couple years ago. Nice guy, doesn't post here much anymore but still has several articles on the home page.




Last updated: 2005-06-12 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:39:15 | 1500 meters | 02m 37s / 100meters
Age Group: 12/12
Overall: 130/148
Performance: Average
Suit:
Course: Big loop from the beach, around seven buoys, Buoys on the right, counter-clockwise around the loop.
Start type: Wade Plus: Waves
Water temp: 0F / 0C Current: Low
200M Perf. Average Remainder: Average
Breathing: Average Drafting: Average
Waves: Navigation: Average
Rounding: Average
T1
Time: 02:26
Performance: Average
Cap removal: Good Helmet on/
Suit off:
Wetsuit stuck? Run with bike: Yes
Jump on bike: Yes
Getting up to speed: Good
Biking
01:13:49 | 24.9 miles | 20.24 mile/hr
Age Group: 9/12
Overall: 85/148
Performance: Average
Wind: Little
Course: Out to LeCompte and back, actually had two 180-degree turnarounds, which cut into the average. Also had a half-mile of shell road under construction which we had to traverse twice. Rolling hils the first six miles,biggest is about a 150-foot decline, which , of course, you ascend on the return trip. Next six or so is a nice flat winding road, then you turn around and do the course in reverse. This will be a great course next year when construction is finished.
Road: Smooth Dry Cadence:
Turns: Average Cornering: Average
Gear changes: Good Hills: Below average
Race pace: Comfortable Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 01:29
Overall: Good
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike Good
Running with bike Good
Racking bike Good
Shoe and helmet removal Average
Running
00:59:17 | 06.2 miles | 09m 34s  min/mile
Age Group: 10/12
Overall: 110/148
Performance: Average
Course: Out-and-back over the same course as the bike, 2 miles through the park, then a mile outside that takes you down the 150-foot hill. Turnaround is at the bottom of the hill so you get to run back up it. Probably half of the course was shaded from the sun.
Keeping cool Average Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Average
Mental exertion [1-5] 3
Physical exertion [1-5] 4
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Average
Race evaluation [1-5] 3

{postbutton}
2005-06-12 2:40 PM

User image

Resident Curmudgeon
25290
50005000500050005000100100252525
The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: Indian Creek Triathlon

Reality Check Time.

To date, I've done two tris and two dualthlons and done well, finishing in the top half of my AG in all races and even placing in my AG in two of those. Well, today I got to play with the big boys and girls, evidently the competition gets stiffer as you step up in distance. Not sure where I finished in AG (will update after official standings are posted), but I was one of the last ones out the water and didn't pass very many people on the bike or run, probably a net of zero.



Edited by the bear 2005-06-12 2:45 PM



2005-06-12 3:38 PM
in reply to: #173306

User image

Elite
3223
20001000100100
Hendersonville
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon
Great job for your first Oly! I'm suprised you didn't pass more people on the bike with that speed. Congrats on a successful race.
Jessica
2005-06-12 3:53 PM
in reply to: #173306

User image

Master
2314
2000100100100
Gulf Shores, AL
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon
Great Job Bear!!! That move up to Olympic Distance is a big deal. You really handled the heat well on the run. Congrats!!

Ken
2005-06-12 4:35 PM
in reply to: #173306

User image

Expert
773
5001001002525
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon
Congratulations on a great Olympic race. As I always say, "The best thing about finishing in the back is that there is nowhere to go but to the front". And I would know. I'm sure that with your intense training ethic you will be a MOP and then FOP in no time.
2005-06-12 5:00 PM
in reply to: #173306

User image

Expert
1180
1000100252525
Iowa
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon
Great race Bear. I have my first Oly in 2 weeks, so I was able to take inspiration from your race. Congratulations on a fine job in some hot weather!
2005-06-12 5:26 PM
in reply to: #173306

User image

Master
1494
1000100100100100252525
Kingston Ontario
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon

Great job, Bear!!

Sounds like there was some serious athletes there...you're inspiring us all.



2005-06-12 6:15 PM
in reply to: #173306

User image

Expert
717
500100100
Utah
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon
Way to go Bear!  I can't imagine how hard it would be to race in heat and humidity.  And Olympic distance too!
2005-06-12 6:56 PM
in reply to: #173306

User image

Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon
Great job...nice that you worked your plan especially in swimming....and that you even beat your estimated swim time.

Not as many weekend triathletes at longer distance. I was last out of the water at my 1/4 Ironman and didn't even see anyone else on the bike. It can be hot and humid in MN too...I grew up there..but not always.

Thanks for sharing your RR!!
2005-06-12 10:21 PM
in reply to: #173306

Elite Veteran
781
500100100252525
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon
ITA with your assessment of the folks who start the line at an OD tri. I think your times look pretty darn good; congrats on your strong finish. And if it makes you feel any better, you would have passed me within minutes on the bike last weekend.

Did you see lots of folks walking during the run leg? Last weekend I was surprised at the large number of racers I passed who were walking. Must have something to do with the recent onset of "summer" in these parts. Last year River Cities was equally as brutal weather-wise.
2005-06-13 6:22 AM
in reply to: #173570

User image

Resident Curmudgeon
25290
50005000500050005000100100252525
The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon

lynda - 2005-06-12 9:21 PM  Did you see lots of folks walking during the run leg? Last weekend I was surprised at the large number of racers I passed who were walking. Must have something to do with the recent onset of "summer" in these parts. Last year River Cities was equally as brutal weather-wise.

Surprisingly, no. Very few walkers, and most of those were at the back of the pack. This very thing was also noted in a preliminary race report at a website covering local multisports:

"With the race now Olympic distance (1500 meters/40 km/10 km) for the first time instead of a sprint (0.5 mile/20 miles/5 km) as in the four previous years, I thought people would be dying on the second half of the run, which also incorporated a not-insignificant hill for the first time.  Either this year's crowd was hardier than usual, or it was just a little less hot than the norm, but I saw very few people reduced to a walk.  Well done! "

To me, just another indication of the quality of the competition.



Edited by the bear 2005-06-13 6:25 AM
2005-06-13 11:38 AM
in reply to: #173306

User image

Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon

"Do the run in Minnesota."  That would really blow your time in T1 and T2.

Congratulations on doing the Oly!



Edited by zagagirl 2005-06-13 11:38 AM


2005-06-13 11:50 AM
in reply to: #173306

User image

Regular
101
100
Baton Rouge
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon
Bear,

Awesome! First Oly! Man I wish I could do better at sprints! You inspired me!

A bunch of guys from the club I belong to here in Baton Rouge were in your race. They suck, I say that because they are so fast!

Keep it up, next is your half Iron man, right!

Chris
2005-06-13 12:28 PM
in reply to: #173306

User image

Champion
11641
50005000100050010025
Fairport, NY
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon
Nice race bear. You're now one of the big kids.
2005-06-13 3:53 PM
in reply to: #173306

User image

Pro
5153
50001002525
Helena, MT
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon

Nice race, Bear. In a couple of weeks, I'll join you in the distinction of getting dusted in your first oly. Only I'll be waaay more dusted than you!

Now get to work on that swim and get to the front of the pack where you belong!

2005-06-13 4:35 PM
in reply to: #173306

User image

Resident Curmudgeon
25290
50005000500050005000100100252525
The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon

Thanks everyone.

I bet no one's as analytical about all this as I am, but I took the race results and computed elapsed time and placement after every race segment, that way I could tell how many people I passed (or passed me) at each stage:

  • Swim: 130th
  • T1: 128th (passed 2, net)
  • Bike: 113th (passed 15)
  • T2: 113th (neutral)
  • Run: 115th (passed by 2, net)

So it's not as bad as I thought but I really don't remember passing that many people on the bike.

2005-06-13 5:03 PM
in reply to: #173306

User image

Master
2314
2000100100100
Gulf Shores, AL
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon
I do that same thing Bear. I usually pass alot on the bike and then most catch me back on the run. Its so depressing.

Manatee


2005-06-13 5:03 PM
in reply to: #173306

User image

Master
2314
2000100100100
Gulf Shores, AL
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon
I do that same thing Bear. I usually pass alot on the bike and then most catch me back on the run. Its so depressing.

Manatee
2005-06-13 5:24 PM
in reply to: #173306

User image

Master
1359
10001001001002525
South of SLC
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon
It was that epic 900 mile month that really catapulted you up over the 20 mph average -- nicely done. I really look to you for biking advice and you obviously know your stuff!

Mike
2005-06-13 9:48 PM
in reply to: #173306

User image

Elite
2706
2000500100100
Hurst, Texas
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon

Fantastic job, Bear.  Jumping up to Oly is a feat, and it looks like you did quite well.

As a side note, did Michael Pate say anything about racing, his weight loss status, etc?  I have read his book several times and it is fantastic, but his website hasn't been updated in some time, so I was wondering if he still races.

2005-06-14 5:43 AM
in reply to: #174339

User image

Resident Curmudgeon
25290
50005000500050005000100100252525
The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon
OldAg92 - 2005-06-13 8:48 PM

Fantastic job, Bear.  Jumping up to Oly is a feat, and it looks like you did quite well.

As a side note, did Michael Pate say anything about racing, his weight loss status, etc?  I have read his book several times and it is fantastic, but his website hasn't been updated in some time, so I was wondering if he still races.

Yes, he did say that nagging, non-sports injuries have limited his training and competition over the last year or so, and that a new job and family responsibilities also limit his training and (horrors!) his BT.com posting time.

2005-06-14 11:56 AM
in reply to: #173306

User image

Master
2233
200010010025
Mechanicsburg, PA
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon
Killer race John! Looks like you had a good time and ran a great race. Way to go!

-Frank


2005-06-14 12:56 PM
in reply to: #173306

User image

Elite Veteran
610
500100
chicago area
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon
Nice job Bear! Yeah, you move up to Olympic and everyone's fast at every event. I think you did great!
2005-06-14 4:37 PM
in reply to: #173306

User image

Champion
5495
5000100100100100252525
Whizzzzzlandia
Silver member
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon

Hi bear!

Personally, I think you did pretty dang well for your first Oly... Bike was great, your run splits are decent... Swim is decent too... Your time is good!!!! You could work the opposite strategy as me... you can hammer the bike and run portion, and just "do" the swim. A triathlon is not won or lost in the water. I'm beginning to think the run is actually the most important leg. **sigh**

Anyway, I digress. Nice work... Be proud... you had an awesome average MPH on the bike!!! GOGOGOGOGOGOGO!!!!

What was in your goodie bag???

Whizzzzzzz

2005-06-14 6:59 PM
in reply to: #174866

User image

Resident Curmudgeon
25290
50005000500050005000100100252525
The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon
Whizzer - 2005-06-14 3:37 PM

Hi bear!

Personally, I think you did pretty dang well for your first Oly... Bike was great, your run splits are decent... Swim is decent too... Your time is good!!!! You could work the opposite strategy as me... you can hammer the bike and run portion, and just "do" the swim. A triathlon is not won or lost in the water. I'm beginning to think the run is actually the most important leg. **sigh**

Anyway, I digress. Nice work... Be proud... you had an awesome average MPH on the bike!!! GOGOGOGOGOGOGO!!!!

What was in your goodie bag???

Whizzzzzzz

Thanks Whiz!

Goodie bag was pretty empty, cotton T-shirt (unusual color, which I'm calling Indian Summer Orange) and a pair of purple SockGuys with the race logo. Obviously not meant to be worn together.

No lipstick either. I have yet to be pleasantly surprised by that ultimate goody.

2005-06-14 7:51 PM
in reply to: #173306

User image

Elite
2796
2000500100100252525
Texas
Subject: RE: Indian Creek Triathlon
Way to go Bear! Yes I vote for moving all run portions of races in our neck of the woods to Minnesota.
General Discussion-> Race Reports!
{postbutton}
General Discussion Race Reports! » Indian Creek Triathlon Rss Feed  
 
 
of 2