I never felt strong the entire run. I think I came into transition at about 20th place.

Made the same mistake as my first 5k, although not quite as badly. Went out faster than I should have.

I elected not to clip in my shoes ahead of time, partly because it wasn't an important event, and partly because there was a section of road torn up and under construction a few hundred yards from the transition area. I wasn't confident that I'd be able to get my shoes on and turn the corner over the dirt and rubble in time. I got my running shoes off and bike shore on relatively quickly. Also had a good spot the front row of the transition area - entrance and exit were the same area, being in the back would have cost time. I couldn't get clipped in after I mounted the bike, luckily there wasn't anyone around for me to knock over while I fumbled around.

Need to get more confident with pre-clipping in shoes and getting in them.

I felt better after getting on the bike, was able to pass 4 or 5 people over the course, almost rode down one more, but my right calf cramped up with about a mile to go and I had to slow way down.

Given my lack of bike fitness and overall poor feeling for the day the bike went OK.

Rode for a minute or two after the finish to regain composure, then got my calf massaged out for free at the finish which was nice.


Lack of current training, Scheduling, Coming off a hard training week.


Race was OK, small town event. Seemed there was more competition than most local events in Sierra Vista. Decision to have the bike course cross a construction area some on bare dirt was a bit questionable, but as far as I know nobody wrecked and I only saw one rider with a flat tire so it wasn't as bad as I had feared. Run course also came back on same side of road that bikes were leaving the transition area. I almost hit someone on my way out.

All things considered it was a small event so none of the issues really mattered. I might also be bitter because I had such a lousy day.