I was about 37th to go out so I had several minutes to watch the really good swimmers take off first. Man they make it look easy.

Ironically fellow BT'r, Tim_Edwards, was positioned directly in front of me. I had never met him but had emailed via this site a time or two. It was good to have a tri veteran to help answer my last minute questions and to help keep the nerves in check.

I spoke with the girl in line behind me who informed me that she should be in the <6 minute class. Sure enough, on the 2nd lap, I got the tap of shame as she glided around me.

I think once I pushed off the wall I was a little too stoked. I went out way too fast and kicked too much. After the first 100, my breathing was labored and my legs were getting tired. Having been passed may have been a blessing as I had the lanes by myself the rest of the way so I tried to settle down and just get it done. It would have helped to get a lap in prior to the start.

I had T1 planned out pretty well, the time is just an estimate. I tried to exit out the wrong side of the area and had to turn around. Walking on concrete with cycling shoes on is no joy.

Forgot to re-start watch for this segment.

Felt like I was finally in my element. The bike is certainly the more enjoyable of the 3 events for me. Finally got to pass a few people, though I was probably passed more often than not. Those tri bikes zooming past sure were cool. I hate to say it but I got a little extra enjoyment out of passing the gal that lapped me in the pool :-)

Nearing the end, as we neared downtown Versailles, some locals had setup lawn chairs to cheer us on. I thought that was just too cool. I tried to add a burst of speed for show.

Need to work on my gear changes as I popped the chain twice. Luckily I was able to get it back on without having to dismount. Right pedal needs some adjustment as the cleat kept popping out. Fearing the upcoming run I held back a little on the bike. I could have given a little more there I think.

Oh boy, I nearly fell when dismounting. My legs were rubbery. Limped into the transition area. I had to sit down to change shoes. Watched a few people come and go before I mustered the courage to move on.

Maybe standing on the bike the last minute to prepare for the run.

Saw something spray painted on the ground up ahead and thought it must be the 1 mile marker. Dear God it was only the 0.5 marker. This was going to be rough. Hit the 1 mile marker in 9 minutes and change. Legs were much better now but breathing was hard. Was just hoping to see a water station at the 1.5 mark but nope instead was greeted with the hill from hell. Decided then and there that Tri's were not for me. Something wouldn't let me quit though. Made the climb, then there was the oasis of a water station. I don't think any of the water actually hit my mouth but it was the thought that counted.

From mile 2-3 was kind of a blur, I guess I ran it. Nearing the end a competitor got off course, unsure of protocol and the fact that I was gasping and couldn't have yelled at her if I wanted to, I said nothing. A director later pointed her in the right direction. The last 0.1 of the race was spent with her quizzing me why I didn't yell at her.

Crossed the finish line with not much left in the tank.


Need more run training for sure. Not sure what I could have done differently that day.

Knew my dog was in the car so went and got him and hobbled to the refreshment stand. I would have never though peanut butter sandwiches and Gatorade to be a good combination but dang if it wasn't pretty darn good.


40 years of laziness.


Having sworn off Tri's during the run, but during the awards ceremony, I coudn't help but wonder where I could shave more time to get into contention for placing in my age group.

I had my heart set on a beer and pizza after the race. While I was enjoying the beer and waiting for the pizza to come to the table, I was looking through the race bag. Hmm there is another Tri in May in Shelbyville, I think I just may have to sign up for that one ;-)