The long winter in New England wasn't kind to me. This was only the second time in the open water for me this season. My swim was below average. I'm usually a "middle of the pack" swimmer or so. I maintained my form, and I maintained my breathing over the off season. I need to regain my strength and consistency once again.

More swimming prior to the first race of the season

I didn't rush through transition letting my HR drop after the swim and to allow myself to feel more settled on the bike.

Nothing

Usually a faster cyclist, but I'm admittedly a weak climber. My milage this year was limited due to life circumstances and getting hit by a car earlier in the season. All in all, I felt pretty well on the bike. I took in just the right amount of nutrition for the duration.

I did lose a couple of minutes to give my spare tube to another racer in need of one, and when I tossed my chain on a climb. I don't feel this was a "negative" but it did cost me a few minutes total.

More cycling ahead of the race and more hill work. I need to work on my weakness some more.

Nothing really to report here. Just got my cycling stuff off and my shoes on. I had to swap my 910 for my wife's 310 since I flooded my 910 on Thursday and they couldn't get me a replacement in time.

Started my run off with my GPS taking time to find a signal. I felt okay. Was averaging 10 minute/miles for the first two miles or so before we got into significant climbing. Unfortunately for me, I'm not a runner. I never will be. Usually after a couple of miles, my ankle gets very painful. I shattered it about 12 years ago and it never totally recovered and does not have a full range of motion. I've accepted that for triathlon, most of my runs will eventually grind to a walk with some running tossed in. It is what it is.

Try to be more consistent in run/walk intervals. I didn't really stick to my plan for a Galloway method. I underestimated the climbing at Quassy's run course. It wouldn't hurt to have a look at the run course (instead of just the bike course) prior to racing.

A little bit of stretching and some extra hydration.


Running is always my limiting factor overall. I tend to do well on the swim and the bike, and then fall way back on the run due to reasons already mentioned. This year I'm behind on volume for a number of reasons. The long winter didn't help do me any favors (I'm not a fan of the cold). But my wife and I purchased a new home in December and got married just the week before the race. With getting settled in the house and planning a wedding, training took a back seat to life. I'm okay with my performance as the goal was completion (as it always is and will be with me). I recognize that this is a hobby for me and just something I do for fun.


Rev puts on a great race. The swag bag this year was a little light compared to the HIM they did last year at OOB. There were plenty of volunteers around the course and things were managed very well.