At the last minute they added me to the first wave so I only did a very short warm up. Once I started I felt OK but I never really felt like I hit my groove. My average time is better than my training pace of ~2:10/100 so I was faster than I thought.

Warm up a bit more so I can get into my groove.

Realized right before the swim that I had not rolled and set my socks out and while setting up transition. With my feet still dripping wet this added a few seconds to my time. Otherwise a smooth transition.

Make sure I set up my socks in my bike shoes properly!

First race on a TT bike (upgrade from my hybrid commuter) so I was expecting a faster bike split, and I did not disappoint. During the first lap I pushed my speed knowing that I could save my legs during the second lap. Being in the first wave there were not many others to pass however the second lap had mixed waves so I found myself calling out "on your left" a bunch.

Not much, felt good the whole way.

As I ran into the transition area I could hear a couple others right behind me, we sounded like a parade of tap dancers. Two ladies made it out about 5 seconds ahead of me, giving me some rabbits to chase on the run course.

Not much, good overall but I could shave a few seconds here and there.

Heading out of transition I was a bit behind the two ladies who transitioned at the same time I did. While trying to keep my pace in check I gave myself a goal to catch them if I could. The first one slowed down quickly and I passed her before the first turn. The second was running a good pace right around mine so it took me longer to catch up.

When I checked my watch, the display said "10.3" and I thought to myself "there is no way I'm running a 10+ pace!". My legs felt funny off the bike like the usually do but I figured I was at least running my usual 9:30. When we hit the first mile I glanced down and saw the lap time as "8:24" and I realized I was looking at my total distance, not lap pace! A quick press of a button and I was able to see that I was running a nice pace, faster than my usual training pace by a good margin!

Determined to stick with her I kept a solid pace to the turnaround then she pulled ahead as we went up a small incline. She kept the lead all the way to the last corner where I kicked in for the final stretch to the finish line, taking the lead and finishing just steps before her. After crossing the finish line I gave her a big high-five and thanked her for pushing me to one of my fastest runs.

Ran one of my fastest 5k's, let alone the run leg of a triathlon. Not much more I can do except keep training!

Stretched out a bit and watched other racers finish. Waited for CJ to finish so we could cheer her as she crossed the finish line.


Just more training.


Great little local race, perfect for those new to the sport and a fun fast race for the veterans.