This was my first OWS tri and I was a bit nervous as there were supposed to be about 100 people in my wave. That probably isn't a lot but for me, it was. I waited a few seconds after the start and then went. I had started well to the outside, which ended up working great. Had nothing but clean water the whole way out, no bumping, nothing. Easily settled into a rhythm and was breathing great. Turned the buoy and headed in and eventually caught some green caps from the first wave, which was a huge confidence booster for me. Got a little inside and nearly ran into a few yellow caps heading out. Swam until my fingers touched sand and ran out. Belched loudly with a "Hell yea!" My son and daughter jogged with me up the sand, which was neat.

Not much. Still need to get a swim coach this offseason. Liked where I started on the outside and had a nice straight line to the buoy.

BTW- The swim course felt long. I'm not super fast but I typically average 2:00/100 meters and felt right on.

Wetsuit off great. Love the ankle zippers! Trouble getting my shirt on. Need to figure this out. Tried the flying mount and nearly racked the boys. Rethink this.

Maybe wear my shirt under my wetsuit or go shirtless...

Felt pretty good and tried to stay aero as much as possible. Because of the t-shaped loop, that meant lots of turnarounds, which slowed things down. This is my slowest bike this year. Passed by some of my age groupers and others but not too many.

Lots of work to do on the bike. Like to get my averages over 19 mph.

A guy ahead of me slowed me up a bit as he was walking the bike and there wasn't room to get around him. Ripped my race number as I put it on. Had to re-rack my bike as it slipped off.

Actually pretty happy with my time here.

Felt really good starting the race and haven't had the stomach cramping/side stich issues I've had in previous races. Last two have been great actually.

I was suprised when we hopped onto the dirt path and stayed on it as I thought we'd be on the same course as the dip and dash. Course was quite hilly and the loose gravel was difficult, especially when you had to run in the middle to pass people. Took a little HEED at mile 1. Shortly after, I felt a slight twinge in my right knee which I know is related to ITBS. Oh, not now! But it didn't get bad and I maintained my pace, passing lots of people. I had some specific goals for this race and was checking ages as I passed. But good energy throughout and I finished strong.

Consider racing in training shoes. I've done my last three 5k races in flats and I think that's why my ITBS flared up. Just not enough cushioning and support.

Stretched. Got a massage as my hamstrings felt tight. Slight jog. Knee pain really starting to set in now. Gathered my family and waited for the results.

I won my friggin' age division! The overall first place winner was in my age group so I got bumped up. Surprisingly, my age group was a little less competitive than the others. But I'll still take it. So I accomplished my goal of getting on the podium, as I've been close a few times this season. Got my "major award" and even won a cool backpack in the raffle.


Nothing. I'm not getting as much training as I'd like but I'm pretty happy with my first full summer of sprints. Lots of improvement but more work to do. Bring on the Olys and HIM!


Dealt admirably with a last minute bike course change. Waves started on time. Really liked having everyone in my age group start together rather than heats based on swim times. This way you knew you had to catch them on the run as there was no "seed" time to give up.

I'm limping a bit now but am excited about the season and even more excited for next year. See you all next year!