Mark, Erik and me after the finish (R to L). Mark got 4th in his age group, and Erik won his. They both beat me by over a minute.


So a fitting beginning to this log is triathlon #1. The 2006 Wendy's Ultrafit Sprint Triathlon. The race took place at Alum Creek State Park north of Columbus, OH. I was a little concerned about the 800 meter (1/2 mile) open water swim. I ate half a protein bar, half a CLIF bar, a banana, coffee and plenty of water before six in the morning. The water was cold, but it was colder outside the morning of the race. I'm guessing about 55 degrees and definitely overcast. Thankfully for me, the water was shallow, and I was able to stop, stand up and take a peak to the next buoy a few times during the swim. Swim Time: 12:50

T1 was not bad, but I just wasn't super prepared. I jogged in, took a gel, a little water and changed into the bike shoes and helmet. Slow time: 2:49

The bike was a bit strange at first. I realized I was in my small chainring and couldn't get it to shift at first. Thus, I was spinning like a mad cyclist. I also couldn't really feel much of anything on my legs as it was still pretty cold. Only one person passed me on the bike. Another big guys with legs the size of a linebacker. We chatted for a minute when I caught him on a hill, and then he began slowly building a lead. I think I would've got him were it not for some slow people riding slowly through an offset turn that made me slow down a ton. Passed numerous people with cool tri bikes and all kinds of gadetry. I saw some people drafting, but they weren't too speedy as I was coming from behind. Probably more of an issue with the guys tete and moonpie were seeing. Not a windy day probably helped me a lot too. I believe a more hilly course would have benefitted me, as my legs never really got tired on the bike. I think HR was pretty low too. Couldn't tell as I was only sporting the wrist watch. Took in a half bottle of Gatorade and two gels on the run. Bike: 45:51 (22 mph)

T2 was quick, as I threw on the pre-tied asics, and set out.

The run felt pretty good, and 3.1 miles feels dang short compared to long runs that I've done in the past few months. Passed numerous people on the run (same as bike), and only got passed by one female who looked like a very competitive runner. About .3 miles from the finish, I saw the last guy I thought I could get in my division, and I put the missile lock on him. He was a big dude, and was kind of lumbering. I determined I'd cut the gap in the first 2/10, and then smoke him the last 1/10. I executed my plan, and then he tried to sprint me the last 50 or 60 yards. I decided that just wasn't going to happen, and thus all-out sprinted to the finish. Run Time 5K: 19:39.7 (6:18min/mile)I finished at 1:22:43 and 4th in the Clydesdale division. In retrospect, I should've done my age group, as that time would have netted me 4th in the 25-29. Oh well, there's always my second triathlon for that. 800 m swim, 16.8 mile bike, and a 5K run. I am officially addicted. I loved almost the entire thing, felt like I had some left in the tank (regrettably), and have much learning and improving to do. All in all, a great experience, and something I certainly want to do again, ASAP Did I mention it was dang cold in that water without a wetsuit?

Check out Moonpie's Race report at the bottom for final results with rankings.