Here is a race report from my first olympic distance triathlon. The LA Triathlon was held on Sept 9th.

It's a bit long; I wanted to capture what I could remember from the race and just "got it all down", so to speak.

If you are curious about the race, here is the website link:

http://www.latriathlon.com/index.html

Pre-race: I set my alarm for 4:45 and woke up at ~3:30 to pee; I tried to go back to sleep but knew that wasn't going to happen. I ate my oatmeal and banana and cleaned the kitchen for the first time in a few days like any good triathlete (still seems funny to call myself that). Drove down to Venice and found the 405 S transiiton from I-10 was closed, so I drove down to Lincoln and headed south. I thought about people from out of town that might get thrown by this and hoped it wouldn't be an issue for anyone. Sure enough, heading south from Santa Monica, I saw a car w/ a tri-bike on the side of the road w/ a map out. The person started moving as I was going by, so I think they figured it out. The valet parking contest that I won made everything extremely easy as I didn't have to circle for parking like everyone else. I parked right next to the beach, unloaded my gear, and rolled over to T1 (transition area 1). Toyota (a race sponsor who ran the valet contest) was nice enough to cover the parking fees and then drive my car over to Staples Center for me to pick up after the race. Tres bien et merci beaucoups! After I dropped off my bike, my oatmeal kicked in. This was a relief as I am pretty regular and was worried this might not happen until the race. The port-a-potties line moved pretty fast and I didn't have to worry about it anymore.

Because I was up so early, I was at the beach about 45 min earlier than I planned. It was great to leisurely stroll about, get my chip, get marked, walk to the beach and watch the pros start. I am glad I did because, I basically watched their whole swim leg and noticed the northbound current pull them right in front of the starting gate as they exited. Later waves saw a bit of intermingling of people exiting the water with those entering. I made a mental note to swim about 20 degrees to the right of straight after the final buoy. I hoped I would remember. After watching the pros exit the water, I put on my wetsuit and went down to the water to warm up. I did a light jog, and then got into the water. Going down there the prior week w/ Leslie helped me understand how important this is, as I experienced a significant shock as my body adjusted to the temperature. Better not to go through that during the race. On the way to the swim corral, I recognized someone who Leslie went to school w/ at CSU. I thought to go say hi, but chose not to as he recently divorced his wife who was a good friend of Leslie's in college. I am sure it would have been no big deal, but I decided just to let it be.

The swim: Got to the swim corral under 10 minutes before the start and stayed back from what I thought was the main pack. My strategy was to let all the truly serious guys elbow each other while I took a wide path w/ fewer swimmers and just focus on smooth swimming. Turns out, I was towards the front of the pack as the majority of people got to the corral w/ under 3 minutes to go. I squeezed myself to the far right side, so I wouldn't be fighting w/ everyone. Once our wave was released, it seemed many of the people weren't moving all that fast towards the water. This surprised me; maybe all the less agressive types seek out the wide angle? I didn't expect that to be the case. I ended up passing a lot of people before we even got in the water. I made sure I was well right of the pack for the entry. Once I was in the water and began swimming, I had my initial flood of adreneline as I fought through the wave break. It took me about 50 meters to calm down and focus on a smooth stroke ("1 - 2 - breathe, 1 - 2 - breathe", etc). The first turn buoy was 150 meters from shore, and about halfway there I noticed my heading was taking me well north- the current was definitely at work! This was something I had to adjust for all race. I would love to see a 2-D top-down view of my path vs the buoy lay out as I am curious just how inefficiently I navigated the water.

Once around the first buoy, I touched no more than 5 people for the rest of the 1500m. This was a wonderful contrast to what Leslie and I experienced at the Sacramento sprint we did back in April (nothing like getting your goggles kicked off in the middle of the Sacramento River). Now that I was around the first turn and not fighting for position in the water, I simply worked on stretching my arms during my stroke and rotating my hips. I had a mouthfull or two of ocean, but nothing bad. As I made the turn at the Venice pier, I could see that the people in front of me were pretty well laid out in a line, so it didn't look like too many people were bunched up. I generaly consider myself a strong swimmer, certainly compared to my cycling and running; so I expected I might be able to pass some people during this leg (and then watch them fly by me later). I think I passed about 10-15 people during the swim, and I am sure a few passed me too. One thing I definitely noticed (repeatedly) is that my wetsuit severely chaffed my neck with my tri top on. Wish I had put some bodyglide there.

As I turned the final buoy to head to shore, I came upon a woman w/ an orange cap who was struggling. I asked if she was ok and she nodded. I tried to encourage her and told her she was almost there. Once I turned away from her, I focused on the shoreline, but since it was about 8am, I was seeing more sunlight than anything else. At that point I surprised myself by remembering to aim to the south of the finish to allow for the northbound current. Those last 100 meters took longer than I expected. The finish was marked by a relatively small yellow sign appropriately titled "Finish" (how thoughtful). About 20 meters from the shore I finally was able to make it out. Turns out, I was headed straight for it. More than anything, it was pure luck; but I know that my awareness of the current helped a lot. I quickly looked to my left as I exited the water and saw some people trying to exit ~25 meters north; directly into another oncoming wave of starters! I made a dash up the sand and began taking my wetsuit off. The arms came off w/ ease (gotta like bodyglide!). I then crossed the timing mat at the swim finish. I love the feel of those mats under my feet! Literally and figuratively.

Swim Goal: ~27:00
Swim Actual: 30:16
Age Group Rank: 26/177

Slightly disappointed that I didn't beat 30 minutes. My clockwork pace in the pool is 10:00 per 500 meters (for a 4000m workout, so I actually did worse than my standard pool pace over only 1500m and w/ a wetsuit). I attribute the difference to what I expect was covering a little extra distance, slowing for sighting, and fighting some chop on entry/exit.

T1: After crossing the finish mat, I started running towards the bike racks. I found I was more winded than expected from running the 100m up the sand and slowed to a light jog so I could recover a bit before the bike. I dunked my feet in the water buckets and lost most of the sand. My bike was on a straight line from the swim exit to the T1 exit, so that made it easy. Before the race, I walked from the swim exit to my bike several times, so finding it was no issue. When I got to my bike, I rubbed my feet on my towel and then started to take the wetsuit off my legs. Inwardly, I laughed at myself for doing my feet first. Once I got the suit off and folded it into my bag, I then went about drying my feet again (and smiled as I did it). Socks went on relatively easy and I hastily tied my shoes. I loaded my ClifBloks (CranRazz flavor, if you care) into my tri shorts pockets. Donned my sunglasses, buckled my helmet, zipped my T1 bag, grabbed my bike, and I started running for the mount line. It wasn't clearly marked so I asked an official if this was the mount line. I don't recall getting a response, but I noticed another chap mounting his sled and heading down S. Venice Blvd, so I followed his lead.

T1 Goal: None, just as fast as possible
T1 Actual: 3:37 (probably should set a T1 goal in the future as this was slow compared to my age group)

Bike: Heading east on Venice Blvd out of T1 felt great! Thinking back to beginning yesterday's bike, the things I remember most were the gorgeous morning sunlight that I was heading straight into, the comfortable temperature already drying my tri clothes, the wide boulevard I had to ride w/ no other traffic aside from the occasional cyclist that I would pass or would pass me. It was fantastic to be able to just ride w/ no cars around! I thanked policemen blocking the intersections as I went by and quickly got some of my ClifBloks down and tried to map out when I would take them throughout the ride. I generally measure consumption by time; i.e. in training I eat about every 30 minutes. When I am doing my standard Rose Bowl circuit ride, I take them at the same point every 3rd loop (as each loop runs me ~9:30 almost everytime). Since I planned on consuming 4 servings (three bloks each) throughout the cycle, with the thought that I would eat some immediately when starting the run, I decided I would eat my first immediately and then the others every 20 minutes. This would leave about a 20-30 minute gap b/w my last ones on the bike and what I would grab at T2. I know some people complain about too much food disrupting their digestive system, but I have somewhat of an iron stomach and I knew I would need the added energy for the run, so I upped my normal eating pace from every 30 minutes to every 20. This broke the standard "don't try something for the first time in a race" rule, but worked out ok.

Because I consider cycling my weakest tri discipline, I conservatively targeted covering the 24 miles in about 1:30. This would be a 16 mph average. While I average 20mph on my Rose Bowl circuit, there is no net altitude gain or loss. There are some steady hills, but what goes up also gets to come down. Driving the course before the race, there was quite a bit more uphill than down with a couple key hills that I knew would challenge me. I figuered that would be good enough to lower my avg by a couple mph. I also didn't know how much more the ocean would tax me than the pool, but knew it would be more of an effort.

The first 6 miles were pretty flat and I was quickly passed by a few of the guys on $2K+ bikes with the carbon-fiber wheels and sci-fi looking helmets, as expected. I passed some people here too, a few of whom were on beach cruisers or mtn bikes, which I didn't expect. Also unexpected was a pair of guys in Mexican cycling jerseys who had Aztec looking idols strapped to the back of their seats along w/ a pack of Marlboro Reds. As much as I hate cigarettes, I had to smile at them as I went by. Turning north on Fairfax, I had my first meaningful hill. I got my speed up before it and, based on the distance and incline of the hill went down a crank size instead of my cassette. This seemed to work fine, and I was back in the big crank in about 30 seconds. I mention this only because I trained only on long rambling hills at the Rose Bowl or long, really steep hills on Altadena Drive. Either of these rides has me in the same gear most of the time with only occassional slight adjustments. For this minor hill, I made a split second decision just to adjust the crank and keep it simple. I am glad it worked, but I think this wonderous discovery tells me I need to vary my training rides more than anything else. The tree lined streets of Fairfax were beautiful in the morning light and led me to "Little Ethiopia". I made a mental note to come back and try some of the restaurants there sometime.

I Turned right on Wilshire and was amazed at how empty the street was in the middle of the morning. When I started working for FedEx in '93, this was where I worked and it was always crammed with people. It was nice to see no cars on the street and to have 4 lanes to find the path least riddled with cracks and bumps. Turned left on Highland and then the quick right on 6th for the "Olympic Distance Extension" (the sprint course was the same except it continued up Highland w/o diverting onto 6th. I was riding next to some guy from Malibu who was cranking around pretty easily, more so than me. We passed a couple miles talking about training and that he was looking forward to the Malibu tri next weekend. He said the swim at Zuma, while shorter in distance, is a lot rougher. I could only imagine the fun that must be! Once we turned back onto Highland to continue up the hill to Hollywood, he dropped me as if his regular ride was somewhere in the Pyrenees. I never caught him later, but found he finished a few minutes in front of me (bully for him). When Leslie and I drove the route, I expected the long climb up Highland would really tax me. Turns out it wasn't as bad as I anticipated. Once I turned right onto Hollywood Blvd, it was great to go down a little hill and get my speed up and have an easy effort. I rode by and enjoyed seeing all the landmarks (the famous ones, but also the Toyota dealership where we got our minivan after Andrew was born, the Pantages Theater where we saw The Lion King and where Leslie is going to see Wicked in a couple weeks).

Turning southeast onto Sunset Blvd, I got the briefest glimpse of an accident in the middle of the intersection where there were pieces of vehicle all over and police directing people around. While I hoped no one was seriously hurt, I was thinking how I really hope no cyclist was involved because they have no protection against such a collison. I didn't notice much of what was around the route here as there was a steady downhill where I took advantage and got my speed up over 30mph. I have no idea what my fastest speed was because for some reason, the max speed showing on my computer when I left T1 was 73mph. I was pretty confident I wouldn't exceed that. Flying down Sunset was great and I knew I wanted to get momentum for the uphill portion which I transitioned right into. Heading up Sunset towards Dodger Stadium, all I remember was watching all the hipsters in Silverlake grabbing their coffee and eating at outdoor cafe tables. I thought to myself that many of them might think we are idiots for doing this, but i learned long ago not to worry about anything like that. It did look like a great morning to hang out and enjoy a mocha and some conversation.

I crested Sunset at Dodger Stadium and zoomed down to the turn at Beaudry. My local knowledge of the streets here was useful as I took the turn very wide and redirected a lot of momentum to continue west on Beaudry. I expect that people unfamiliar with the area had to brake more than would have liked here. As I got around the turn, I noticed I had just crossed the 1 hour mark and was surprised because I knew I was only a few miles from the end of the cycling leg. I then turned left onto 1st and worried about nothing but getting into my "granny" gear as my momentum was evaporated by the steep grade. Somehow, as slow as I was going, I passed a couple people here. I was going slow enough that I was able to make a funny face at some cops halfway up the hill and say something like "Doesn't this look like fun?" I got a laugh and some smiles and figuered as long as I can laugh about it myself, it isn't so bad. It wasn't even that long a hill... just really steep!

Turned right onto Grand and knew any hard pedaling was over. I noticed quite a few cyclists were really spent from the hill and going really slow for the flat spot of the course that it was. I took advantage and sprinted past them and really hauled down the big hill towards T2. I wasn't going to look at my computer as I was on watch for ridges/holes in the street. I would have known how fast I was going later, but my max was frozen at 73 so I'll never know. As I finished the descent, I slipped into a middle gear to pick up my cadence and stretched my hamstrings a bit. I wound myself through the few blocks to T2 and noticed how tired many of the runners looked as they headed back up Grand Ave. I thought to myself how in a couple minutes I would likely have the same expression.

Cycling Goal: ~1:30:00
Cycling Actual: 1:12:56
Age Group Rank: 42/177

T2: I coasted into T2 and dismounted at the line, making sure not to unbuckle my helmet. Jogging to my slot in the bike racks I thought to myself to be quick when I find my bag; lose the glasses and helmet, throw on my cap and go. Since I don't have clip-in pedals, I didn't have to worry about changing shoes. As I keep going with triathlons, I expect I will make that change and enjoy the added power efficiency. At least not having to change my shoes kept my T2 time low!

As I started running from the rack to the timing mat separating the transition area from the run course, I was struck by two thoughts immediately: 1) My legs weren't as wobbly as I expected, so the few bricks (Bike-run combination workouts) I actually had done helped out. 2.) I was having a lot more difficulty getting my HR under control, so I should have done more bricks!

T1 Goal: None, just not to dillydally
T1 Actual: 2:13 (pretty fast relatively, but again - no shoe swap)

Run: Crossing the start at the timing mat, I noticed my HR was at 90% of its recommended capacity for a 37 year old; I normally run in the mid 70s to the low 80s (I look at the percentage instead of the bpm number like most people do). Even though my legs felt great, I slowed my pace down because I didn't want to try and run at an anarobic level that I couldn't maintain. As I passed Staples Center, I fell into a good rhythm but I could tell I was working harder than I wanted. My hope was that if I kept my already slower pace that my HR would normalize. I could feel it coming down every block I passed and after the first mile I started to feel "normal".

I wound my way from Staples to Grand Ave and as I turned left onto to Grand, I looked up at the huge grade looming almost a mile away and thought to myself "bring it on" as I was feeling good with the swim and a surprisingly easy bike leg behind me and finding my pace on the run. Observing the racers around me, it was quite a contrast to look at the cyclists crusing downhill on my right and the runners on my left laboring back to the finish or turnaround (since it was a loop course). Running into the shade of the skyscrapers provided a nice break from the sun. The temperature was actually pretty comfortable, but I think mentally it was nice to run in the shade. Since I prefer to run w/ a hat but no sunglasses, the lack of any glare was nice too.

There aren't a whole lot of meaningful landmarks downtown, at least not to me. There is one exception: the Biltmore Hotel. The night I proposed to Leslie, we stayed at the Biltmore and it is a special memory. It just so happens that the Biltmore is at the base of the tremendous hill on Grand. I was able to look at the Biltmore and think about that night 8 years ago; while this may seem excrutiating sentimental, it kept my mind off the hill (at least partially) until I was halfway up the darned thing. The halfway point up the grade was the turnaround... for the second loop. I looked at it longingly and quietly envied the people that were already turning around to head to the finish line. I got up to the top of the grade where running was fun again and enjoyed picking up my pace as I ran to the first loop turnaround. The turnaround was at the Disney Concert Hall, with its contoured aluminum panels. I really enjoyed taking it in from a runner's perspecitve and thought to myself that it really gives off a brutal glare that must be dangerous for drivers. My last look at it, I recall thinking that it is neat to see that not everything has to be so structured and formulaic... that there is room for art and expression in function. This, I thought, is the kind of building that Ayn Rand's Roark would have readily built, even if only to create derision in architectural critics. Might sound crazy, I know. I suppose that is the curse of an English major.

Just after I turned around I noticed a person I had met a couple weeks earlier during a group run for the Pasadena Marathon Founders' Club (Leslie and I joined last year). David is a really nice guy, originally from Pennsylvania who picked up triathlon about a year before me specifically to lose weight. On the club run we basically compared how we got into triathlon and swapped stories for the duration of the 7 mile route, barely realizing we were running. He claimed he wasn't a workout fiend beforehand, but now after a year and a half he is signed up for a full ironman race at Lake Placid next year. The fact that I was a couple minutes or so in front of him was a surprise to me, and I figured I would see him pass me sometime shortly.

Unfortunately, the one thing I missed at the turnaround was Leslie, Andrew, and Sharon (my mother-in-law)! Leslie wasn't planning on coming down and when she asked if I would be disappointed, I told her truthfully "no"; that she should sleep in because, at best, she would see me for 30 seconds and that would be it. Well, she knew what my goal time was, what my start time was, and what the course was. She rallied the other two and made a sign to cheer me on. I noticed lots of kids/partners/spouses along the route and thought that was really cool. I also thought it would be neat to see Leslie there (and Andrew), but that it doesn't make sense for them to spend a few hours waiting around for me to jog by in a few seconds. When I found out after the race that they were there, I was touched... and really bummed that I didn't even see them. I think the fact that I was significantly ahead of my goal time may have thrown off their timing. She said after the race that stayed around quite awhile in case I was really slow that day.

I went down the huge hill and said to the ladies manning the turnaround that I couldn't wait to see them again. I got a nice response (something like "We'll be waiting here for you, honey") and I thought they probably don't get a whole lot of interaction except from dorks like me. Once I got to the bottom of the grade, I was able to relax a bit and looked to settle in to more of a regular pace. Right when I relaxed, I felt my right hamstring tighten quickly and I knew from my football/hockey days that I was really close to cramping. I quickly went to the sidewalk, told myself to relax, and lightly stretched against a tree. After about 30 seconds, I decided to try and run again. I was tentative but focused on relaxing my legs as much as possible and not to favor the leg or change my stride as that could really cause a problem. I did slow my pace a bit and focused on relaxed strides and easy breathing. After a few blocks I felt better and slowly increased my pace, though I thought about my hamstrings for the rest of the race and was hyperaware of any sensation down there in case I would have to shut down. From that point on, I decided to walk through aid stations when I would take my gatorade. While this was only a 10 second respite, I thought it might help.

Running back towards Staples Center, there was the ubiquitous sign that signaled runners headed to the finish to turn right and those headed for the turnaround to continute straight. My cardio fitness at this point felt strong; it was only my fear of attack from my hamstring that had me longing to head to the finish at this point. I dutifully continued on to the turnaround which had a fluid station before/after it. This was great except that because I was concerned about my hammy, I practically tiptoed through the liquid covering the ground. Once clear of the wet ground, off I went back towards the cluster of buildings that make up downtown LA.

As I ran along, I grew more comfortable and started talking to other runners as I went. I don't recall any conversation in particular, but essentially just tried to be encouraging; particularly for people coming the other direction that looked like they were having a tough time. My legs were starting to feel a little sore in the quads, which I don't usually get. I suppose this is a late time to mention it, but I strongly cut down my run training the last three weeks as I had a strange twinge below my left knee and suffered a deep thigh bruise in my left thigh (courtesy of walking absent mindedly into a bench on a sidewalk!). This kept my training just before the race limited to mostly swimming and cycling. Because of the soreness, I started to feel pretty happy that the race was almost over. The Grand Ave hill was fast approaching and as I started up, I made a snap decision to walk it. I think this is the first time I have walked in my short racing career (aside from some aid stations), but it seemed practical as running didn't move me that much faster for the effort and I didn't need to aggravate my hamstring. I got to the turnaround where I had talked to the ladies some 20 minutes earlier and said something like "Hey, I'm back". I got no response whatsoever. Not that I think I am particularly memorable, but I thought even a "hi" or "good luck" would have come back to me. Maybe they do get a lot of talk from people passing by and didn't remember me. Thats cool, because the only real take away from this is that, yes, I am pretty much a dork (which is fine with me).

Running back down away from "The Grand Hill" and knowing that the rest of the race was a slight decline felt great. The LAFD had opened up a fire hydrant on the sidewalk and running through it felt fantastic. The last mile or so is a blur in my mind. I was pretty much focused on my leg. Though it hadn't given me any trouble since I stretched it out, I didn't want to give it any reason to. Normally, I like to sprint the last mile or so, but I wasn't going to push it. I did push the pace up a little bit, but not like I would have liked. Just past the 6 mile sign down the stretch, I saw some people, raced to pass them, and did so. Its funny, because I really race for myself and for the enjoyment of it. At the same time, after the handful of races I have run, I look at where I placed and see people finishing just a few seconds ahead of me. I don't consider myself particularly competitive, certainly not compared to many of the people I have played sports or games with. Leslie strongly disagrees and thinks I am very competitive. I suppose I try my best and respond to what I consider a challenge. I know that if I think I am not doing my best, then what is the point. All I do know for sure, is that as I rounded the final curve from Figueroa to the finish chutes 20m away, I found myself finishing literally two steps behind some guy I easily could have passed if I hadn't been looking at the spectators crowded around the finish line. I think my wife might be right after all! Speaking of Leslie, as I came around that final corner, I scanned the crowd in case Leslie decided to surprise me and come to the finish line. I didn't see her, but if I hadn't been looking for her, I would have noticed the guy slowing in front of me and probably would have passed him. Am I disappointed that I didn't pass him? No, not one bit. If Leslie HAD been at the finish line and I missed her, THAT would have been disappointing.

My goal for the run was under 50 minutes, which was probably unrealistic- though maybe not (nice waffling, eh?). My fastest (and only) 10K race was 47:xx. I had run this course a few weeks before and did the full Grand Ave hill twice in ~52 min w/o pushing it. If I hadn't had to stop for my hamstring, keep a slightly slower pace afterward, and been able to sprint the last mile or so I might have had a sub 50 run. It wasn't to be in this race, maybe next year.

Run Goal: sub 50:00
Run Actual: 52:11
Age Group Rank: 69/177

Post-Race: Crossing the timing mat and hearing the loud 'beep' that is its only response, the first thing I thought of was that I had met the challenge that my friend Shinn had laid out for me in a Las Vegas hotel elevator back in January. I had mentioned to him that Leslie and I were doing a sprint triathlon in April. He had completed the LA Tri a few months earlier and said this was a really fun race. He was right- it was a beautiful day and I thought back to the quiet calm before the race. Back to when, even though there were a few thousand racers and spectators crowding Venice Beach, that I felt really peaceful walking the beach in the pre-dawn twilight just listening to the waves, watching the surf, and feeling the sand between my toes. The pre-race swim was invigorating and refreshing at the same time. The excitment was at a steady, high level. I thought back to leaving T1 and pedaling easily down Venice Blvd w/ a smile on my face. I couldn't remember a whole lot of detail; I pretty much typed out what I could remember just now.

As usual for the few races I have done, the moments after the finish were a rush of activity that I didn't really pay any attention to. The first thing that happened to me was one of the hundreds of awesome volunteers handed me an ice cold, soaking wet towel to throw over my neck. This felt fantastic! It also reminded me to make sure to put bodyglide on the back of my neck next time I am wearing my wetsuit, as the sting of the towel/water contact reminded me how raw I was rubbed back in the ocean. Next up was the finisher's medal (with the really small ribbon) that the nice lady had trouble fitting over my hat. Finally, a teenage volunteer (most of them seemed to be about 14-16) asked to take my ankle chip. An excited "Please" was about all I could say.

I then began the post race wander where I tried to orient myself as to where the various amenities were. After eating a tiny cube of beef from a sponsor sample tray, I headed off in search of the traditonal banana, orange, power bar, recovery drink buffet. I found the tent but noticed the massage tent just to the right of it. I remember seeing people getting massages after the SF half marathon in July and thinking that seemed a little extravagant. The day after the run, it seemed a lot more practical than anything else. I usually try to eat immediately after a race, but I also thought a massage would be pretty nice right about now, especially where my hamstring was concerned. Besides, I already had a cube of beef and how long would they massage me with 2000-ish racers looking for a rubdown? I got on the table and a very nice volunteer named Emily worked on my legs and low back for 40 minutes! I felt guilty getting such a long massage, but that is how long they seemed to be working on everyone so I expected it must be pretty standard. She said she was 19 and used to run and play soccer and worked for a chiropractor group in West LA. Since I deal with Chiropractors from time to time for work, we discussed some of the chiropractic philosophies. Towards the end, I thanked her for volunteering and that I felt selfish getting this long massage. She tried to help me justify this by saying I earned it because I just ran the race. My response was that I actually considered the race a little selfish too. I have a wife and two year old son that allow me alone time to train for it. She expressed an interest in picking up running again and maybe trying triathlon and I told her I just picked up both triathlon and running and found them both really enjoyable and that it seemed to be a whole different lifestyle that was both productive and fun. I also said I wished I found them when I was younger, which is true. I am sure my wife will laugh at reading this as every time I have gotten a massage, I always end up talking to the person working on me instead of relaxing and enjoying it. Thats just me.

Final race tally:

Race Goal: sub 3:00:00
Race Actual: 2:41:10
Age Group Rank: 36/177

I have to say I was shocked at how far below my goal I finished the race. I am also surprised that my friend from the Pasadena Marathon never caught me, even after my hammy and slower pace. Of course, he has a longer race w/ a different pace that he is training for. It was nice to see his surprised look afterwards too. I met him at the Pasadena Triathlon Club tent and his teammates worked at recruiting me. I will probably join as enjoy meeting people and I can certainly learn a lot from them instead of only reading books and message boards.

I was fairly confident I could beat 3 hours, and the 18+ minute difference is completely attributable to my greatly exceeding my bike estimate. I am proud of the time, but more so simply of setting the goal of an Olympic distance triathlon and accomplishing the goal. It is a good feeling and I am looking forward to setting another goal. Right now I am targeting the innaugural Rose Bowl Half Marathon in December and then the first Pasadena Marathon late next year. I am looking forward to finding another interesting triathlon to put on the calendar for the not-to-distant future. While I wish I had found triathlon and running years ago, I am thankful I found them at all. I have been swimming consistantly since early '03 and still love it, but I really enjoy the variety of training that triathlon provides.

Thanks for reading my long winded ramblings!

KevDaddy