SuperSeal Olympic Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

I was in the 14th wave (one before last). We were 40+ clydes plus all military personnel. The group had about 40 participants or so..
As always, I chose to be in the end of the pack. So, when the horn was blown, I let the others rush into the water, I walked calmly and started swimming. 15 yards into it, I got a kick right in the face which threw off my goggle. While full with water, I calmly stopped, cleared the water and kept on swimming. I swam maybe another 30 yards, while passing other swimmers, and was about to pass another swimmer on my right. For an unknown reason, he decided to change direction and hit me straight in the head with full force. I was a bit shaken, not sure what exactly just happened.. I let him pass and kept on going. I started off slow, long and steady. Got into my rhythm and was aiming at the landmarks I was planning on. It worked pretty well. I managed to draft quite a bit and felt the difference in my effort level while doing so. I was drafting as much as I could. It was a good swim. I managed to pass a few people from my wave as well as people from earlier waves who were struggling. I had kept a whole lot of energy in me. After the last buoy, I had enough energy to swim hard, and passed even more people. It definitely felt good to finish strong the swim leg. Swimming was always my biggest concern and my weakest discipline. For the first time, I felt that all the hard work 3 times a week rain or shine paid off. I got out of the water feeling strong, looked at my watch and put on wide large smile..

Attempt to start swimming in the middle of the pack. I may be a bit faster than I think I am..

I decided to take my time during transitions. I planned spending another minute or so to ensure that everything is good, secured, and that I had all I needed. I did not want to regret rushing transition during the bike ride.

Move faster!

My plan was to keep my tank full for the run, by keeping a high cadence at all times. I also, took care of my nutrition by using more Carbo-pro than I usually do - and it really worked. I also used a salt tablet dispenser for the first time, and managed to get enough salt while not spending too much time for that purpose. I was passed a few times, but for the most others. At one point, I was passed by two of the top triathletes I know in the San Diego Tri club. They were flying by everyone else (going north). I decided to try and stick with them and see for how long I could hold on to their speed. Well, I managed to keep up with them for about a mile, keeping an average speed of 26MPH. It was fun and I allowed it to myself. I was really enjoying this part. The more miles went by, I slowed my cadence a bit and wiggled my toes every 5 minutes or so. I wanted to be in a good shape for the run. My past experience was that by the time I was done with the bike ride, I had not much left in my tank for the run. I wanted this race to be different and acted accordingly. Also, I managed to stay in the aero position for a while - without feeling discomfort or pain. I noticed a huge difference in my speed going against the wind while doing so. It was a good experience.

Ride more and train using high cadence drills.

Again, slow moving in. I placed the bike on the rack, took the cycling shoes off and put my running shoes on fairly quick. I also put on my basketball shorts (just to feel better). Took another salt tablet , drank some more and left for the run.

Move faster.

I started slow off the transition area. Hit the sandy part of the run, and thought to myself: "oh no, it will be a nightmare!". I picked up my pace, and then my left knee started aching. A pain which I never encountered before. I slowed down, hoping that the pain will go away as I run. I was passed there by about 4-5 people. I did not care, I wanted to focus on my pace, form and overall feeling.
Miles 1 and 2 passed and I started feeling better. The pains were gone. I head quite a bit of Carbo-pro mixed in my bottle and I found it very refreshing. I kept on going at a pace that felt comfortable to me. I did not walk at all during the run and felt a great sense of accomplishment on that aspect. Then, mile 4 came and I realized that I had just over 2 miles to go. I started to pick up my pace. I do not know where I got the energy from, but I felt that I can do it. I started passing more and more people, who were walking or struggling. I did not forget to cheer them up and throw some words of encouragement to many of them. It made me feel really good. At mile 5, I had the last drink of Carbo-pro and I picked up my speed even more. I started feeling my quads turning sore, but kept on going. I knew I did better than last time, and I was racing against the watch. I wanted to prove to myself that hard work, commitment and consistency do pay off. I had fun through all that time, going towards the finish I passed a dad who ran hand in hand with his little daughter. Just before the finish line I stopped, and let them pass first. I did not think of it then, I just did it - as it felt the right thing to do..

Run more. I know I am doing better than before, but still, I need to run more!

I was smiling. My face and suite were white from the salt I took. I was thirsty and drank a lot. I ate a hot dog and relaxed a bit. I never sat down, just walked around said hi to some people I knew, and thanked (again) the guy who helped me zip my wetsuite before the swim. I was sore, tired but happy.


I think that my weight is a key factor here. I am not really trying to loose weight. I want to, but do not do much about it..


First, I want to thank all the great volunteers who worked hard to help out, to encourage and cheer all participants. Special thanks to the San Diego Tri club members who were all over the place, cheering for all of us who participated. It is a low key race, with a great course. I enjoyed it a lot.