Deschutes Dash - TriathlonOlympic

The swim went really well, especially considering I only swam once a week while training for this event. The water was cold, but spending a good amount of time getting used to the water temp was very helpful. I also got a good jump on the race by launching off a rock when the gun went off. I only made contact with other swimmers a handful of times and it was minor. Drafting was fairing non-existent as I can never find a swimmer consistently holding the same pace as me.

This year's swim was 5 seconds slower than last years time.

I could probably have pushed my pace a tiny bit more, but I never want to blow up on the first leg. So overall I am happy with this result.

T1 was a little run up river to the transition area. I didn't take off my goggles and cap until I reached my bike, which was an improvement from last year. And I wore my tri-jersey under my wetsuit, which also saved time. However the heels of both my bike shoes collapsed as I put them on and I had to fight them a bit. Kind of annoying.

6 seconds slower than last year.

Figure out how to put my bike shoes on wet feet faster.

There was a little head wind going up and it rained for the first 6 or so miles of my bike leg. I felt really good on the incline and even better on the decent back into town. I took a total of three Clif Shot Blocks w/ caffeine at the start, 20 mins, and 40 mins into the ride. I rode in the aero bars for almost the entire race and felt very comfortable.

I really had to pee the entire bike leg and finally just let it go about halfway into the decent. I stood up to pee and held my water bottle in my mouth so I didn't get any pee on it. After peeing I rinsed myself off with water. Totally worth it!

3 mins faster than last year's race, despite the weather conditions.

Continue to work my bike speed and climbing.

Super fast, even though my stupid rack was at the end of the bike entrance and run exit. Learning to take off my shoes while still clipped in really made a difference.

40 seconds faster than last year's race.

Nothing.

Run felt slow for the first mile or so. And I felt like I had a brick in my stomach. But once I got into my groove I really started moving. I was shocked and encouraged at my 25 minute 5K split time. I have been working on being able to finish my runs really strong and it made a difference. I didn't allow anyone to pass me for the last 2 miles of the course.

Nothing.

Drank a ton of water, hugged my supportive and amazing wife and kids, and then drank beer... a lot of beer.


The rain on the bike course didn't help my speed. But ultimately I just need to get faster on the bike... I think that is the leg I need to work on the most.


Great race again. The only two things that I think can be improved on is port-a-potties on the run course and mile markers on the bike course.