Tri the Parks Triathlon - Blalock Lakes - Triathlon

The new course really freed up the first 200m. I came out start, like everyone else, felt good with a strong kick and fast turnover. Apparently, I was pointing my toes a bit too hard, and my left calf started to cramp...more like a lock up, so I switched to a two-beat kick. It started to loosen, but was already sore at that point. Swim on. Around the 200m mark came the first real contact. Two guys, one on each side, and the battle was on to the first turn buoy. I cut inside and rounded right next to the buoy and freed up space. From there I found what I thought was a good rhythm to the exit. Exited the water for a time check and was like "what is that crap?" Must have taken a nap somewhere in the lake.

I need to push harder. First 200m performance was spot on, but I need to push that pace for the rest of it.

This is a great T1, since the mat is 10 feet from the water's edge. Clear your mind and let auto pilot take over.

Nothing, was the fastest T1 in my AG.

This course is deceptive. Seems very fast in spots, but slow overall time. Nothing to write home about with the hills with rollers throughout, and perhaps two decent hills in the later half of the course. Arnet had already caught me within the first mile, so I paced off him for the first half of the course. He had a guy locked onto his rear wheel the entire time I could see him. No idea how he did not get a penalty, since I saw the refs several times.

Nonetheless, I am unsure if I am scared of the new crank or what, but the goal of this race was to use the big-ring the entire time, unlike my Tanner I strategy. I had no issues, and a couple of times in the later half of the bike course I could feel my old style of hammering the hills come back. No idea, where that has gone, but it was nice to see it reemerge but now to get that to come back the entire time.



I need more time in the saddle on this new crank. To be honest, I am not racing lights out and I am 20-30 seconds slower than last year which means I can go much faster. Just need to work on that.

Quick T2, second in AG

Perhaps for this distance I should go sockless? That would speed it up by a few seconds.

Out & back course, with rollers the entire way. There were more larger hills than I remembered, but the course is either up or down. Not much in between. Basically, I put it in a hard cruise control the entire time. Picked off several people, but was just not willing to go for it to catch the front group. I need get over this mental setting when I am in "no-man's land" and drop the hammer to catch the next group.

Not sure what my issue was, but I need to get over it. Slowest run off the bike in a very long time.

Grabbed a water and went to cheer on the rest of the racers with the rest of the All3Sports team.


I need to suck it up buttercup, and get after it. Plus, increase my overall milage which will aid in my fitness and give me the confidence to hammer like the days of old.


Another great TTP race. Great competition, and an honor racing for All3Sports.