Olympic, Mass Start

After a quick 10 min. swim warm up we wade through the murky green water to the in-water start area. Temp. about 68 degrees not to bad and I was glad I didn't need a wetsuit. Apparently everyone in the Olympic distance is going to start at the same time (All ages, M & F) and not in age group waves : ( I made sure to be in the front so that I wouldn't have to make my way through a crowd. They had a 30 sec. count down and we were off. 8:30 am

Instead of the usual right around the orange bouyes this was the first time I have had to go left. On a positive note I think I swam alot straighter than in previous races and I didn't have to much trouble sighting the next buoy in the water.

I was satisfied w/ my time of 25 min. for the mile swim, but I would like to shave a min. off of that. Exiting the water to the transition area was not fun. As I mentioned before the boat ramp was slippery because of algae build up and it was 100 yds across a poorly covered gravel road and 100 yds across parking lot pavement to get to my bike. You could hear me complaining the whole way "Ouch, Ouch" I suck down a hammer gel for a boost on the bike ride.

T1: Very smooth, race belt w/ number, socks, sunglasses, helmet, then bike shoes. 30 sec. I trot off 25 yards and mount my bike : )

3b continued ...