Beach Blast Olympic Triathlon

Woke up at 0330 to drive down to Mexico Beach....Leave house at 0415. cross a time zone and  bam arrive on site at 0530. race is at 7. did late packet pick up and got bikes into transition area. it was a really foggy am so i was a little worried about humidity and seeing the markers in the ocean. little did i know the fog would not be a problem!!! now the sun thats another story!!


It was def a beautiful morning. Not a lot of wind, calm waters, and wasnt cold!!
Did a little practice swim and made sure all was working well. Now just to wait for the start of the race~

The swim was actually quite nice. i enjoyed the going to one marker, then the next, and heading toward the shore in the sun i didnt like at all. i could not see anything---the shore, the other swimmers, nothing but the glare of the sun on the water!!! I listened to the cheers from the beach and went towards that....i was way off but fixed it and went back out for the second loop.....still could not see coming back in but at least this time it didnt matter. once on the beach i could head up to the transition area!!
Look close and see how hard to see that little yellow marker in the water.....now imagine the sun in your face and farther out...not cool!!! but thats my only complaint!!

The boys were there to cheer me on!!! It made me so happy. My oldest yelling go Momma Go!! you beat your goal....I was shocked by this seeing as i was way off course several times. so that lifted my spirits!!

Took a gu and got on my bike and headed out!! slowly working up speed. It worked to my benefit. I dont like doing it but it honestly worked out better! Had a great smooth ride!! I felt nice and strong...I had two packs of the powerbar gel chews on the ride and a gu somewhere about half way. took another gu before the run and this is me and hubby leaving transition area!!!

The run initially wasnt to hot feeling. but about a mile or so into it i realized these tri tops are better for the bike...but i am always so hot running and the mid day sun was starting to beat down. off it went. will need to put sun block on my arms next race and something for my face. also looked into hammergel endurolyte replacements. the volunteers along the course were amazing as always. had a nice run. paced well and stopped at each water stop and drank one and threw one on my head. my oldest son was waiting for me and the turn around and ran back in with me. we chatted and cheered people still running out!!

Finished up the race feeling very good!! Knowing that in two weeks it will be longer and hotter!!! So stayed within goals and training. Had a nice strong race!!!

My splits were:

swim 29:32 for .7 mile swim

1:29:04 for 40k bike

1:03:17 for 10k run

Hubby got third in his AG

swim 22.14

bike 1:10:04

run 59:37

Love this small race!!! Great views, nice volunteers, and just generally a fun race to do!!!