2010 Parris Island Race Recap

Fun race. Decent splits. Great weather. Can’t complain….we’ll maybe just a little.

I had a pretty decent swim time, despite having to deal with the log jams caused by slower swimmers not submitting the proper 100 yard swim times. With swimmers going off every 10 seconds and swimming down-and-back in each lane (based on submitted time), it can get very crowded quickly, especially if you are way off in your projection. Oh well, while it did slow me down some, it was nice to get a breather. I knew I wasn’t vying for a podium spot, so it wasn’t as frustrating as it could have been.

The other issue I ran into was a mechanical problem with my brakes. After a couple miles my rear brake began rubbing my rim. I wasn’t sure if it was because of my brakes becoming offset after hitting a pot hole, or the cable sticking. I tried to fix it on the fly and couldn’t. I opened the brakes to decrease the rub, but it was still there. Why I just didn’t stop and fix the problem is beyond me. I did manage to average 19.5, but undoubtedly lost a couple minutes.

At least my run was solid. I’ve been doing very little speed work, and I’m racing about 5lbs heavier than last year. Running a 20:53 5k is fine for an early season race. I’ll take it.

One other random note. There was a dude who raced in a long sleeve shirt and jeans. He was an older guy, probably in his 50s, and he looked like a spectator upon first glance. I’m not sure what he swam in, but I’m assuming it wasn’t jeans, so he must of changed in the locker room after the swim. He obviously wasn’t too concerned with his T1 split. I saw him again on the run and I had to do a double take when I saw his race number. I’ve never seen someone do a triathlon in jeans. I admire his ability to ‘keep it real,’ but maybe go ahead and go with some shorts next time. Less chaffing.

Downtown Columbia Tri
This weekend I’ll be racing the downtown Columbia tri. This is a second year event, and one that I’ve never done. I’m looking forward to a new course. It’s been a while since I’ve raced a sprint on unfamiliar territory.

The swim is in a 50 mtr pool, so we won’t have to deal with the down and back scenario – should be plenty of room to pass if necessary. The bike is short and sweet, and I’ll have my brakes race ready. I just hope the weather is as nice as last weekend.

2010 Parris Island Triathlon

The South Carolina Triathlon Series (SCTS) begins each year around mid March with the Parris Island triathlon. I've already written a profile about the Parris Island triathlon, so check it out if you're looking for information about this race.

Parris Island is a great way to start the season. I love driving around the island, checking out the scenery and watching marine recruits PT, drill, and march around in platoon formations - usually with someone screaming in their faces. I also love that we get to use the marine combat training pool for the swim. It's just a really cool backdrop for a triathlon - certainly beats the field/nasty pond/country back road vibe at a lot of races.

I'm also super excited this year because the SCTS has added a few new races, including one in Charleston, just a few miles from my house. I'll be racing Parris next weekend, then the Downtown Columbia tri the following weekend. I'm ready to finally take my bike off the trainer in my garage and hit the road. Tri season is here.

I did noticed today that there were approximately 100 race slots still available when registration closed. This race always reaches maximum capacity, so I guess it's just a side effect of a bad economy. Hey, maybe to accommodate the struggling economy they will lower the registration fees next year...but I won't hold my breath.

How to take off a triathlon wetsuit

I recently came across a bunch of videos on YouTube demonstrating how to put on and take off a triathlon wetsuit. I suppose it's good information, but the real question is, why do so many people have problems putting on and taking off a triathlon wetsuit?

Maybe I'm just naturally greasy or something, but I've never used lube or put plastic bags over my feet, and I've never had any problems in T1 getting my wetsuit off. I agree you should practice a time or two before your first race, but really, it's pretty easy. Don't stress about it. Don't spaz. Relax and take it off using the same method you did in practice.

And really, you should focus more on the 'getting it off' part. You have all the time you need to get it on and feeling just right. It's getting it off and heading out to the bike as fast as possible that's the important part.

Here is one of the vids:

Lance Armstrong tweets time trial challenge

A couple days ago, while training in Hawaii, Lance saw Ironman champ Chris Lieto out on the Queen K Highway. Lieto was on a training ride himself, headed the other direction. Lance issues a time time challenge to Lieto via Twitter for 4pm that afternoon.

Lieto gets the word and tries to set it up for the next day, but Lance, holds his ground for the 4pm start.

Of course Lieto shows, as well as all the other Lance twitter followers in the vicinity. The race is a 14 mile TT, with a strong tailwind. Lance goes off first, then Lieto, then anyone else who thinks it might be cool race against a 7 time Tour de France winner and one of the best Ironman athletes on the planet.

Lance's time was 18:35 and Lieto 18:50. That's about a 34 MPH avg, but keep in mind, they rode with a tailwind. Still super fast.

One thing is for sure, if Lance ever comes to Charleston, I will be monitoring Twitter like it's my job.

The Triathajerk

First off, let me state that I consider myself a triathlete and part of the triathlon community. I've been racing for 12 years at all distances and have approximately 60 tris under my belt. I just want to throw that out there in hopes of garnering some street cred, because what I'm about to say is going to offend some people.

Over the years I've noticed something about triathletes. Simply put, in the sport of triathlon there is an inordinate number of, well, jerks. I could just as easily substitute the word 'jerk' with 'a-hole,' but since I'm feeling creative, let's go with 'triathajerk.' Regardless, you get the idea.

Not all triathletes fall into this category of course. Plenty of friendly, kind-hearted people are triathletes. I'm just saying that as a sport, triathlon seems to attract large number of uber-competitive jerks.

The Demographics
Let's look at the demographics of the triathlete. Here are some typical labels, along with statistical data, from various studies and articles that define the average triathlete: Avg income 126k, 88% Caucasian, 60% male, 63% married, highly competitive, Avg age 38, Type-A personality, detail-oriented, and well-educated. According to one study, most triathletes say they participate because "they like the challenge." By and large, I think that paints a pretty accurate picture of the average triathlete.

Now, none of those labels by themselves make you a jerk. And make no mistake, you will find a lot of smart, successful, driven people who fit that bill. There is a reason Navy Seals target triathletes for recruitment. There is a reason the average income of the triathlete is 126k. But there also happens to be a lot of jerks in that demographic, and when you take 500 of these guys and place them in a competitive situation, like a triathlon, true colors start to shine and the triathajerk appears.

For example, I've never seen arguments or yelling at a mountain bike race, trail run, or adventure race. That's a different demographic. But I've seen several arguments and irritated bickering among triathletes. Whether it's over a rack spot, or how much space your gear takes up in the transition area, it doesn't take much for the triathajerk to appear.

I've never seen a runner yell at a volunteer in a 5k, but I've seen it several times in a triathlon. I've never seen cheating in any multisport event I've participated in, but I see drafting at EVERY triathlon I enter - and I'm not referring to the beginners who don't know the rules. I'm talking about the jerks who are flat out cheating, and they know it. What other sport has cheating in every event? Look at the race results for a triathlon that has USAT course monitors. There are drafting violations in nearly every age group.

Get out of my way!
It seems to me that a lot of triathletes have a strong sense of entitlement and a highly inflated sense of self. I don't know if that's because of their professional successes or because of their superb fitness (or perceived level of fitness). Either way, the triathajerk thinks he's better than the next guy. Sort of like it's more his race because he is faster, or competing for a podium spot. And when every other guy in the race is thinking that same thing, you see how it can get ugly.

You ever notice the festival-like atmosphere of other events like adventure races, road races/marathons, or MTB races? People seem happier and more relaxed. These events have a community feel to them, yet they are still competitive races with seriously committed athletes.

That's not the predominant vibe at a triathlon. It's a me against you vibe; let me look at the age on your leg to see if I need to be concerned with you vibe; if you aren't as fast as me, get out my way vibe. The atmosphere tends to be more tense, as athletes move quickly from line to line getting their race packets, timing chip, and race markings, then meticulously lay out their gear so as not to lose a single second. There is an intense focus before a triathlon that I don't see at other events. It's a community of individuals.

Sure, every sport has a segment of jerks, but it seems to me, triathlon is leading the charge. And trust me, I'm not saying I don't have any of those qualities I listed above, but I know how to check myself and keep things in perspective. If we are really in this for the challenge, then we should challenge ourselves to be better triathletes, and not triathajerks.