Emmett's Most Excellent Triathlon

I would first like to update everyone on my experience at the City of Emmett's Most Excellent Triathlon, and then I will respond to Kristy's post. Before I go any further, though, I must say that I have no idea why they gave the triathlon such a cheesy name. It sounds like something out of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure: "Most excellent, dude!" Despite the cheesy name, I am really glad I did it and I hope that I can give you all some hope and inspiration and maybe even convince you that, yes, you too can do a triathlon.

The night before the triathlon, I was very nervous and felt that I was in over my head. Although I had been training for the past few months, there was still so much about triathlons that were a big unknown for me. What would the swim really be like? Would I be kicked in the face and be helplessly floundering in the water? Would I mess up during my transitions and fall off my bike? Would everyone else there be world-class triathletes and leave me in the dust? Is a race belt all that important? What in the world is a race belt?

The triathlon took place at Black Canyon Reservoir

Eventually Saturday morning came and I arrived at the triathlon 2 hours early just make sure I got all of my equipment set up with plenty of time to spare. The triathlon was starting at Black Canyon Reservoir at a small park on the shore. Buses were taking the participants to the start of the race as the parking was limited near the park. I actually really enjoyed riding the bus as it gave me a chance to talk with a few other participants. It gave me a lot more confidence to learn that I was not the only one doing a triathlon for the first time and most others had perhaps done one other. One man had just done his first triathlon two weeks earlier at the Spudman (more on him later).

Notice how happy I am in this picture compared with the one below

The triathlon started in two waves, with the first wave being all the adult men. I got into the water about 90 seconds before the gun just so I didn't have to tread water for very long before the start. The swimming went pretty well as I tried to stay on the outside of the mass of people swimming. There were a couple of times I bumped into other swimmers, but for the most part it went smooth. However, I must admit that I was much more tired at the end of the swim than I expected. In fact, my "run" to the transition area from the water was more like a slow jog intermixed with some walking.

Eventually I made it over to my bike, put on my bike stuff, and started the bike phase. I found that riding a bike is the perfect event to have right after swimming as it gives you a chance to catch your breath. It probably also helped that the first part of the ride was downhill :). The bike ride passed without incident and I felt that I had done a good job keeping up a fast pace. As I did my transition from bike to run, however, all of my happy feelings went away. I knew within a few feet after starting my run that I was in trouble. I felt almost completely drained of energy and I could barely get my legs to move forward. A feeling of dread came over me as I realized that the next three miles were going to be very, very long.

To make a long story short, I somehow "willed" myself through the run and finished the race. However, I had to run about a 10 minute per mile pace and in the mean time was passed by what seemed like a hundred people. Still, it felt great to finish. I had accomplished my goal of doing a triathlon this summer and while not a stellar running performance, I felt pretty good about the swim and bike portions. I had a fun time doing it and I can't wait to do another one to see how much I can improve my time.

Finishing the race utterly exhausted

Now to address Kristy's post. I wholeheartedly agree that at least some some good equipment is required to make the training experience more enjoyable. I agree that good running shoes will keep you from getting injured and I can't say enough about having a decent pair of swim jammers or at least something a little tighter than swim trunks. Even upgrading your swim goggles can do wonders for visibility and keeping the water out of your eyes (good swim goggles are about $15). I have been afraid up to this point to make a comment about bikes because that is where it can get very expensive. I bought a great bike and have no regrets about it. However, a basic bike would work just fine, especially if the goal is to just have fun and finish the triathlon.


Regarding whether we should split roles or do the triathlon individually, I am planning on doing it individually, and I hope that there is at least one of you who will do it as well. However, I totally understand that it may not be realistic for all of us to do it. Having said that, I must relate the story of the man I talked to on my little bus ride to the triathlon. He had done the Spudman two weeks earlier having only swum once and run a maximum of 3 miles on a treadmill in his garage. He did not comment about his bike training, but I can imagine it did not amount to more than a few short rides on some old bike he hadn't touched for years. He said that his goal was just to finish and not be last. He said that the swim portion of the race was very easy as you can basically float down the river. He said it took him 23 minutes, which really surprised me. He also said he took his time in the transitions and walked for part of the time on the run portion. Although I think it is crazy that anyone would do an Olympic triathlon so ill-prepared, I feel confident in saying that any of you could do it, especially given that you will most likely train a little more than he did.


Whether we do the triathlon all as individuals or as a combination of individuals and teams, I think it will be a fun endeavor and will be all worth it. Let's do it!