My Recount of the Lake Las Vegas Triathlon

Well, being as this was my first ever race with the distance being over 200 meters, I was really quite curious as to how i would do on this 1400 yard swim. This was also the first time I've ever swam open water. Also, it included a run after swim, which I again, had never done before.

Race day morning I was woken up by my dad and got my suit, tossed on my track pants, and collected my necessary accouterments for the race. I had my traditional competition breakfast which usually consists of two McDonalds sausage egg and cheese biscuits, but I made do with two Jimmy Dean of the same. Had my race playlist pumpin' on the stereo and we arrived at the parking lot. Walking down to the transition area I felt almost no apprehension at all. However, after i donned my cap and goggles, the post-race butterflies began to set in. The announcer declares 1 minute left until starting. I tighten up the chip on my ankle. 30 seconds. Adjust my goggles. 15. Start my mental psyche. 5. I get my head down to the water. 4. 3. 2. 1. Push off!

So, here I am up in the front of the wave, and I spot this guy about 10 feet ahead of me in a blue and white body suit. I said, this is my pacer. Out of the bridge I get behind his feet and start to gain on him until were neck and neck. And like this we stayed. It was awesome swimming in the lake; I've got my pace on one side and on the other this gorgeous sunrise over the mountains. At the turn-around where we come back to the beach, I kind of slowed down because I honestly didn't know we were supposed to turn around. So, I waited for my pacer to come up and pass me and once I found out that we turned around, I caught back up to him and now that i knew my direction started putting on speed. I'm ahead of him by at least 10 yards at the curve buoy. At the bridge I saw all these people standing and cheering and, let me tell you, that was an awesome thing. I sprinted, mostly pulling, into the sand and stood up to see everyone there cheering and yelling "THIS WAY THIS WAY!!!" and pointing towards the ramp. My time was 27 minutes 11 seconds including the run.

I went up the ramp and ran the 200? some odd yards up to the transition area. I thought I was hauling. On the way up I pass by Weintzy and he was like TRISTAN!!! And then I was like what's up Weintzy?!?! Ha Ha. I finish my run and here the announcer say "This is your first swimmer out of the water!" and this huge round of applause. That really made me feel good. I go up to where Jordan should be waiting, only to find the bike racks devoid of any sign of Jordan. I'm thinkin' where the heck is he???? After maybe 2 minutes I run over to the announcer man and I asked him if he could announce that I'm here and that Jordan should get his butt over here. Almost instantaneously here comes Jordan running by to his stuff all in a rush. He gets all geared, and runs down and is off on his way on the bike.

Jordan gets back and Nick is over by the mats waiting for the chip. Jordan comes through the chute, runs up to Nick, hands off the chip and Nick is off. Then me, my dad, Jordan, and Weintzy head over to the finish line to meet Nick when he finished.

This thing totally got me hooked on these relay triathlons. It was so much fun. I can't wait to do another one of these.