The Swim
The swim often takes place in open waters, Lake Mendota in this case. This is often the most worrisome event for a novice triathlete. This was no different for me, and perhaps you can see me in my orange swim cap, well out of the way of the rest of the field.

The Bike
The bike is the second leg of most triathlons. This is usually the longest leg of the race, both in terms of time and distance, so there is where much of the focus of training should be spent, and it helps if it is your best event of the three, as is the case with me. (Although that is a relative measure.)

The Run
This is the hardest leg of the race physically simply because it is last and your legs have been spinning on the bike for a while. It is an awkward transition for your body to make, and it takes me a couple of miles before I get into the groove of running. One tip: pay attention to your breathing for pace when starting the run, as your legs will tell you that you are going too slow. They are lying.

Why I race
First of all, I love it. You would be crazy to train as hard as you should for triathlons if you didn't. Otherwise you wouldn't get out of the bed in the morning. Also, its a good place to meet and keep in touch with people that have similar interests.

Here's me in the climber's polka dot jersey for the Tour de France. Didn't think the Tour came to Madison, huh? Note Frank Lloyd Wright's Monona Terrace in the background.