HammerHead Olympic Triathlon & Sprint - TriathlonSprint

I was really nervous because this was my very first triathlon and my very first time doing an open water swim. I stayed to the back at the beginning because I didn't know how I would handle so many people swimming around me and if I would be kicked.

I would swim harder. I didn't feel exerted when I finished, but I am not disappointed. I wanted to finish since it was my first triathlon and I wasn't sure how to pace myself. I'm sure after more practice and confidence, my swim time will get better.

It was difficult to run on the parking lot concrete. I got to the transition area and felt pretty good about it since it was my first transition. I didn't have to change clothes... just put on socks and shoes (I didn't clip in, just normal tennis shoes), and my helmet and race belt.

I want to practice not using socks. My feet got blisters because the socks were wet. I really want to learn how to clip into my bicycle (more on that in next section).

I surprised myself by how well I did on the bicycle considering that I still don't know how to clip in, I don't feel comfortable standing up, and I haven't practiced this as much as the other two events. I was very frustrated with the passing situation a few times, because some people blocked or sped up, but all in all, I feel good about riding next to people and calling out when I pass. It was a great first time for me riding with a lot of people.

I really need to learn how to clip in, but this is going to add its own set of problems with transitions. It was really nice not to have to change shoes, but if it really makes a difference to my speed, then I guess it's worth it.

HORRIBLE!! I got back to the transition site, and the guy next to me had just thrown his crap on my transition towel, and his bike was sprawled out all over the place and I was messing around trying to make space for my bicycle.

I'm not sure how to deal with this problem. I guess I'll look up some information on how to better handle the transition. And if I learn how to clip in, I'll probably have a new set of issues with changing the shoes. I really want to practice hills. I had a great average speed going until the inclines, and I would drop down to 10 mps, which is pretty pitiful.

This is where I should shine. I love to run and I had a lot left at the end, so I know that next time I can push myself harder. It was kind of tricky to figure out how best to pace myself, especially having jello-legs after biking. It took me a good .25 of a mile to loosen my legs up and then I sped up consistently throughout the run. I didn't have to stop to walk at all. Drinking out of the cup was a little bit messy so I ended up splashing most of it on myself since it was almost 88 F by the time I was running.

I need to practice switching from the bike to the run more. I only practiced it three times over the last couple of months of training, and I think with more practice I can cut a bunch of time off the run. My best 5K time has been 27'30", so if I can do that after biking, saawweeeet!

I walked and stretched, drank a lot of water, and drank a replenishing protein drink and ate a banana.


Nerves! I was so nervous because it was the first one. I think just knowing what to expect will improve my time so much. I think upper body strength training and more practicing swimming will help my swim time.


I thought this race was perfect for a first timer (and I'm guessing it was great everyone else too). The moderator was very clear on what to do, I was shown how to put my numbers on and where, and everyone was very encouraging and friendly. Two things that I think could have been improved. It was a little confusing with the packet. The race course was drawn out but there were no street names marked, so I couldn't drive the course the day before like I'd planned (the bike route) and they didn't have it marked until the day of the race. During the Sprint, the women started first, and then the guys. The guys passed me really fast and it made it more difficult to swim because I was getting kicked and stuff. I would have liked to have the girls start after the dudes. It would have been so much better. Other than that, I would totally do this race again. It was so well organized. I'm kind of wondering how organized the Italians will be for my next race in Venice in a month. Our half marathon in Naples, Italy is horrendous (no one policing traffic or anything...).