Dash and Bash Sprint Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

I'm new here to beginner triathlete and the world of triathlons. I got suckered into doing them thanks to my boyfriend. Since I already love to run and have done 2 marathons, I thought no problem!

I had spent some time at the pool swimming laps and did way more than this distance during my training, but NOTHING can prepare you for race day! I went from smooth strokes and breathing at the pool to panting and praying to finish alive in the open water. I listend to JP's advice and stayed towards the back of the crowd during my wave's start.

Five minutes in and I was swearing I would never do this again. I knew I could swim, but for some reason I kept resorting to breast stroke b/c I was paranoid that I wasn't on course and would keep drifting, even though I wasn't. I also had to pee right from the start, but was so nervous that I couldn't actually go until 100 yards from the end haha.

When I got out of the water I could hardly believe that it was only 22 minutes. I thought for certain that it had been a half hour. In the end I'm glad I went through this b/c it will allow me to be much calmer in my next tri (next weekend).

I would relax a LOT more! I was starting to let myself panic a bit in the water instead of allowing myself to get into a rhythm. I can swim, I'm pretty good at it, and I hope next weekend I'll trust my abilities more and focus on breathing.

Running barefoot up that huge gravel hill was not half as bad as I thought it would be. I was just so happy to be out of the water that everything else was secondary. I managed to run the whole hill and took my time changing into my bike gear. I figured it was worth taking an extra minute and doing it right rather than rushing and forgetting something.

Up the pace on the getting dressed. I took my time b/c it was my first experience, but I realized how much better in ranking I could have done if I concentrated on moving faster and putting a little hustle into it.

This is definitely my weakness! I watch everyone else zoom by on their gorgeous bikes and I'm amazed by everyone's abilities here...you all rock! I on the other hand was struggling on my hybrid. I definitley pushed myself a lot harder than I normally do while training. I realize how much I let myself slide while I train and don't always challenge myself enough.

The course was somewhat boring for the most part, being it was in an industrial park. People are so friendly on the road though. People passing my were wishing me encouragement and that was great to here! Everytime someone did that I got a renewed sense of energy!

I definitley need to incorporate speed work into my training. I also would like to get a new road bike for next season!

This should not have taken as long as it did, but of course I start to run onto the course with my helmet on. Gotta love the first timers! JP yelled out to me since he was working the transition area, and I luckily got my helmet off before moving too far away from my area.

Take off my helmet right away!

I felt GREAT on the run! This is my thing, so I knew I'd be able to run strong. At first I was nervous b/c my hamstring was cramping up a bit, but as soon as I got over that first initial hill, I felt amazing. This was the first time in the race I was actually passing people. I knew I ran fast, but not nearly as fast as I did. I didn't believe my time when I read it and thought for certain the course was off haha.

The last quarter mile through the transition area and down to the finish line I got some inspiration from a man running in a relay. He kept cheering for me and pushing me to go harder, which was just amazing. I felt so great crossing the finish line (besides wanting to throw up)!

Nothing, I really enjoyed myself during this part!

Walked back to the transtion area where JP was still waiting and stretched out there.


Lack of experience resulting in lots of nerves!


I had a lot of fun and felt the atmosphere was very laid back. I am happy I chose this race as my first tri and I'm actually looking forward to next week's race on Long Island! I'll be sure to give JP a run for his money
;-)