Hawk Island Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

I wasn't thrilled with my swim. I can't figure out the best position to start from (with the group start). I've started in the middle and at the front...so this year, I decided to wait back and start behind everyone else (it really doesn't matter in this race because your time starts when you cross the mat). I ended up running into SO maany people that were swimming either breast stroke or back stroke...I took several kicks to the ribs and a few elbows to the torso. I had to swim far to the outside just to get around those people that were taking their time and splashing around. After rounding the first marker, it got a little better. But it just felt very congested, which is probably also due to the size of the field (doubled from last year to 800+).

From my experience these past three years, it seems like starting in the middle of the pack, but to the outside, is the best way to go. The year I did that was by far my most comfortable and quickest swim at Hawk Island.

I wanted to have quick transitions this year, and I accomplished this. Great news too is I have plenty of room for improvement. I ranked 6th out of 59 for my T1 time.

I could hustle even more...oh yeah, and not miss the timing mat on the way into transition (I knew I didn't hear it beep when I passed over, so I went back and waved my leg over the mat again unti I was sure it registered).

I'm happy with my ride. It was the first "actual" ride on my new bike and I felt good the entire way. I stayed in the big ring the entire race and probably could have shifted out a couple of times, but overall I felt fast and I had plently left in my tank for the run.

Happy with this transition and know I can still improve. Both T1 and T2 times are HUGE improvements from the last two years at Hawk Island. I finished 28 out of 59 for my T2 time.

I felt good! Running is by far my least favorite of the three diciplines, but I'm steadily beginning to tolorate it (ok, maybe even enjoy it a little). I kept a consistant pace and only walked for about 20 seconds at the 1.5 mile mark/aid station.

Not walk at all and HTFU (run faster, sprint sooner when the end is near)

Stretched


I should warm up properly before the race (maybe actually jog a little and swim a little harder than I did this time) and pick a better spot to start in the group before the swim. Also, just some gool old HTFU'ing.


Hawk Island is a great little (not so little anymore) race and it's well run...which is why I keep coming back. I always have a great time.