Rocky Gap Sprint Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

The men started in a wave 2 minutes before the women did. I did not pee in my wetsuit to calm my nerves, as I was advised by someone... I didn't start in a good position; I was behind several breast-strokers and doggie paddlers, and I knew I was stronger than that. So I managed to navigate through that crowd, and got into more of a rhythm. My sighting was terrible; I couldn't see the bouy at all. I was really depending on all of the people around me to swim in the right direction. With about 50 yards to the bouy, I finally get a good look at it, and swim right for it. Many people were hovering around the bouy, so I took that as my opportunity to plow ahead, so I did. More open water - until I reached the men. :) That was a good feeling to catch up to that wave. I swam strong to the finish, even while others were starting to walk (and I did pass those people - just like Kip said I would :)). Really psyched about my time here.

1. Start my watch correctly! Didn't do that at the start. moron.
2. Start in a better position.
3. Find larger objects to sight

This transition went pretty well. I have to admit it's a great feeling to get out of the water and see so many bikes still racked.:) I took a path through the area that I had figured out the previous night that had fewer rocks/more soft grass. No one in my row had made it out of the water yet. My arms were still difficult to get out of the wetsuit, but they were free by the time I reached my spot. I stayed calm while I got the suit off my heels; I didn't have to sit down. Shoes, glasses, helmet, and bike and I'm off. 9/20 in AG.

Just practice taking off my wetsuit more.

The bike course was comparable to where I've been riding in Middletown, so the hills didn't freak me out. I think this ride was really great for me. (Forgot to set my bike computer. dumba$$). I did get passed by plenty of people, and I expected that. Linda passed me around mile 6-7. But I was really happy with my speeds and efforts on the hills. Ironically, I think I lost some time at the end of the route once we re-entered the parking lots; it hit me that I never really ride around pylons and make turns, so I think I took that section too conservatively. Then came my dismounting - my most stressful section of the race - and it went great! Just like I had practiced in my court a dozen times two days earlier. My daughter even yelled, "Mommy - you didn't fall!" Another small victory.

Need to practice and get more comfortable on my bike.

(Estimated time) I think this T went really well. Although I was slow running through the area with my cycling shoes on, once I got to my spot I was quick. Racked bike, helmet off, shoes off, running shoes slipped on, grabbed my hat and race belt, and took a last swig of HEED. My younger daughter yelled, "Mommy - you're so fast!" I yelled back, "Maybe I'll win!!" :)Ran out to the course and put on my hat and race belt. Ready to run like the wind.

Nothing. It went as planned.

This went about as I expected. The first mile was kind of slow and labored, especially with the large hill in mile 1. But I pushed through; only walked at the water stations. Managed to pass several people on the run. The small stint into the woods felt good - it was cooler and shaded. I know now that I saw the leaders on their home stretch. Nice that I was on the run course while they were still on there, too. Saw Dave and Linda a couple times on the course. I was able to finish strong, and was able to smile and wave to my fan club at the finish line. I think I averaged about 10 minute miles.

Run faster.

Talking to people I had met; swapping stories.


My talent.


I'm really glad I did this race. I think it was just right for my abilities. It's nice to have my first OWS race under my belt. It was really a treat to make it a "destination race" where my whole family attended, and we stayed at the lodge on site. They really enjoyed seeing a whole race from start to finish, and all of the behind-the-scenes as well. We all got a kick at seeing so many people at the lodge afterward with numbers written on their arms and legs. :)