In Training Spring Pool Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Didn't push the swim and time shows. Simillar time to a workout warm-up which is what I wanted the swim to be. Regardless, the pool was just to dang hot. The heat became suffocating after the first 100 yds. I did manage flip turns throughout which was a plus.

Work on relaxing (after warm-up) and getting the HR down prior to start of swim. Bi-lat breath at least first few hundred yards.

Come out with a stronger stroke and focus on getting a good pull from the start. Don't treat swim start like a workout warm-up.

Good transition. Could have pushed harder but wanted to come out on the bike with HR down. I was sucking air so badly coming out of the pool last race, this time I wanted to take it a easier. And I did.

Had a problem with one of the inserts in my bike shoes.

Talcum or baby powder and secure loose inserts in bike shoes.

Come out of transition and hop on the bike while it is moving.

While waiting for start I watched a lot of people in trans and one guy was able to do this beautifully: out of transition, one, two, three steps hop on bike clip in and ride in one smooth motion. Very sweet. It might have only saved a few seconds but it looked great! Still not sure how he made it look so smooth. Will take some practice.

Bike felt good. And it was great to break 20mph avg. This is where I am the most competitive. Didn't place much higher than others in my AG . . . but I'm close. Was happy with this and HR was still low (at least compared to last race).

Ride the course the week prior if possible. It makes a difference in knowing how to attack and feeling comfortable with pacing and the course.

START AND STOP bike computer. Monitor split times through all events and trans for accurate HR data. I didn't pay attention to monitoring my splits this race. Used the HRM to monitor HR and that was about it. Just spaced it off. This was a mistake as split times from milliseconds were messed up all weekend and I wondered what my actual splits were for a couple of days.

Tried to get feet out of shoes just before trans area but waited too long and about tipped over. Cracked a joke about it with the transition judge about it (obviously not riding hard enough ;) ). Got shoes off to run through transition and unclipped helmet while running. Rest went well.

Smooth dismount. Get shoes unlatched prior to dismount.

Side-stitch cramping and my legs were fatigued coming off the bike. Especially on the first half (uphill) portion. Climbs on Wed bike workout hurt me here I think. But the workout was still worth it.

Wondering if the Hammer Gel 15 minutes prior to the race contributed to the cramping. Had the same thing happen at Ogden last fall (using Hammer gels) but had no cramping in last months race when I didn't.

For HR being where it was (going to have battery replaced to make sure it's giving accurate readings) this was an great time. If I could race at LT it means I should be able to easily come in under 7:45 pace. That is exciting.

I knew the run time would come in a little slow. The positive is that for my HR being where it was the time was pretty dang good. Really good.

I'm excited to see what my run time looks like when I have an actual taper week and my legs get some rest before hand.

Run the course prior. Figure out what is going on with the cramping and do what I need to so I don't have it. Mentally prepare to push the pain barrier.

Grapes. Bagel. Water. Bannana. Little stretching. Chill with some of the BT guys, Laura and Camille.


Mental preparedness. It was a beautiful day and I had a fun race. This kept me from pushing as hard as I might have. (Need something to trigger Foo's subliminal messaging here)! Also, because of the TT start and my starting toward the back of the pack, I was doing more of the passing than being passed. That was fine. But it didn't keep me as motivated.

With this being a "C" race, the fatigue in my legs from earlier weeks workout and lack of any taper affected me. Still some real positives. I am looking forward to the next two races in St. George. OWS without a TT start and a nasty hill climb. I'm going to be ready for that hill.


My AG is bloody competitive. Top 5 in AG are in the top 20 overall. I might have to put on 10 pounds and run Clydes. I'd have been 4th there! ;)

I'm giving this race an below average score for a number of reasons: 1) Swimming in a pool so warm 2) Bike course through an area with so many speed bumps and dips 3) inaccurate split times until three days after the race 4) t-shirt design wasn't the greatest (http://www.triutah.com/images/springtritee.jpg)

Positives: 1) Beautiful day 2) Good support (Tri-Utah always does a good job) 3) light traffic 4) well organized 5) plenty of near by parking.

I'm not sure I'd do this race again if I had another choice this time of year but am glad I did it this time.