Swim
Comments: I stayed to the right outside of the group as we entered the water, I felt like I swam a little further by staying to the outside of the area. I could barely see the bouy but they had 100m markers along the way so I could keep track of where I was. I am not totally comfortable in the water so I just counted my breathing along the way, pretty much got through the swim thinking 1,2,3,4, breathe. It kept me calm. What would you do differently?: Maybe swim a little closer to the bouy line next time. Transition 1
Comments: This seemed to go smoothly. all my pieces for the next step were laid out so I just went through the paces to get everything on. What would you do differently?: I would try to move a little faster out of the water to the transition area. Bike
Comments: The bike felt good, The hills were definitely a struggle. I did dismount on two of them about half way up and ran to the top and remounted. I felt nervous about burning out my legs when I still had a run to complete. The pace was a steady ride with some really fast down hills. I unfortunately did not have a bike computer so I was cycling blind. What would you do differently?: Next year I would like to ride the course a few more times. This year I had ridden the first half of the course only once, it went fine but I had not done the swim and I was not running after so I made the hills work. I would also like to have a race computer to check out the faser pace of the down hills. Transition 2
Comments: This seemed to go well. again I had my stuff all laid out. I had also changed my shoelaces to elastic pulls. These worked great less time for tying. Run
Comments: I walked ran this course. I am not a great runner so I kept going running then walking. I did keep pace with a fellow runner / walker on the way back. I was amazed by how friendly some people were, they would offer words of encouragement as the went by. My daughter and my friends daughter came out to run the last few 100 m with me. It was such a great feeling to see my friends and family along the route offering words of encouragement. It really does keep you moving for them as well as yourself. What would you do differently?: The staff had said there would be water stations along the way so I had not taken a water bottle with me. Next time I would definitely have water with me. I did drink well on the bike portion so I was ok but felt that the first water station was just a little too far away for my likeing. Post race
Event comments: This race started out as a new year resolution to get myself up and moving and to do something a little out of my box. I think I covered both resolutions. It was an amazing journey and so many people contributed to making it happen; from the support of my family and friends; to the swim coaches; to the bike group I joined and to the people at Beginner triathlete and my fabulous mentors at the Yanti & Lynn mentor group. They have become friends for a lifetime. I loved the feeling at each and every transition; the feeling of accomplishment is incredible and I can totally see how someone could become addicted to the high you get from crossing the line. I didn't need to be first, I just wanted to finish. All along I said I am a completer, not a competer. I think I need to take that back now; Yes I am a completer but I never felt so much like a compeditor as I did when I came accross that finish line. I cannot believe that I am a triathlete. What a great feeling. Thank you BT for all your help and plans and support. I couldn't have done it without you Last updated: 2011-08-08 12:00 AM
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United States
Pass it Along Lake Mohawk Country Club Triathlon
75F / 24C
Sunny
Overall Rank = 235/300
Age Group = 45-49
Age Group Rank = 19/21
I didn't sleep well but felt like I rested. Crazy stormy night had taken out the power so I was a little nervous I would over-sleep. How bad would that be to come all that way and miss the race?
Got up about 4:30 am, got ready,put air in my tires,I ate breakfast at home but brought a powerbar with me and had snacks and drinks packed on my bike.
Transition area opened at 5:30am, 6:30am race meeting, 7:00 am start. My wave was 7:21am. I was doing this race by myself but when I got to the area I met some people I knew, they were wonderful. They had completed the race the previous year and were so helpful to me. I was a little nervous about the protocol but they gave me some tips.
I set up my area with a towel and racked my bike. I felt like I brought 2 of everything "just in case" 2 sets goggles, 2 sets of sunglasses, 2 pairs socks, a second shirt, perhaps a little overkill. The swim entered off a beach area so I had a basin to wash the sand off my feet. I used a microfiber towel which was great for a fast dry. All great tips I had learned from BT.
There was a swim warm up but I didn't take the opportunity, I tried to strech and relax - just breathing exercises to get out of my head so I wouldn't be nervous in the lake. People were riding and jogging everywhere. Some of the local people even arrived on their bikes. One less rack to pack I guess.