Sky Tri - TriathlonSprint

Firstly, my time is way off. Spent 5 minutes in the locker room post swim bundling up for the cold weather. Exited the pool at 8:44 per my watch, probably my quickest pace ever. Felt good from the get go, didn't think about mechanics, was just on auto pilot. Tried to not get beat up too much in the narrow lanes. Probably passed 4 or 5 people. I was really happy up until I went to get my tri suit on post swim. It was just so cold, spending an hour outside with a soaking wet base layer seemed like a bad idea.

Nothing, perfect first swim for me

Was surprised how smoothly this went considering my lack of practice. Socks and shoes went on well, no major issues. Also spent some time putting on gloves and adjusting my balaclava(it was cold!!)

Practice a little? Work on flying/running start?

Guess I should have pushed it a bit harder...and not dropped a bottle .5 mile from the finish. Felt like I really rode within myself...in retrospect maybe too much. I have strong enough legs to spin bigger gears. My climbing sucks...and the MASSIVE hill that we had to go back up at the end of the course just drained me.

Push a bit harder, just get more saddle time.

Felt like I was flying. Transitions were really smooth all day minus the locker room/tri suit debacle. Quick releases were great on tri shoes, running shoes were on fast and my quick laces worked like a charm. Went to put on my brand new race belt, and POP...off goes one of the bungees. I was pissed, but pressed on.

Not break my race belt

This sucked. Headed out of T2 and my legs felt heavy, but worse, I couldn't get my breathing under control. HR was around 170, higher than I hoped to start the run at. Managed to talk myself out of walking and just kept running. The beginning of the course wasn't too bad until we hit the zig zagging hill up into the neighborhood. Was still feeling like hell when I hit the back side of the hill. This was the first time in the race I was being passed more than passing, which was discouraging. Was just getting everything back together when there was another hill at the end of the 1st loop. I really struggled through that hill, especially knowing I had to go up it again, plus the zig zag hill. Miraculously, the second lap felt so much better. Only the second hill really hurt, but I could feel my pace pick up substantially. I gave it a good kick to the finish and couldn't believe the sense of accomplishment!

More bricks

Gave the fiancee a hug and a kiss, then a short walk. Had some greek yogurt and a banana.


Experience...swim technique (it's getting better and has already come so far), climbing on the bike and knowing just how much I can push, and more miles...my running has also improved but has so far to go. 4 weeks until Island Lake!