Oktoberfest Sprint Triathlon - Triathlon

Lots of contact, not hard, just bumps. I think everybody wanted to stay at the back and I kept tangling up with people. Had a hard time getting into any sort of rhythm because every time I started to, I ran up on somebody's feet or arms or something. Once I got around the 1st buoy, things settled down a bit until a jet ski came whooshing by going the opposite direction about 20 yds to my right. Got a good lungful of water and was bounced around a bit in the wake. Really?? Did they have to go that fast that close?! That might have been what threw me off mentally. In any case, for some reason, I didn't go around the 2nd buoy. I felt like I was doing great, heading in toward the finish, when I suddenly thought, "Wait, where is everybody?? Oh crap, they're over there and I'm in the middle of nowhere!" I turned 90* to get over into the swim lane, feeling terrible, and decided to just keep going. Swam until I could stand up, then ran out of the water. I frantically asked TJ's DH and my DH whether I was DQ'd and they said to just keep going, so I did.

Go around all the buoys!!! More mass start practice would help too. Also learning to draft.

Parked a long way from exit so there was a long run in cycling shoes before mounting. This time, took off timing chip before taking off wetsuit - helped immensely!! Probably could have skipped the safety pin but didn't want to risk losing the chip. Didn't have Garmin on before the swim, thinking I could put it on in T1. Ended up just shoving it in my jersey pocket. Wore a full-zip jersey because it was breezy and a little cool. Probably would have been okay without it, but I was comfortable with it so I don't think I made a bad choice other than that it was yet 1 more thing to do.T1 time was 1/2 of what it was last time so I'm happy with it.

Wear Garmin during swim, set up closer to bike out/in, tighten shoe straps on bike.

Exit from T1 was a little rough because it started on a sandy dirt road. As I started out, I had a weird feeling of, "What the heck am I doing? I'm doing a triathlon? I'm going to run when I get done with this?" Once I got out onto the road, I settled in to a good pace and leapfrogged with a few people. Started leapfrogging with a 14 y.o. boy and we started up a mutual cheering squad. He'd zoom past, then lag back, while I just kept plugging away. Really happy with my shifting and loved having cycling shoes. At one point, I found myself feeling surprised that my feet were attached to my pedals and got a good laugh about it. The road was better than last weekend; at least this time there wasn't cow manure along the shoulder! Coming back into the race site, people were spread out all across the whole road and I got stuck behind some slower riders. Ended up dismounting too soon because I couldn't get around them. Overall, a little slower than I'd wanted but not bad, especially considering how badly it went last weekend.

Not much. I was happy with my effort.

Slow getting to my rack because a girl got in my way when she was wandering around looking for her rack. 1st time switching from cycling to running shoes. Need to get used to my Hokas. Tightening/tucking in the speed laces took longer than tying regular laces would have.

Go around slower riders on road back into site, loosen cycling shoe straps before getting off bike, practice more.

Really happy with this!! I felt super strong and was able to keep a 2 in/3 out breathing pattern throughout, even on the hill. No cramps/nausea and had negative splits too!! I periodically checked my Garmin for my pace, but mostly just did it by feel. Leapfrogged again with my 14 y.o. buddy. He was running and walking, I was keeping a steady pace. At one point, I told him I expected him to beat me; he ultimately did. I had my handheld H2O, which I used for drinking and rinsing my mouth, and I used the water stations for cooling off. I really like doing it that way although I know that'll have to change for longer races.

Maybe push myself harder. I'm still pretty wary about the nausea/cramps I tend to get with harder efforts.

Checked out the race expo, got a burrito and something to drink. After talking with DH, I decided to fess up to my swim mistake. Told a volunteer, then went and cried. Spent some time chatting with TJ and her DH, gave her one of the chocolate bars I'd bought, collected my gear and headed home.


Wariness of the nausea/cramps I've been getting lately. Also need to practice transitions more and get more practice with mass OWS starts.


I'd definitely do this race again. It was well-organized and a lot of fun, plus the route was great. I'm really disappointed in myself for the stupid swim mistake, but other than that, I had an excellent race. When I got there, I wasn't feeling all that engaged or ready for it but once I got started, I felt great. I guess for my 2nd race, it was a good experience. It showed how much I've grown this season and what I need to work on. I wish I had another race to redeem myself and solidify what I've learned about transitions, etc., but that's not to be. Hopefully I'll remember all this stuff next year, or at least some of it. All things considered, it's been a good year and I'm proud of how far I've come. I raced with a smile the whole day, encouraged a lot of people, put in a good effort, and didn't throw up. Mission accomplished. :)