Smithfield Sprint Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Lots of open pool in front of me as a result of a couple of no shows. I seemed incapable of remembering how to swim correctly and worked harder than I would have hoped. Hadn't practiced diving under the lane lines and that was distracting as well.

Need to practice form more so I can swim on autopilot. Also should have practiced for the type of swimming across lanes that this race involved.

After standing around outside in the cold temperature I was concerned about being warm on the bike leg. I made a point of drying my feet well and putting on additional clothing that I had not originally planned for. Being the first transition I had ever done I had lots of room for improvement. Still, I felt the transition went alright for my first effort.

Spend more time planning the layout of items and going through the motions of changing. Will also need to consider how that plan might change if weather conditions aren't ideal.

I had done no outdoor bike training leading up to the race and only days prior had taken my 10-speed road bike out of the attic after a 20 year hiatus, so I was primarily concerned with the bike staying together. Felt good on the ride.

Need to think about a modern bike and put in some more road work.

Jogging to the rack I was surprised at how fatigued my legs seemed. This transition went faster, but I had biked with my running shoes on so I saved time there.

Try getting clothing off en route to the rack.

Was able to get over the transition from the bike to run fairly quickly and settle into a good rhythm. Had more trouble properly drinking water from the water cup at the turn-around than I would have thought. Found a racer to pace with for the last section of the race which helped to increase my pace.

Train for longer distance. Had only trained for two mile runs leading into the race.

Walk around.


Lack of training.


My first race effort. Short-comings in my preparation for it were evident but my mindset going in was just to finish the race and learn from the experience. Now that I have established some times I have marks to improve on the next time out. Event seemed well organized and I had a good time.