Hagerstown Sprint Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

I was so excited to finally start. And, strangely, I wasn't too nervous. I got in and when the guy said go, I went. The problem with the swim being only 300 is it usually takes 300 meters for me to get into a groove. But I tried. I did almost all freestyle swimming but did sidestroke a few times because I was trying to get a handle on my breathing...which wasn't easy to do. I don't usually swim so fast. Nevertheless, I was not going to stop. This time is not exact because I don't think I hit my watch as soon as I got out but I think it is close (and my hubby agrees).

Nothing

Guessing here a bit on time based on the difference between the swim and my watch at the bike. Not sure when I hit the watch though. This seems about right. I ran to my bike from the pool (I took the stairs instead of the grassy hill). I grabbed the plastic bag with my stuff, tore it open. Threw on my shirt, socks, and shoes. Drank some gatorade. Grabbed my helmut and bike. Took off!

IDK

I was really happy with this part of the race. I felt like I was flying and really giving my all. I passed several people and never got passed (even though there really weren't a lot of people on the course at the time). This was my favorite part of the day!

Save a bit more for the run

Since I was riding in my running shoes this transition was short. Got my bike racked, put my helmet down, and grabbed another swig of gatorade. Took off for the run.

This was definitely the hardest part for me, which is funny because I consider the run as my strength. For the first mile I felt like I was hardly moving. I was surprised to look down and see I had done it in about 9 minutes. Unfortunately, it was getting hot, I was getting thirsty, and decided that maybe 9 minutes was a bit fast. So I slowed down, and even took a few walk breaks (especially at the water stops). By mile 2 I was starting to get into stride, and felt good and ran the rest of the way. I am sincerely surprised at the final time because it never felt like I was going this fast. I felt like a snail. But I finished! And my family was there to great me. Also loved hearing my name called when I crossed the line.

I think the biggest thing I want to work on for next time is to remember to hydrate more during the race. I really did not drink very much and I felt it during the end of the run.

Standing in the shade and drinking water. By the time I finished the race (and really by the time I started the bike) the sun was shining and it was getting really HOT!


I have to give this race a 5. It was my first and can never be beat. I had a great time. The volunteers were helpful and friendly. The racers were the same. I felt like I left what I had on the course that day. Although there are many places where I have room for improvement, I couldn't be happier about how I did. Fourth in my age group (out of 19) isn't so bad for a newbie!