Silverlake Sprint Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

This was my first OWS. I wasn't able to get one in during my training, so it was definitely an adventure. My goal was to sprint after the gun went off to get ahead of the pack so I wouldn't have to navigate around too many people. I managed to get in front of most by sprinting for what felt like the first 100-125 yards. This ended up hurting more than helping, as the combination of sprinting, the adrenaline dump, and having to pick my head up to sight really drained me. I was totally winded! I made it to the bouy, made my turn, and struggled through the last 200. When I got out of the water I was gassed!

For one, my swim training for the month prior to this race had been non-existent. I had been focussing on my cycling and running, and that combined with a little shoulder injury kept me out of the pool. It really showed. I now know that my training effort will reflect my race effort, and I need to put an even amount of time into training each discipline. When I do get to the pool to train, I need to focus on training to be a good open water swimmer, vice a good pool swimmer. I will incorporate sighting into my laps from now on.
As far as execution during the race, I plan on maintaining a controlled and steady pace throughout the swim, instead of sprinting in the beggining.

Taking the extra time to set up my transition and walk myself through the process before the race payed off, and I felt good about my transition. No complaints here.

Nothing.

In the month prior to the race, I had put the most time into my cycling. As it did in the swim, my training effort reflected my race effort. I felt extremely confident and very strong throughout this leg, despite all the turns on the course. Cornering was one thing I had not worked on, but I was very pleased with that aspect of the ride as well.

Come out of the saddle and stretch my calfs and hammy's on the final stretch.

I hadn't planned on doing this, and hadn't practiced much, but I decided that I would un-strap my cycling shoes and pull my feet out while I was coming down the final stretch. This worked great, and I even was able to swing my leg over the seat and cruise in on one pedal up to dismount line. I felt like a seasoned pro!
My legs felt great running with my bike into T2, and I even heard my name called out by a friend who had showed up to cheer me on (totally unexpected). I racked my bike smoothly and crouched down to put on my socks and shoes for the run. Left sock and shoe went on fine, and I moved on to the right foot. BAM! HUGE CRAMP SLAMS MY RIGHT CALF. My whole leg was paralyzed by the cramp, and I could not stretch out my leg to try and work it out. I was forced to sit there and try and rub my calf until it subsided enough for me to finish putting on my shoe and stand up. I slammed down a GU, sipped some gatorade and limped out of T2 on my way to the final leg. OUCH!

Along with stetching at the end of the bike leg, I plan on standing upright to put on my socks and shoes. Hopefully this will help me avoid cramping up next time.

I had done plenty of bike/run bricks during my training, so my legs (cramp excluded) felt awesome after the bike. The cramp in T2 however, did slow my pace down quite a bit on the first half of the fun, as I didn't want it to come back due to over exersion. I passed a lot of people, and was passed by only a few. Unfortunately, all the people I passed were not in my AG, and the few that did pass me were. I picked up my pace on the last mile of the run, and sprinted hard for the last 0.1 to try and catch the guy from my AG that was in my sights. I didn't catch him in time, and finished just 3 seconds behind him.

Next time I'll start my run down of the guy in front of me 4 seconds earlier! Other than that, I was surprised when I saw my run time. I felt like I had run about a 23-24 minute 3 mile, but it turned out better than I thought.

None. I almost lost my breakfast after I finished, which was probably due to the all out sprint at the end. I've heard that if you don't feel like tossing your cookies or actually do toss after a sprint, you didn't go hard enough. That being said, I was actual kind of proud of myself that I felt that way (once the urge subsidded, of course) after the race.


Lack of swim training leading up to race day, and the cramp in T2.


The one element of this event that I was very pleased with was the amount of volunteers and their efforts. I'm not sure if it is like that at every race, but I was very happy with the volunteer presence and extremely greatful for all their help during the race.