Tri the Parks - Indian Springs State Park (All Female) - TriathlonSprint

This was my first open water swim and was the hardest part of the race. I started at the back of the pack to avoid the jostling (single wave start) but then I had the problem of running into the swimmers in fromt of me. I couldn't figure out how to swim through them. Finally, I gave up and moved to the inside. This helped with my stroke but I had a terrible time sighting and swimming straight. I am convinced my Zig Zag course added 50 meters to my swim at least. At one point I was inside the bouys, over corrected and found myself on the far right of the pack. I was convinced I was the last swimmer in the water although there were a few behind me. Once I rounded the first bouy, my stroke improved and my breathing was OK. I never was able to maintain it though as I had to keep sighting and correcting my line. There was zero visibility in the water.

Figure out a way to train in open water.

Because the transition area was on a hill, the mount line was actually down the hill quite a bit requiring a trot with the bike on clips. Went OK. I was having a little trouble getting my helmet to feel right and my glasses were foggy from my wet skin, but both issues went away quickly.

this should get better with more races

This was the leg I was most worried about due to hills and found it surprising easy. Due to the limited size of participants, I was usually riding alone and it was easy to pass people.

More riding outside on hills.

Again, had to dismount at the mount line and then run uphill with the bike. A little awkward but once at the transition area it went fine.

Running was much harder than expected. I really thought I was barely moving the entire time and would have terrible times. I was very surprised to find out I did better than 10 min miles as this is a good time for me. The course was very hilly.

Train more outside (more hills) and try and get some bricks in. Biking to running was very difficult.

water, fruit and quick rinse in the lake.


This was my first tri and a great experience. I placed second in the novice group, which was a huge and pleasant surprise. I know the fact that it was all female and a small group (only 73 participants) helped make it a great first time experience.