Highmark Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Not as bad I was expecting it to be. I expected mass chaos based upon what I have read from so many but I actually found myself rather comfortable swimming in groups.

Don't second guess yourself. I started in the middle/back on the outside just as everyone recommends and I had no problems. Had I started closer to the front my time may have been better.

I was EXTREMELY pleased with T1. Of the 6 members in the tri club that did this I was the 2nd fastest by a whole 10 seconds.

Don't put a shirt on. Putting a shirt on a wet back cost me a few seconds. Other than that just run faster.

Overall a very sucessful ride. I forgot to put my bike computer on so I had no idea what my cadence or speed were. This was supposed to be my strong leg and so I just went for it. No heart rate, no computer, just chasing everyone down. I passed a ton of people which fueled me more. Although no drafting was allowed there was a group of 4 riders that were constantly drafting and when I passed them they chased me down and proceeded to box me in. So not wanting to cheat I passed them only to have them reel me in in the next couple of miles. Again they boxed me in and I saw one of the judges so I moved out to pass them again and kind of cut someone off. If you are reading this sorry I was just trying to not get jammed up by those four. Anyway I left them and spotted the next guy a good 1/4 mile up the road and chased him down which was a pace to great for the others. Shortly thereafter was the transition zone.

Push a little harder. It's easy to get stuck riding in a group and stick to their pace. At about mile 3 or 4 I realized I was doing that.

Again this went very well. Thank You Michael Pate for the great article. I spent a good 10 seconds drinking Gatorade when I could have been running but knowing that running is my worst weakness I wanted to be sure I was well hydrated.

Not wory about drinking knowing that there were 4 drink stations on the course.

What can be said. I did not prepare well and it showed. I spent some time walking and losing the ground I made up on the bike. Nothing worse than being passed by all those you just went by standing still only to have them do that to you.

I chose to not wear socks which in and of it self is not a bad idea but I would have tried to do it prior to race day. I now have bleeding blisters on both of my arches which were part of my poor run time. I am unable to run let alone walk comfortable yet. Lessons learned.

Drank a coke for it's carbohydrate value and tried to eat a fig newton. Food did not appeal to me at all.


Poor run preperation and lack of confidence in swimming in a group pack.


Overall it was a very good race. My family came to watch which was great. Nothing like high fiving your son coming out of the water in route to T1 or having the triclub leader saying there goes Jeff through the transition cheering you on. The purpose of this race was to learn how to transition and get a feel for the competiton. Although my run was bad and swim should have been faster I accomplished all my goals. I was properly fed, hydrated and had energy for the race. I prepared well, arrived early, set up and was able to relax. I feel satisfied all in all however, I will not ever walk during a sprint again unless my leg or ankle breaks. I am still Tri-ing