Triathlon of Compassion - CFB Esquimalt - TriathlonSprint

There were four people in our lane, and we all got bunched up. Not much to be done about it; I finished the first 250 m in 5 minutes flat, but then we got slowed down and it was too hard to pass. But I'd estimated a 13 minute swim so I was happy with my time. Improved 2:45 over last year. All the swims in the pool paid off, as did knowing what to expect. I didn't panic this year! I was also in the lane where the slide is; had to watch bumping my head as I turned at that end. I don't think I would actually have hit it, but it loomed over me like a big blue monolith....

Waaaaaaay too slow in transition. Putting on bike shorts when soaking wet is an exercise in frustration, although amusing for spectators. I never did see such contortions, either on myself or someone else! Just need to be more efficient at the order of things ... and PRACTICE!

Find gear I can swim, cycle and run in. This would save time.

Felt good. Last year, I did this with a mountain bike. This year, a road bike. It was a good ride, and I was happy with the cornering. "Look where you want to go" really works. Improved about 15 minutes over last year. Crammed a couple shot blocks into my face on laps 2 and 3. Went hell bent for leather on laps 1 and 2. Passed lots, got passed by none. I did better when I had someone I could use to "catch up to." Athletes on the course were so encouraging.

Again, complete fail in transition!!!!! Was partially distracted by friend Trish hugging me on my way from the dismount to transition area ... but I'm just too darn slow. Also, I have to transfer my orthotics from cycling shoes to runners ...

Again, gear that I don't have to change would be great. Also, the belt with the number on it would be good. I took off bike shorts and pulled on running skirt ... too much "doing." In a perfect world, I'd have two pair of orthotics, but oh well.

It was a gorgeous run; perfect day, a little cloud, 18 Celcius, no wind ... it took me a couple km to adjust from cycling to running! But I noticed a difference this year; my legs were not as tired from the bike, even though I pounded the cycle segment .... I was happy with my time, which was about 1:30 minutes better than last year.

Practice going from cycle to run, and perhaps add tri bars to save the hamstrings and glutes even more for the run. Better gear.

Lots of hugs, which was great, but made it hard to breathe! Walked around, watched others come through the finish, stretched out ... then dashed home to shower and get to church on time (they pay me to show up, ya know).


My age and breast size, lol ... kidding aside, I was actually happy with my performance.


This is a very well organized event. The field is smallish, but there's a wonderful feeling of community. Every one shouts encouragement, from other participants to specatators, to volunteers. The volunteers were AWESOME ... so helpful, and encouraging, always smiling and urging you on. I will do this one every year as long as I am able!