Capitol View Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

I wasn't sure what to expect on the swim. Based on the past 2 Thurs night swims, I knew I could handle the distance, but I wasn't sure how it would feel in a group of 30. They said go and we all started running since it was pretty shallow, even though we started in waist-deep water. I started swimming a little sooner than most of the others but figured I would just do my own thing. I think I started out a little too enthusiastic since I was pretty winded after a few minutes. I slowed my pace a little around the first bouy and then tried to settle into some sort of rhythm, which was hard when the girl next to me kept swimming into me (or maybe I was swimming into her). We rounded the next buoy and before I knew it we were running again to get out of the water. The run up to transition seemed pretty long, but fortunately I didn't step on anything or stub my toe.

Swim faster, duh!

I was happy with how smooth my T1 went. The racks were numbered so it was easy to find mine. My bike was the farthest inside, so I had plenty of space. I had some water to spray on my feet if they were dirty, but they weren't and just drying them a little was enough.

nothing

I live near Gov. Nelson Park and had ridden the course so I knew what to expect. I knew the bike would be my strongest leg, so my plan was to just go all out and not try to save my legs for the run since my run was going to be slow anyway. I mostly followed through on this plan, except it was hard at times to go the speed I wanted because I was worried about being in someone's draft zone. I wasn't sure how strict the rules are in tris and the course was pretty crowded at times and it seemed like we were all in someone's draft zone, especially coming up some of the hills. The turn around came up pretty quick. By the way, they say this course was 12 miles, but my bike computer read 10.3, which seems more accurate since I know I wasn't going an average of 21.5 mph! Maybe someday. I felt good throughout the bike and was excited to not have any mechanicals. I had about a half-bottle of diluted gatorade and half of a gel after the turnaround.

nothing

My T2 went smooth. I had recently bought some Yankz laces for my shoes and they saved me some time.

Run faster out of transition

After avoiding running for most of my life (short and stocky isn't the best runner's physique), I realized I would have to start running if I wanted to do these darn triathlons. I had run the course, so I knew what it was like, and I knew how slow I would be on it. Any lead that I had gained on anyone in my wave from the bike was crushed by all the fast feet passing by me. Everyone seemed to be flying by me! My plan was to push it as hard as I could on the run, but once I started running, I was worried about surviving the 3 miles. I quickly formulated a new plan, which was to not walk at all and to pour as much water on my head as possible at every aid station. Mission accomplished times two! I felt pretty demoralized on the run with so many people passing me, including a handful from my wave. Oh well, boohoo. It's time to 'suck it up buttercup' and train more in running, right.

Run faster! I need to train for longer distances so that the race distance isn't the longest I've run.

My warm-down included; thanking the man who kept me from falling over in front of everyone when I lifted my leg to get my timing chip off, going into the 100 degree water tent for some cold water and gatorade (it really was like a sauna in there!), getting a free MGD water bottle (stylish), drinking my recovery sprite (the carbonation makes me burp which makes my stomach feel better), all while continually saying "I'm tired".


My body


For my first tri, I thought this race was really good. The swim was a bit shallow, but it seems they worked with what they had and that it was an improvement from last year. The bike course was well staffed by volunteers and sheriffs so traffic wasn't an issue. The run was pretty and was good for spectators to get a few different views. All in all, I had a great time and a lot of fun.