Chaska River City Days Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

I'm such a bad swimmer and I hate it. I don't hate swimming, I just hate being a bad swimmer. I only list my performance as average because it was average for my typical performance. I went out stronger than I usually do, which is what I wanted. But I don't swim to well in splashy groups, so I end up popping up to catch my breath too often. I only shaved 20 seconds off last years swim, and last year I did 50% breast stroke. At least this year it was all crawl, but where's the improvement?

I need coaching. I could've done more training in the pool, that would help, but overall I just need someone who knows what they're doing to look at my form. I know its needs a lot of work, but I don't think I can teach myself how to fix it. So much of swimming is form. But I'll get better.

Exiting the water, I waited until my fingers touched the ground before I stood up. Much better. Last race I got up early and I think it wore me out for the rest of the race. Ran quickly to my spot. Felt like I was a little drunk getting on my gear, but I'm pleased with my time. Ran well with my bike and hopped on quickly.

My shoes don't lend themselves to be left in the clips. So eventually I'll have some shoes that will allow me to strap in while riding. With plenty of practice, that could improve my time. But I'm pleased with T1. I practiced it enough and it payed off.

Great race. Everything went pretty well. Felt strong throughout. Conserved just a little strength for the run. Got up to 30mph a few extended times. I really enjoyed passing so many people. With the way the waves are set up, you end up passing by a lot of folks throughout the entire race (at least when you're near the last wave). That's always a plus.

I'd like to average over 20mph. I enjoy cycling, but with a new baby and a 2.5 year old I needed to help out around the house plenty and can't go out for hours on end on my bike. Next year they'll both be older and maybe I can get in some more rides. Either way, I'm very pleased with the results.

Practicing getting my feet out of my shoes and hopping off the moving bike really paid off. I think my hop off the bike was as good as it could have been. Ran quickly back to my spot. Racking my bike took a little bit of time because some of the bikes had shifted and there was someone on the other side of the bar who I didn't want to hit in the head. I had to stomp a few extra times to get my feet in my shoes correctly, but I think I was also taking a little mini breather too.

I flew out of T2. Which to start a 5k is a good thing, in my book. But I got a small cramp in my side and a stinger in my shoulder after about 1/4 of a mile. That was lame.

Run was great. My brother-in-law got out of T2 a little ahead of me. I was able to get him in my sights quickly and catch him up the hill. Getting started felt tough, especially with that big hill in the mix. I kept pushing myself up the hill, felt like I had a good pace by the time I reached the top of the hill.

I think I took it too easy coming down the hill. It's a lot easier for me to push myself when I see people to pass. By the end of the run, it was pretty spread out around me. No one ahead or behind seemed too close and I think I stopped pushing myself as hard. Next year I'd like to get under 20 minutes which would be tough.

Not much other than hanging around, talking, drinking water and gatorade. Some day I might actually do some sort of warm-down. But for now I'll consider myself young and stupid.


I think I did about the best I could to my ability. I'll swim faster once I learn how. But other than swimming, just putting in more time for running and cycling and I should see improvement.


I love the Chaska Tri and I'd like to come back every year. Great level of organization. Perfect number of people racing. Feels relaxed and yet competitive. All volunteers will cheer you on and that feels great.