Lake Sammamish Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Overall, it felt like a great swim for me! My best of the season so far. I didn't get flustered by the crowded start, I didn't backstroke, I kept a consistent pace, and most importantly - I didn't stop. I didn't use my legs until the last leg - which was different from my last 2 races - which really helped me not get out of breath. I had noticed from watching the other waves come out of the water that almost everyone was standing up way too early - so I just kept swimming until my hands were digging up sand, and then I jumped out of the water, passing about 5 people, and ran like a bullet towards T1. It was awesome!



Sight better between the first and second bouys. Somehow I got way off course.

While I got out of the water feeling like it was an amazing swim, I was really surprised by my final time. It had felt like I was going much faster, so I think my sighting, or lack thereof, must have slowed me down. I'm still scratching my head about the difference between my perception and my results.

T1 went okay. Wetsuit came off rather painlessly (certainly less so than SeaFair). The only annoying thing was the rain - which made my towel and socks all wet. It was hard to get them on, but I got through it just fine.

My primary concern for this race was falling while getting on/off the bike since I was racing in bike shoes for the first time. Fortunately, I got through it without a hitch. But because of the rain, I was a bit tentative with running since I didn't want to slip.

Nothing.

This was my first time racing in the rain. Yuck! I got splashed by spray from other bikes, which just contributed to the grossness of the ride. The course itself was not bad - just a few hills that I sucked at - but the trickiest part was being uncomfortable in the rain. I got passed by a ton of people, so I must not have been working hard enough. Halfway through the ride, I swallowed a GU, and managed to lose my water bottle. My stomach felt like it had cement in it from that point on. I did pass about four people on the side of the road with flats. And I saw a few spills too - sine people were taking the slippery corners too fast. Fortunately I had a safe ride.

Not lose my water bottle! I definitely need to spend more time on my awesome bike and do her justice. I think Spin Class is in order so that I can building the strength and endurance.

I was very worried about falling on my bike on the dismount, so I unclipped pretty early and coasted in to the dismounting spot. I was careful while running in my shoes so that I wouldn't slip and fall on the wet pavement. Getting my shoes off was a bit of a pain, but the running shoes went on quickly. Love my laces!

Nothing

Once again I got passed by a ton of people. :) The run itself was interesting, as we ran through fields and along muddy trails. The Gu in my stomach felt like cement, and my calves were cramping up from the different way of pedaling on my bike (due to clips). It was an uncomfortable run and I never felt like I was able to get into a groove. I walked just long enough to swallow some water, and then I jogged back to the finish. I just didn't seem to have much extra to sprint to the end, but I was happy to finish nonetheless.

No swing my arms across my body when I run. I need to get some help with running technique.

It was wet and gross, so I didn't warm-down much. I saw my family, and grabbed my stuff, and then took off for a delicious breakfast at Lil Johns.


Rain


I had a great race, and am happy with my results. Looking forward to next year!