Clear Lake Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

The swim start was different than Lake Padden. All the men and teams went first (9:02 a.m. approximately), then all the women 4 minutes later. So instead of basically one row, there were several rows. I found myself toward the back, so I moved up a little. Then when we started, it was quite a mass of bodies, and basically, it was just trying to find space at first instead of getting up speed. Any fast swimmers who were more toward the front at the start probably had the advantage.

However, Clear Lake lived up to its name, and the water was clear enough that when I put my head down, I could see legs and feet so I was able to avoid any collisions! I was much better at not letting adrenalin drain my energy, too. But my stomach still felt a little queasy...I'm assuming from my snack being too close to the start time again. I did turn over on my back once, but I kept moving, backstroking a few strokes, then turning over on my tummy. Everyone was much more spread out by the time we got to the buoys, and I was pretty much right on course and by the time I made the turn back to the beach, I was able to put my head down and breathe only every three strokes some of the time. Otherwise, I was still breathing on every stroke--but at least I could use each breath to see where I was, and didn't have to totally look up more than a few times. I tried to really power up my strokes on the last segment, as well as kicking efficiently. (That stupid ankle strap (chip) kind of bothered me this time. It seemed to be a slightly different design than the chips at Lake Padden.)

Upon getting close to the beach, I continued swimming 'til my hand almost brushed the bottom then stood up and tried to hustle up the beach and lawn to transition this time, remembering that it is still part of the swim!

I still need to finish eating/drinking much earlier, so there's more time for it to digest. Also, get closer to the front of the pack, maybe to the side a little, before start.

Work on my swim speed more during the off season.

I was trying to hurry so much that I missed the landmark I had memorized to find my bike, and I blew right past it and had to turn around and, hmmm, where is it? Oh, there it is! (Ha, ha.)

Okay, next time not pass my bike. Also, take swim cap and goggles off before getting to bike. (Stuff that will get easier with experience.)

Had fun...passed several people. The rolling hills added a little variety to the otherwise fairly flat course--built up some speed coming back down! I eased up my pace in the last couple miles, although I did pass someone again, because I can't stand someone right in front of me! :) I was trying to start getting ready for the run, but I don't know if taking it easy really helped or not. The bike was my highest ranking leg, so maybe I should just really go for it!

Not exactly sure. But if I did this tri again, I would be more familiar with the course, as I had never ridden these roads before--so more familarity might help with a faster time. Also I need to take in some fuel while still on the bike.

Found my spot OK. :)

Change shoes faster, etc. :)

My legs felt "dead." Also, thought I was going to get a cramp in my right calf, so I stopped and stretched it quickly. Then I started munching on Clif Shot bloks and taking in some water (carried a little Fuelbelt bottle in my hand). My time seems too fast from the way I remember I was moving--I mean, I even walked a couple seconds every now and then! (My chip did not work, and all my times come from the backup timers.)

Practice more bike-run bricks in training. (I only did 2 all year--both before the Lake Padden tri.)

Walked around and nibbled on fruit. Stretched briefly.


My training between the two tris was impacted by a too ambitious trail run on July 1 that left me with a very sore right shin and right ankle, so that I did not run for a whole week. Also, had some neck problems and missed swim workouts.


I checked "just right" on the course, because while it was challenging, I didn't think it was "too hard," because to me that meant I would have given up in the middle of it, and I did finish. I even beat the daughter of a friend of mine by over 15 minutes or so!

I was disappointed that my chip failed to work. The thing bothered me during the swim--like it was too loose or something. Good that there was backup timers, though I can't quite believe their time on my run.

The other disappointing thing is that my husband couldn't take any pictures, because neither one of thought to check the camera batteries and they were run down. :(