Title 9 Women Only Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Got really bogged down with all the people to start. I should have started closer to the front or outside.

I'd start closer to the front and outside. I could have swum significantly faster if I wasn't surrounded by so many people, and I'd rather take a little extra distance than swim breaststroke for the first 1/4 of the swim.

It felt like it took a really long time, but it was about half the time of my last T1. I ran the whole way out of the water and to my bike.

Get a two piece tri suit. I think that would work best for me.

It's discouraging sometimes to get passed by so many people, but my big goal with the bike was to use my gears effectively, and I think I did that. I brake down hills, especially when it's wet, and I know that costs me time, but I'm, um, pretty risk-averse. So I wouldn't change that.
The "crush this hill" sign was especially motivating for me. I should tell myself that on every hill!

Learn to like to go faster down hills. Get skinnier tires for racing.

The benefit of my low-tech triathlon gear is a pretty fast T2. No shoe changes, just run in, drop the bike and helmet, and run out.

Nothing

I was really happy with my run. I've been training a lot more for running than for anything else, and it paid off. This was the fastest run I've had all summer. I took some water at the first station and none after that, which worked for me during training runs. I've been doing a brick workout about once a week for several weeks now, and I think that helped me feel strong on the run.
Also, thanks to the woman who, instead of passing me in the first mile, told me she needed a partner and ran with me for a little while first. She helped me start off with a stronger pace, I think.

Don't wait so long to settle into a strong run pace. I think I let the first hill take it out of me, and instead of attacking it I took it easy. I'm really glad for the other runners who kept me motivated

Stretched. Drank water. First triathlon where I felt GREAT the rest of the day, instead of having a severe headache. I think I really trained enough for this one.


Swim strategy, bike training/ability/motivation.


I would do this race again. There were lots of really excited volunteers, great energy from the participants, and the course was just right for me. I had a great time and wish I could have stayed longer for post-race activities.