"Tri The Rock" Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

I'd forgotten what the pool swims were like. Given the temperature and the churn in the water, it was like being in a washing machine.

Halfway down the first length, I ralized my form wasn't very good, so I started to focus on technique, including my catch. I caught the swimmer in front, but she wouldn't let me pass at the three walls where I had an opportunity.
I was halfway out of the water when two helpers grabbed me by the arms and practiclaly vaulted me all the way out. (That was nice.)

Don't go under rope and back up for another breath before pushing off wall. Alternately, learn flip turns so can go under rope after push off.

Work on not rolling too much for air.

Getting on socks was average. Everything else smooth. Good run in shoes through T1.
Might consider slowing down in T1, just to keep heart rate from spiking coming out of swim.

I can bike without socks, I need so see if I can run sprint distanct without them also.

Oh, where to start? Just started getting up to speed and went to hit start on computer, but launched my computer off its mount. Couldn't catch it, so had to slam on brakes, turn around and pick it up. Twice I had to stop and tighten the cleat on my right shoe -- the screws had worked themselves loose. Turned out it wasn't the cleate plate, but the entire mounting plate that was shifting. (#$!#@ Speedplay) At least I had a multitool in my seat bag, but I probably lost between 2:30 and 3:00 minutes because of this.(Speedplays)
Didn't get passed by anyone else once I was started again.
Rode without gloves for first time (taped the aero bars yesterday.) No problems, will do this again.

Reinstall cleats using Loc-Tite. Check cleats prior to race. More hill practice.

Unbuckeled shoes, but didn't ride on top. Slipped right foot out of shoe and around back. BUT, since hadn't taken out left foot, I couldn't just step off. Instead, my cleat disengaged and left foot still had shoe half on. Fortunately, as left shoes was coming off, I managed to kick it forward. As I ran with hand on bike seat, I leaned over and grabbed the skittering shoe. I wish I had a video of it. I couldn't recreate that if I tried.
Sprinted the rest of the way through transition and had a great T2 time.

Take both feet out of shoes when dismounting. Practice the running dismount some more.

Was short enough that I decided not to take any fluids on the run. Consciously tried to control my initial speed, and managed to pace with someone for part of the first mile. (Thanks, Ryan.) Pick up pace for last two miles.
It really helped that I had run the cross-country parts before the race. The loop near the finish was slightly longer than it appeared at first, so I was ready and knew when to start my finishing kick.

Be careful to keep slower pace for more of race when running longer distances.

Didn't do much except dring water. enjoyed the smoothie samples, but didn't try the pasta. Very minimal amount of stretching -- should have done more. Also, should have grabbed a massage before the line got too long.


Equipment failure.


Race packet was thin. T-shirt and a single mini Clif Bar sample.
Nicely controlled race -- i.e. no traffic issues, although had to be careful of gravel on some turns.