Bristow Area Triathlon (BRATS) #2 - TriathlonSprint

I swim breast stroke. I had seeded myself pretty accurately based on my practice times. The first length went well. I have had problems with panic in the pool before -- totally illogical since I swim without a problem twice a week. The problems started when I went under the first lane divider. I started hyperventilating a bit. After the third lap (of six) I had to keep my head out of the water until the last lap. Several times people were coming head-on at me, trying to pass someone. This was disconcerting.

??? Not sure since I don't have a problem during training.

Throw on a shirt, glasses, helmet. Grabbed some beans and go.

Not forget my gel blocks.

This was a two loop course. The first loop seemed harder and I thought I was doing pretty well, but my time was slower than I had hoped. I am riding a hybrid in running shoes and, combined with the hills, I'm sure this impacted my speed.

Train more on hills. Eventually learn to use bike shoes and clips

Racked bike on the first try! Remembered to remove helmet and gloves. Grabbed a bean and a water bottle and I was off.

Nothing

I went into the race with a very sore knee -- I couldn't walk properly on it and seriously considered just doing the swim and bike. I decided to try the run and see how far I got. My time was surprisingly good but I felt like I shuffled the whole way and never got into a stride.

Heal.

Iced the knee, visited the trainer drank a bottle of water and ate a power bar.


mental difficulties in the pool, hybrid bike, bad knee.


The best part of this race is that there is a youth race immediately following. It is great to see all the kids getting involved!