Golden State Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Personal worst -- nearly 2 minutes slower than the last time I did this race 2 years ago. Lack of training was the key here. Was really gassed. Also kept running into swimmers who were (unbelievably) slower than me. Sighting was off -- went almost at right angles to 1st buoy for about 50 yards before righting ship. Turned legally at both buoys, but kind of got caught underneath first one (scary moment.

My off-season goal is to learn to swim effectively. There really was no excuse for a time this slow. My training was weak -- I simply didn't put in the time.

A lot of trouble getting out of suit -- was very disoriented coming out of water and wasn't able to think as clearly. Also, I've lost enough weight that the wetsuit is, I think actually a little too big for me now. Got stopped by race staff for not buckling helmet.

Related to swim ineffectiveness -- quicker recovery out of the water would have helped. Also, will have to look into smaller wetsuit (perhaps, in retrospect, might have worn long-john vs. full suit.

Personal best. Pushed hard to make up time lost to swim and transition (goal was 1:50 total, missed just a bit). Occasional draft. Didn't quite drink enough fluid -- only about 1/2 of bottle. c/h used more when run rolled around. One "shot block" (actually, dried apricots).

Not much. Bike training was pretty good, and, while there's room for improvement, I did probably about as well as I could have on this one.

Not much to tell ... bike shoes and helmet off, hat and running shoes on. Took extra step and removed bike jersey. Probably would leave out that step.

Personal best for triathlon race. Had to slow at outset, as felt some muscle tightening after the bike ride. This wound up getting me off to a slower start than I'd hoped. Settled into a pretty decent rate, and kept it going throughout most of the race. Had to talk to myself just after passing mile 2 to keep my motivation going. I get bloated if I drink too much on run, so hydration was just about right.

To this point, I did OK. Next year, my goal is to do more straight runs, including half-marathon, so I'm hoping that running strength will improve in tris.

Walked around for 15 minutes. Bummed a banana off of some bystanders (in the past, they've had bananas and oranges at the TBF races, but not this time). Ate a little of post-race pasta and grapes. Water and Vitamin Water.


Holes in training. The areas where I worked hardest (bike and run) showed in improvement. Inability to motivate myself to swim cost me a chance to make my goal of 1:50. Had I swum at my pace from 2 years ago, I would have beaten goal.


Was a little disappointed that they were handing out awards when I finished -- there's always kind of a thrill when you hear your name called out crossing the finish line. I think perhaps they might have waited a bit longer. Otherwise, it is a really nice race. I plan to do it again next year.