Cicero Triathlon - TriathlonMini Sprint

I took a nice slow pace to save energy for the rest of the race since this was my first. Started to the back and right of my wave, several swimmers were doing breast stroke. I wasn't ready for the start, with just a moments notice we were told to go.

Swim a little faster pace. Start to the front and a little more towards the middle of the pack. Be ready to go, the announcement came quick to start. I could have gained some distance on everyone because after someone yelled go go go we paused for a few seconds then started.

Wore my goggles to the transition as I didn't have contacts so I could see to get my glasses on at the transition. I had a spare water bottle that I used to wash the sand off my feet, then tried to dry my feet before putting socks and shoes on. Someone placed a bag next to my bike which snagged when taking my bike from the rack. I also used my BlackBerry to track my speed and route which took a little time to setup and strap to my arm. This way I could upload my race data to some online analysis software.

Take swim cap and goggles off before exiting the water to save time, wear contacts to find transition area. Don't wear socks or put powder in the socks to help get them on. Practice putting on socks/shoes. Practice running and mounting bike without slowing down / stopping. I would like to get a gps watch to track the entire race including the swim and eliminate the need to use my BlackBerry during the bike/run portions.

I tried to pace myself a little again since the run was coming up. Most of my run training has been at night so wanted to leave as much energy as possible. Mountain bike that I use is a little older and the front wheel is a little warped, it may be time to upgrade to a road bike or at least rent one.

Change tires on mountain bike to road type tires, consider getting a road bike or rent one.

I walked most of the way in and out of the transition. It took me extra time to turn around and rack my bike. I did count the racks so I knew exactly where my transition area was. My feet/socks were soaked after the bike, changed my socks and shoes, wet feet took a while to get them off/on.

Use running shoes on the bike so I don't have to change shoes before run, don't wear socks. Run in and out of transition.

This is by far my weakest area, I am still doing interval training and hope to be able to jog 3 miles without stopping. Currently I'm up to walking 1 min / jogging 4 (repeating for 30 min). I wasn't able to keep up with this interval for the first half of the run. Joined up with a guy keeping a nice slow pace and was able to chat with him while jogging most of the last half of the course.

Continue to work on my intervals with goal to run the entire time. Learn to drink water from water station while jogging.

Walked a little bit, ate cookies, drank water, ate sphaghetti with meat sauce and a banana.


My legs felt very tired during the run. My mountain bike with trail tires was pretty slow.


I'm planning on entering this next year and maybe 2-3 more.