Santa Cruz Mermaid #2 Sprint Triathlon - Triathlon

Water was really calm. Pretty easy swim. Didn't do backstroke, breast just a couple of times, but not for very long. Sighting was really easy with the pier and ship to my right ( breathing side ). I swam in the middle of the pack for most of it, then I think I was closer to the rear, but I felt like I was swimming an average pace. I was surprised. This time includes walking up the beach, up a few stairs, then down a path, then up 152 stairs to transition. I think my actual water time would probably be around 13-14 min.

My arms were kinda tired, I think I need to practice strength drills or something. I also just want to practice longer open water swims.

Major issues putting on my under armor shirt on a cold wet body. Much faster when I dont have to put on any other garments. But it was really cold out there so I was glad I had it on.

Not sign up for a tri where you have to run up 152 stairs to transition.

I made it up the hills. I think that really took more engery so the run wasnt so good. Other women beat me on the run, maybe cause they walked hills? Or were better trained for them. Not really sure. I felt pretty speedy other than the hills. Max speed was 24.9 mph. So I felt good. New brakes felt good. It was pretty cold, so my feet were numb and my legs were cold.

Train on hills! Get better strength and speed up, and get comfortable going faster down hills.

Total bike time includes T1 and T2. T2 much smoother than T1, no clothes to change except to get on the running shoes. No pockets to put my fuel in...but hopefully next time I wont need a long sleeved shirt. My feet were still numb at the end of the bike. Quads ached from hills and running felt way wierd.

Didn't run with bike, or leave shoes on. I'm not a pro. Maybe should practice running with bike?

Calves hurt horribly. Thought I would cramp. I think I half limped most of the way. Stopped to stretch 3 times, but no walking. Right lower calf really painful.

Need to figure out the calf problem.

Walked around, tried to catch my breath, streched. Should have stretched more.


Calves, calves, calves.


I think the course was very challenging, but praise God, not beyond my ability. I think the course had too much strain on my calves, probably the stairs made for a bad run. I think I could train more on hills and compete better. But I felt good about my effort level. I felt like I performed well despite the course circumstance.