Reeds Lake Triathlon - TriathlonSprint


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East Grand Rapids, Michigan
United States
East Grand Rapids
70F / 21C
Sunny
Total Time = 2h 10m 58s
Overall Rank = 765/913
Age Group = 20-24
Age Group Rank = 55/56
Pre-race routine:

Woke up at 5, walked the dog and loaded up the Jeep. Stopped at a gas station to get a Power Bar to eat in lieu of breakfast. Seemed to be effective--didn't feel hungry, but also wasn't weighed down.
Event warmup:

Nothing unique. Rode my bike 1/4 mile from the parking lot to the transition area and stretched out. Mostly my legs shoulders.
Swim
  • 16m 51s
  • 880 yards
  • 01m 55s / 100 yards
Comments:

This was my first open-water swim, and was actually better than I expected. I convinced myself beforehand to accept the fact that I was going to get kicked in the face--this helped me think/worry about it less. Luckily that didn't happen. I got a little off course on my way to the first bouy--probably added a minute or two (I was going N-NE for a while, when I should have been going E). The view into the sunset was awesome.
What would you do differently?:

I'd swim faster. Being my first Tri, I had no idea how tired I would be as the day went on, and wanted to be sure I had the juice to finish. Knowing that I had plenty of strength left for the bike, I'd break out of my comfort zone in the swim.
Transition 1
  • 03m 15s
Comments:

Again, I had no idea what to expect. I watched youtube videos, and practiced in my apartment, but was basically going into it cold. The jog from the water to the transition area was longer than I thought, but it actually was a really good way to get my land legs back under me. My shoes went on with no problems, everything was good (And everyone else on my rack was already gone, so I was free to move around!) I grabbed an energy gel and ran off to the time pad.
What would you do differently?:

Can't think of anything I'd do differently. I took my time a little bit, as I was a little lightheaded and shaky--so I could probably just move faster next time.
Bike
  • 1h 02m 10s
  • 18 miles
  • 17.37 mile/hr
Comments:

I hate biking. I knew this would be the most dreadful part for me, and it was. Perhaps I need to work on biking technique, but every pedal revolution was full effort--and even so, I could not seem to get a good speed or rhythm going. I got passed by hundreds of riders. Don't get me started on that hill...

Also, I dropped my water bottle when I tried to put it back in its holder.
What would you do differently?:

I really need to incorporate more biking into my year-round training. Race-wise, I don't think there was anything I could have done differently.
Transition 2
  • 03m 2s
Comments:

Another pretty smooth transition. Actually, at the time I was thinking it was too smooth. I lingered in the transition area for a few extra moments, because I was convinced I had forgotten something. I hadn't, and I should have taken off sooner. Shoes slipped on easily (didn't have to tie them). Grabbed another gel packet (this one had caffeine) and took off!
What would you do differently?:

Nothing. My paranoia of forgetfulness came solely from first-race jitters. The more I practice, the more natural it will be for me to grab the right equipment right away.
Run
  • 45m 37s
  • 5 miles
  • 09m 07s  min/mile
Comments:

It took at least 2 miles before I got into a running groove. Before that point, I thought I might actually die. At no point did I consider giving up, but I did think about what would happen if I collapsed on the road. That would have been embarrassing. I finally got into a good pace, and for the last .7 miles, convinced myself to step it up. Passed a few people, and finished strong. My time was way better than I expected--in training, I accounted for a 10+ minute mile (considering the turmoil of the swim and bike I'd just completed), but whether it was the adrenaline or whatever, I was able to clip along at a really good pace.
What would you do differently?:

Stretch out briefly during the transition. Going straight from pedaling to running confused my leg muscles, I think, and kept me from getting in a good groove from the beginning.
Post race
Warm down:

Probably foolishly, I didn't do much of a warm-down. I stretched out a bit while collecting all of my things, and chugged a Gatorade.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

1. The fear of burning out too early. I held back in the beginning, and poured it on at the end. Starting faster with the confidence that I'll make it the whole way will be key next year.

2. Improper gear. Bike shorts are necessary, and boardshorts are NOT running shorts.

3. Limited Bike Training. I just need to learn to go faster on a bike.

Event comments:

This was a perfect introduction to triathlons for me! It definitely gave me the jones, and has made me want to compete again.

Finishing my first triathlon was the biggest sense of accomplishment I've ever had!




Last updated: 2009-09-16 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:16:51 | 880 yards | 01m 55s / 100yards
Age Group: 0/56
Overall: 695/913
Performance: Average
Suit: Boardshorts
Course:
Start type: Wade Plus:
Water temp: 0F / 0C Current: Low
200M Perf. Remainder:
Breathing: Good Drafting: Average
Waves: Navigation: Below average
Rounding: Average
T1
Time: 03:15
Performance: Good
Cap removal: Good Helmet on/
Suit off:
Wetsuit stuck? Run with bike: Yes
Jump on bike: Yes
Getting up to speed: Good
Biking
01:02:10 | 18 miles | 17.37 mile/hr
Age Group: 0/56
Overall: 802/913
Performance: Below average
Wind: Little
Course:
Road: Smooth Dry Cadence:
Turns: Good Cornering: Average
Gear changes: Below average Hills: Below average
Race pace: Hard Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 03:02
Overall: Good
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike
Running with bike Good
Racking bike Good
Shoe and helmet removal Good
Running
00:45:37 | 05 miles | 09m 07s  min/mile
Age Group: 0/56
Overall: 698/913
Performance: Good
Course:
Keeping cool Good Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Average
Mental exertion [1-5] 5
Physical exertion [1-5] 4
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities:
Race evaluation [1-5] 5