Reeds Lake Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.


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.


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!