Got The Nerve - TriathlonSprint

first open water swim. i knew this would be hard and had a bitof anxiety. couldn't get my breathing to slow down and had to float after the first buoy. sighting was horrible and found myself swimming 90 degrees off course. had to stick to side and back stroke a lot

swim! get in pool and work on stroke. had not trained or swam in a wetsuit before this, so i can vastly improve here

was really gassed coming out of water and walked to transition. need to be stronger out of water

swim training and stroke work

lack of training and strength in my bad leg were quickly apparent. flats and rollers were okay, but the climbs caused cramping in my calves. had to step off to stretch and walked portions of the climbs. i was half expecting this, so i just figured i would keep plugging until they pulled me off the course. was happy to finish the bike leg!

train, plain and simple. just need time in the saddle. also need to keep working on strengthening my right calf, so my left doesn't have to compensate.

also, i need a second bottle and better nutrition. gel pack made my stomach queasy, so i will try different options there

took my time, since the podium was just sliiiightly out of reach already! wanted to make sure my legs were under me and then took off

just move faster. if i was stronger this would take care of itself. gear was laid out well, no confusion.

started out at a slow pace to get my legs going. never felt able to really pick it up, so i just tried to keep a steady pace. had to switch to run/walk after about a mile. ran for a 50 count, walked for 20. picked it up over the last half or three quarter mile and was able to run the last part.

be stronger. better nutrition, different bottle contents

laid down by my bike rack and caught my breath! felt good that i finished, even being DFL in my age group. drank some water and packed my gear


no training.


this was my first and only tri, so i have nothing to compare it to. i do have to say that the volunteers were friendly and encouraging, which was appreciated.

i didn't ride the bike leg beforehand, but there was ZERO confusion as to the course. Every turn was manned and apparent.

i have already decided to reclaim some of my pride by returning next year. My goal is to drop from a 2:32 finish to under 1:35, which would put me middle of the pack. There must be something about this sport if I can do that badly, yet still have a good time!