Cape Henlopen Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

This was crazy. I was in the second wave and we watched the first wave get destroyed by some pretty big breakers. When it was our turn to start the weren't too bad though. This was the first time I have used a wetsuit besides testing it in a pool. I couldn't tell if I was going fast or not from my feel for the water, but my shghting told me otherwise. This was probably the biggest battle I've ever had with a mass swim start since I did more running over than passing my way through or getting out of the way. I was close to the middle of the back of the pack once I was able to start swimming, then found myself 2nd or 3rd out of the water with my wave. I wasn't too big of a fan of the long run up the beach and almost felt like I could have thrown up because I took a nice mouthful of salt water.

Nothing.

Since this was the first time I had to take my wetsuit off quickly I tried to be as methodical as I could, but I found myself doing some things a little backwards. I used body glide and it came off easier than I thought it would. Decided to not wear socks.

Practice getting my suit off quicker.

This was the best bike leg I've had. The addition of a bike computer helped a lot. I forgot to bring a Hammer Gel with me. The wind kind of stunk but I really liked this course. I started out in the small ring, but changed over to big and felt much better.

Drink more.

When I came in I heard the announce say "530 Stephen Swift looking swift today," and I couldn't help but think, "Oh how original." But I should be used to it and it was cool nonetheless. Racked bike, put on shoes, took a Hammer Gel and some water and left.

Not much, just do it quicker.

Each shoe came untied. Felt like CRAP for a good portion of the run mainly because of a huge cramp in my right side. No way was I going to walk. Every night at practice I get on my kids for sitting out because of a cramp and I kept telling myself, "You are not a 12 year old who can't take a cramp. If your kids saw you walking you would be just as bad as them." So I pushed through. Maybe it was the water or the gel finally kicking in but I didn't feel better until just about the last mile, where the cramp subsided and I was able to pick up my running. Not very pleased with this run, I have been faster.

Drink more and fight through any pain harder than I did today.

Water, waited and watched at finish line for Lindsey to come through. CHecked out post-race awards. LONG drive home then watched the Eagles get killed by the dirty, stinkin' rotten Cowboys.


Hydration.


This was a nice way to end my first season. Only my 3rd race but from comparing to the other two I can see myself getting faster. Oh, Lindsey was first overall female first timer!