Toyota Desert Triathlon - Sprint Distance - TriathlonSprint


View Member's Race Log View other race reports
La Quinta, California
United States
Klein and Clark Sports, LLC
53F / 12C
Overcast
Total Time = 1h 21m 32s
Overall Rank = 78/463
Age Group = 55-59
Age Group Rank = 7/18
Pre-race routine:

Woke up about 20 mins before the wife and I had to leave and had my usual breakfast of yogurt, banana, and coffee.
Then took off to the race! Unfortunately, this morning didn't go to well. On the way there, I realized I had forgotten my prescription sunglasses. No major I thought, this being an overcast day--it may not matter too much.
But, as I was wheeling my bike over to transition, I realized I had forgotten my aero water bottle! It was sitting near the sink in the motel awaiting some water to be added to the powder! Luckily, triathletes can relate to these misfortunes better than anyone. I was able to borrow a bike bottle cage from one athlete, and an allen key set to install it from another. You guys are great! Saved me!!!
Event warmup:

Nothing too daring. It was so cold and overcast--I wasn't real jazzed about going for a pre-race swim. Went in up to my thighs though, to get used to the temp.
Swim
  • 11m 52s
  • 547 yards
  • 02m 10s / 100 yards
Comments:

I got mugged by a couple of other guys who swam over me. First time ever, so I guess I was due! Because this happened early on--I got enough behind so I was basically following lots of other swimmers. I couldn't really get into my rythym. Then, when I got to the first buoy, I ran into a group of women from the earlier wave who were sort of hanging out treading water--so a detour had to be made. Finally seemed to get it together on the home stretch.
What would you do differently?:

Not swimming enough. Felt too weak to really compete effectively. Need to adjust my practices, and perhaps pick a less contested route initially.
Transition 1
  • 02m 34s
Comments:

Had decided to wear long sleeves after the swim, as I figured a tri top would be too cold to wear for the rest of the race. This meant putting on a new top after removing my wetsuit. This was waay slow on a wet body, however.
Then, after leaving T1 I had a guy on a mountain bike fall over on me just as I was getting going, and knocked me over. Cut my toe--but my foot was too cold to feel it. Only found out by seeing the blood on my shoe.
What would you do differently?:

Don't know. Hope I don't race in such a cold situation again where I have to put a new top on. Perhaps find something easier to get on?
Bike
  • 42m 12s
  • 14 miles
  • 19.91 mile/hr
Comments:

Was looking forward to the bike course. A place where I could make up some time. Passed a lot of people, and also ended up playing cat and mouse with a fast 61 year-old who eventually dropped me near the end. I thought of chasing, but decided to save some energy for the run. Wasn't quite getting the speed numbers I expected to get on this leg.
What would you do differently?:

NOT ride the bike course the day before. I think I lost some "Snap" in my legs by doing this. Also, don't be too afraid of pushing hard before the finish. If you've trained sufficiently, you can recover as you near T2.
Transition 2
  • 01m 36s
Comments:

T2 went pretty well, other than the bloody toe.
What would you do differently?:

nothing.
Run
  • 23m 18s
  • 3 miles
  • 07m 46s  min/mile
Comments:

Passed two of my age groupers on the bike, but had to witness the same two passing me on the run. I had visions of surging on one of them just before the finish, but he beat me to it and finished 12 seconds ahead of me. I was however pretty pleased with my time.
What would you do differently?:

Push harder earlier in the race. Focus on technique and relax more!
Post race
Warm down:

Drank a water, grabbed the wife, and walked about till my hr came down.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

I did not sleep very well in the week leading up to the race. I know this affected things. The swim mugging and T1 exit didn't help--but it was illuminating to have these things happen, and learn to deal with 'em. Gotta love it that the rain didn't start till about 4 mins after I finished!!
Those poor buggers doing the Oly!

Event comments:

Very well organized. Well marked. Interesting and enjoyable run course. Bike course has enormous potential for some real speed. Only suggestion--make the wave start times 5 mins, rather than 3 to spread the swim waves out a bit more.




Last updated: 2010-03-16 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:11:52 | 547 yards | 02m 10s / 100yards
Age Group: 0/18
Overall: 125/463
Performance: Below average
Suit: full wetsuit
Course: Two course markers to round in a counter-clockwise direction.
Start type: Run Plus: Waves
Water temp: 64F / 18C Current: Low
200M Perf. Bad Remainder: Below average
Breathing: Below average Drafting: Bad
Waves: Navigation: Average
Rounding: Below average
T1
Time: 02:34
Performance: Below average
Cap removal: Average Helmet on/
Suit off:
No
Wetsuit stuck? Yes Run with bike: Yes
Jump on bike: Yes
Getting up to speed: Below average
Biking
00:42:12 | 14 miles | 19.91 mile/hr
Age Group: 0/18
Overall: 74/463
Performance: Average
Wind: Little
Course: After the rough asphalt of the first mile or so, the rest of the road was relatively smooth. Basically an enter and exit running to a big rectangle.
Road: Smooth Dry Cadence: 87
Turns: Good Cornering: Good
Gear changes: Good Hills: Average
Race pace: Comfortable Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 01:36
Overall: Good
Riding w/ feet on shoes Good
Jumping off bike Good
Running with bike Good
Racking bike Good
Shoe and helmet removal Good
Running
00:23:18 | 03 miles | 07m 46s  min/mile
Age Group: 0/18
Overall: 106/463
Performance: Good
Course: An interesting, hard packed dirt/asphalt course arouund the lake. Good course.
Keeping cool Good Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Average
Mental exertion [1-5] 3
Physical exertion [1-5] 4
Good race? Ok
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Good
Race evaluation [1-5] 5