Swim
Comments: This was pretty dismal, haha. I psyched myself out and couldn't breathe when I started swimming. Got through 150 yds and had to stop to catch my breath and regroup. That helped, but I lost a lot of time doing that. I ended up taking a quick break two other times, I think, which I wasn't expecting considering I swam a 400 nonstop just a few days ago. I also got a little flustered during the "traffic jams" in the lanes- I'd finally get a good flow, and then I'd have to stop and tread water while waiting for a space to clear up. On the plus side, my mom said my stroke looked really smooth. What would you do differently?: Not get nervous. Navigate around groups of slow swimmers better. Build up my endurance more. Transition 1
Comments: I didn't have a wetsuit to worry about, which helped a lot. It took me a while to get my socks and bike shoes on- I tried to do it standing, which was awkward. I also tried to dry myself off a little, which didn't make a difference. But I wasn't trying to speed through this- I definitely took my time. What would you do differently?: Sit down while putting on socks and bike shoes. Bike
Comments: This was fun- I probably took it a little easy. At this point, I was with a lot of the slower racers who were on mountain bikes, so I felt super speedy compared to them, when in reality I wasn't going that fast. My bike was great- really smooth. I was so happy not to be struggling with a heavy old mountain bike. What would you do differently?: Go faster! Haha. I definitely could have pushed myself more. Probably could have taken the turns a little faster too, but they were hairpin turns and the last thing I wanted to do was skid off the course. Transition 2
Comments: Again, took me a while to get my bike shoes off and my running shoes on. Changed socks because the ones I wore riding were wet from putting them onto wet feet. Took a few sips of Nuun, which was the first water I'd had. Again, I took my time here. What would you do differently?: Hydrate on the bike course instead of during transition. Move faster. Run
Comments: I'm so (pleasantly) surprised that I ran anything under a 12-minute mile! Legs felt pretty heavy, as they have been, but nothing was really hurting. Just a little shin pain. What would you do differently?: Work on form beforehand so that I don't have to think about it. Probably could have sped up more towards the end of the course. I wasn't really that tired at the end. Post race
Warm down: Hmm... nothing. I ate some fruit and a bagel and went and found my mom. Probably should have stretched. What limited your ability to perform faster: Just this being my first race and not knowing how fast I should be going. I'm happy with it- I didn't have any expectations, so I feel good. Event comments: Great staff- very encouraging, energetic, and hardworking. Everything was really well organized. My mom, a non-athlete and probably the least competitive person you'll ever meet, said she loved how the atmosphere was supportive and fun, as opposed to competitive and stressful. Last updated: 2010-04-04 12:00 AM
|
|
United States
Event Power
70F / 21C
Sunny
Overall Rank = 261/352
Age Group = 25-29
Age Group Rank = 14/19
Woke up, threw my clothes on, grabbed my bag, had my regular breakfast of oatmeal and tea. In the car on the way over, my mom's tea tipped over, pouring boiling hot tea all over my seat (and me), burning my butt. That was fun. I also forgot my race packet, which ended up not being a big deal, but I'd rather remember it next time.
Swam a 50, took a little break, swam another 50, then stood around shivering and chatting until it was my time to jump in (probably about 30 minutes).