Gustavus Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Finished first of 3 in my lane. Passed one guy 2x, the other lady once.

Not sure. Maybe not towel until after hitting the T1 timer to shave some seconds off. Of course this isn't even an issue except on days like this when it's so cold.

Put on:
socks, bike jersey, sleeves, sleeveless windbreaker, fingerless gloves, headband to shelter my ears. At the last minute decided not to put on the tights. My legs were cold, but I managed.

Into the wind on the way out, cruising on the way back. Averaged less than 16mph on the way to the turnaround cone, then really hauled on the way back. I increased my avg speed by 3mph in about 6 miles, which says something about the tailwind!

This is the first race I've ever ranked higher in the bike than in the swim - and I had a very respectable swim today. I was able to stay aero pretty much the entire ride even with strong winds, which helped I'm sure.

My cold feet wouldn't go in the shoes. Felt clumsy!

During the run I shed the gloves and headband and tucked them in my shirt pocket. Wind was almost as demoralizing as it was on the bike. Getting to the top of the hill was where the wind was the strongest and it felt like I was running through molasses.

Train more - sort of forgot to run in April. Still, I'm pleased with my time all things considered.

Took of the chip, looked for Pam and Andrea to chat it up. Found food and water. Felt good and warm. After eating went back outside and was shocked at how much colder it had gotten ;-) It's amazing how much heat my body generates when I run.


I didn't verify entry/exits in transition, so I hesitated a bit on bike-to-run. I couldn't get my run shoe on in T2 but I guess that's the kind of thing that happens when they're numb from cold.


The race was actually better than I was expecting given the size and the fact that it's run by college students (i.e. turnover in leadership as people graduate). I thought they did a very respectable job and would do it again.

The swim organization was unique, having 3 per lane circle swimming. I ended up not annoying me as much as I thought, even thought I lapped one guy twice. It sucked hauling my tired self out of the pool on the deep end, though. It also felt like a long wait from the warm-up until my swim heat started even though I was heat 2. I can't imagine the agony of waiting and getting cold in heat 5.

One final note. I achieved another first coming in just ahead of the first place woman finisher. I have never done that before (and may never do it again :-)