Lone Star Triathlon Festival - Sprint - TriathlonSprint

Cancelled due to high winds. I felt a little cheated, as this was my first event, but no sense dwelling. I wondered if the wind was that bad for the swim, how was the biking going to go?

Swim.

I think I would have spent far too much time here had we swam. Have to figure out a better layout for my stuff. Also, practice getting on my bike.

Lots of passing and being passed coming out of the start. Once onto the seawall, I found a comfortable pace and was very careful not to overdo it. Cross-winds were not something I encountered in training. They nearly toppled me a couple of times. Headwind coming off of the Seawall was awful. At one point I was pumping hard to maintain 11mph. I was happy with the overall pace, as it was better than what I'd done in training. The bike computer was invaluable to aid me in knowing how far I'd come and how far I had to go.

Push harder. I think I took it a little too easy, being nervous about using up my energy. Also I need to practice mounting and dismounting so I don't look like a six year old on his first big-boy bike.

Rode with running shoes, so transition was much easier. I meant to take some more water before setting off to run but I forgot and had to double back. It was only a few paces, but it irked me to have to do it.

Hustle more after dismount.

First time on the course, so I didn't know it would be marked. I felt good when I thought I was about halfway through, then I saw the "Mile Marker 1" sign. Oof. My sides hurt somewhat and I took water at every station, though I'm not sure how much of it actually made it into my mouth. My pace ended up being as good as I've practiced, despite the fact that I felt like walking several times. I know it's not uncommon to walk for in the last segment, but to me it would have been a setback to do so. It was all a head game at that point, and I'm proud that I didn't give in.

I need something to help me know how far I've run at any given point. This would enable me to judge pace better. A friend mentioned some kind of gps thing. I'll have to look into that.

Drink water and stretch like crazy again. Especially my foot, which I had stressed during training.


Beginner's jitters. I didn't know what to expect and I think I was too reserved. I shouldn't have worried so much.


Overall I really tried to race to my plan, and I think I did that. Even if my plan was pathetically inexperienced (which it undoubtedly was), it was mine and that's what I stuck to doing. Except the sleeping part. I'll have to try that next time.