Subaru US Women's Triathlon Series - Naperville - TriathlonSprint

I've always thought I was a poor swimmer, so I positioned myself all the way in the back and to the edge of the lane and quickly found myself in danger of swimming over the folks who were still running/wading. Got into a rhythm pretty quickly, but found navigating around slower swimmers a challenge, so I breast-stroked occasionally to get bearings/navigate around 'em. Not too much jostling--I guess I'm too nice to swim over vs. go around. Soon found myself in the front of the middle group--who knew I was that good?! STRONG current around the buoys helped with turns (side-stroked around).

Better starting position; better navigation. (Not willing to swim over people... yet!) Also, get into 3-stroke rhythm vs. breathing only to one side to help with sighting.

Didn't wear a wetsuit, so wasn't slowed up by that. Still getting used to clipless shoes, so it took me a bit to get clipped in and up to speed. Was very close to the bike in/out, so running with the bike was no problem. 955/1591; 168/283

Run to my bike (more). Practice clipping in (and out--see T2)!

I think this is where I could make the most improvement. Was very concerned that I not burn out too quickly, so I definitely took it slow. Relatively new to biking, so spent a lot of time fussing over gearing and when to drink water.

Get more comfy on my bike, esp. on hills and turns. Drink more. Better brakes? Do more bike/run bricks, and practice in my clipless shoes.

Still new to clipless shoes, so I really messed up my dismount--got one shoe out, but stumbled on the second and fell over (in front of the whole crowd!). Grrr! As a result my front wheel locked up, so I hoisted my bike over my shoulder and ran with it to the rack (luckily it was close by). Other than that it went pretty seamlessly. Swapped hat for helmet, took a quick drink, changed shoes, and off on the run. 1146/1591; 192/283 (ugh.)

Practice clipping in and out!!! Also, maybe quick-ties would help with the running shoe laces?

Oh, so very slow. Cruel to have a big hill at the start, but I chugged up it as best I could. My goal of not walking the run portion ended at the top of the hill. Not sure if nutrition or conditioning slowed me down, but I walked about 4-5 times, roughly 30 yards each time. Lots of water/supporters along the route, so it was a pleasant route, but I just couldn't get into the swing of things, for some reason. Towards the end I found myself grinning wide, though, which is always a good sign. Wish I'd known when mile 3 was up so I could sprint to the end (although apparently there WAS no "Mile 3"!)

Not walk! More conditioning and experience in pacing would also help.

A bit of stretching later in the day, ibuprofen, water water water, light rub-down that evening.


Race inexperience, knowledge of my own physical limits & overall conditioning.


My goal for my first tri was to finish in under 2 hours, so I'm very pleased. Need more more more porta-potties in transition! Wish the run had been a true 5K so I could gauge my abilities, but other than that, EXCELLENT first tri! Will do this one again. (Oh, and good course-talk the day before.)