North East Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

THis was my first tri and I was extremely anxious about the OWS portion, never having competed before. I was extremely anxious about it and my HR was 118 during Nat'l Anthem for heavens sake. ( normally only 110 or so when I'm swimming). I was in the second wave, which were starting 4 mins apart. First 100 meters went great. Waited about 5 seconds after the start and then went . Was doing great until I started catching people around 100 m in. I got kicked several times, then got bottled up behind about 4/5 guys who were shoulder to shoulder. I couldn't get around them . Then I got kicked some more and finally headed to the inside and sprinted around them. Well all the kicking and sprinting put me over the edge and my chest just tightened up and breathing became difficult. So I side stroked over to a kayak and grab on and rest about 30 seconds and calm myself down and let the mayhem pass by. then I resume swimming and try to keep a nice even slow pace. Made it ok to about 45 mark started getting winded ( again heart still pounding) so I stopped at another kayak held on for 30 seconds or so, and headed off. Rounded the second turn bouy and started getting overtaken by some swimmers from wave behind mine. By this time I was alternating between crawl and sidestroke . Hit the last turn bouy and got passed by two swimmers from two waves behind mine. This was a little disheartening, but then I passed two or three swimmers from the wave in front of mine, which in turn told me I wasn't doing so poorly afterall. Out of the water and across the mat in 22:08. I was very surprised I was out that quickly, thought for sure it would have been 25 minutes give that I stopped and rested a few times and had to side stroke. Ranked at BOP @ 86% for this segment.

Honestly nothing. I played it safe and am happy with my performance for the first time out. Next time I'll be more aggressive at the start and seek clean water (i.e. go wide) more quickly

Thought I did pretty well here for first timer. Long 300 yard run to T1 and I was at far end of transition area ( probably another 75 yards or so) Got change quickly,just like I practiced . Shirt got stuck for a couple on my wet back for a couple of seconds ( my tri suit top never came in time) and sock on right foot got stuck on my wet foot. Had to sit down quickly to get the sock on. Took a couple of bites of powerbar while I changed. VEry glad I practiced this beforehand. Ranked in middle of pack at 53% on the T1 time. Had a hard time getting left shoe clipped in after mounting.

Next time will hopefully have a tri suit thus eliminating the stuck shirt issue. Also might try to go with out socks next time. Will try it in training and see how it goes. ALso will practice some more. Will also try to get closer to the end of the rack as I was about half way down the row.

I thought I did pretty well here. I kept a pretty comfortable pace/ cadence, but kept getting passed by lighter/ smaller racers on the uphills. I would then blow past them like they were standing still on the down hills. (weight does have an advantage sometimes). Actually thought I did a little better than my time represents. A couple of us got caught behind a slow car for about 1/4 mile and couldn't pass. I finally broke past on the double yellow line ( I know thats a no-no) but I made sure it was clear. Glad I didn't get a penalty for that move, but a-hole in the car blew past about 10 of us and then just slowed down waiting for other slower riders in front to clear. Ranked 58% here , not bad for first timer

Need to work on cadence/ pace on the uphills. I passed a ton of people going down hill never to see them again. Try to hold aero position more as it appears to be a tremendous advantage over regular road bike position.

I thought I did pretty well here . Speed laces would help tremendously and probabaly save 20-30 seconds. One shoe was a little looser than I'd normally like. No problem putting race belt on , but had problems with it during the run.( See below). Ranked in 53% here, my best of any phase of the race!

Get speed laces

Got about 200 yard out of the transition area and one side of my race number comes unpinned from the race belt. Tried to fix it while running and couldn't and had to stop and fix it . Easily lost 30secs to a minute here. Then belt is too big and is sliding too low on me and under my shirt . I keep messing with it the entire race. Finally on the way back I it starts slipping down past my butt and is about ready to fall down around my ankles. I turn it around and finally am able to tighten the belt up.
TOok 1st half of the run at slow pace trying to save some for the last half. Was at turn around in 16 + minutes. Took a gel at start of run and it kicked in about half way through. Started to pick up pace at turn around and really started kicking with about a mile to go. Finished strong and gave it everythign I had coming in. Passed a few people in the last 1/4 mile . Was totally gassed when done, but it should be that way if you are giving it your all. Belt / number issue probably cost me finishing under 2 hours. Overall finished in 64% for the race

next time will hopefully have a tri suit and not have to deal with a long wet under armour shirt. It kept covering my number and race belt was too big. This was my fault as I wanted it around my hips initially, but as race went on and I got sweatier, the belt slipped over my hips. Either pin number directly to shirt (if using a shirt) or make sure belt is tight to start knowing it will slip when wet. Add a 3rd pin to the number just in case one comes loose, thats quick and easy insurace.

Walked, drank and cooled down . Almost threw up from sickeningn sweet gel and water/ gatorade combo. Took about 10 minutes or so to calm down, but was fine after that.


experience experience experience


Ok first time for a triathlon, but seriously where the hell was the beer truck at the finish. For $100 entry fee I'd like to get a beer or two for heaven's sake. I thought the t-shirt was OK , but there was no other swag / freebies except to advertisements. Maybe I've been spoiled by the Va. Beach Shamrock marathon, and Annapolis 10 miler swag, but this should have been much better considering the price for the race.
Other than that the event was run on time and was VERY organized (A++ for CGI on that). Town of North East did it up right. Traffic control was great and lots of Volunteers This is my hometown and it was great doing my first race there! Even saw a few old friends out volunteering on the course.