Aflac Iron Girl Columbia Women's Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

I was familiar with the course having completed in a few times before and so knew what to expect. But everytime I do it, half way through I think OMG this course is long, even though I have done longer courses. The water was too warm, but its better than too cold in my book! I am not the fastest swimmer, especially having to swim in my tri suit. I trained to pull a 25-28 min swim. Unfortunately, I started off in the pack (which I never usually do) and got kicked, hit and shuffled around so much it threw off my breathing. Took me the entire swim to try and find my breathing!

It did rain heavily during my wave (the white caps)and that roughed up the lake a bit, so a little choppy and goggles fogged up. Was dispointed in my time but got out of water quickly with a fast run up to the bike.

Remember to NOT start with the pack.. leave myself more room to swim in open space. Stay more relaxed.

Trans 1 went quickly, ran up to bike, took a minute to remember where bike was, but then sat down, shoes, race bib, and helmet and on my way. Ran up the hill towards bike out. YES I was out of breath.

Remember where bike is.

Hills were tough, but since I have completed the course a few times before I knew what to expect. Corners were a bit tricky with the wet roads, and the course was VERY crowded. TOO MANY people on course at same time.

Really pushed the bike, would probably just train more on hills (meaning the uphills), that always can use work.

Transition 2 went really fast and I almost went out on the run with my helmet on! First time that ever happen. Must of been lack of oxygen to the brain! Thankfully I could toss it to someone and not have to carry it!

Remember to take my helmet off!

Run course was VERY crowded, it was hard to run past the walkers and people when they were two and three across on both sides. It was overcast and wet on course but that kept the run nice and cool. Compared to when I did Celebration Tri in June which was stinking hot this was delightful .. Irongirl 2010 was much cooler because of the rain.

I would try and pick it up a bit, ran too slow first mile.

Walked back to transition and got bike and put in car and got the heck out of there. Too crowded overall and soaking wet. Probably should have stretched and changed out of wet clothes.


The swim put me in oxygen debt which affected the rest of the race. If I could have calmed my heart rate and caught my breath I would have been more relaxed on the bike and run and able to push harder. The swim is always my limiter but I'm working on it.


The race is an excellent venue. From the amount of support to the nice free stuff, and just the overall niceness of the race. Unfortunately, it was way too crowded and made for almost dangerious conditions on the course. This race gives alot of first timers the chance to test themselves on a challenging course. Congrats to all the women who braved this race...!! especially the gal who rode the hilly bike course on a single speed mountain bike.. BLESS YOU!!!