Silver Lake Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Being my first tri I wasn't sure what to expect. All I knew was that it would be hective the first couple meters. I setup on the left side just so I would be away from the pack. First couple strokes found that there were to many people in front of me and I couldn't find my pace. Once we got out to more open water I was able to get into my rhythm. The first bouy felt like what was an eternity and as I rounded it I found myself alone but yet moving forward. Wasn't sure if I was off course but every time I checked the next orange bouy was infront of me so I kept on moving. Was able to get a good pace going until I got near the landing. Panicked a bit thinking I was almost there but was able to get out in a much better time than I anticipated.

I worried a lot that I wasn't passing anyone and that people were passing me but I think if I stick to my rhythm I will be fine. I was shooting for a 10:00min swim so I really did well.

After getting out of the water I definitely felt strange running but was able to get to my bike relatively easy (we setup on the far row next to the bike out so it was easy to spot) I saw my buddy just getting ready to leave and I was shocked that I was so close. Wasn't really sure what I was doing which caused me some time on the bike. Got my socks and shoes on but did not put my gloves or garmin on. Also due to the fact that I just got new shoes and clips it took me a good minute to get clipped on.

Take a little more time making sure I'm ready to leave the transition area. I spent a lot of time fumbling with my bike gloves and garmin. I think the shoes will come as I start to ride more on them.

Overall the bike was good. It felt like I was going downhill on the way out but on the way back I didn't notice many hills. At the beginning of the bike my legs didn't feel great but that went away as I continued to bike. I thought I drank enough on the bike but as I found out on the run it might not been enough.

I think the bike was good except for the mounting portion on T1

Came back and dismounted rather easily. Took a little longer to get my shoes on and tied but it was nice that I had a race belt to slap on.

As I get more confident I would try unstrapping my shoes before I get there. I'm still happy with my transitions but as I get more comfortable I would be looking for ways to improve.

Definitely the most challenging portion of the race. As for my training I did not do any brick training so I didn't really have a good grasp of running after a bike. My legs felt a little weird and I felt as if I was running at a snails pace, however the guys infront of me weren't moving that far ahead so I figured i'm at least hanging with them. My calfs started cramping 1/4 mile in but went away. Then my side started cramping but that went away. As we got to the airport my right quad started to cramp (not sure if it was due to running on the uneven surface or not). As we got close to the turn around at the airport it really started to hurt and massaging it wasn't going away. I walked through the aid station to get some fluids hoping it would go away. Started to run again and on the the downhill when both quads locked up. At this point I did not feel as though I could run anymore and continued to work and massage. As people started passing me they gave me encouragement letting me know that it was only 1/2 mile left. Struggled to get up the last hill but as I did the pain went away and I felt really good. As we neared the finished line I felt the adrenaline kick in and was able to sprint through the finish line. It felt really good to be able to finish and in a time that I never thought I'd achieve.

Brick train. I've never felt cramping like that in my life. Not sure if i needed more fluids as well. I drank gatorade while on the bike and had a gu right before getting off, however the cramps came in strong. I'm hoping the more I train this will go away.

Had a banana and some fluids to keep me hydrated. Walked around and talked to my friends as well as waited for the rest of my group to finish.


The cramping on the run really limited my ability to go sub 1:30:00. However I was shooting for a 1:45:00 so I'm happy with what I got. If I can improve my running ability I feel that I can definitely improve my times.


Being my first tri I felt this was pretty organized. The course was well marked and the crowd was great. The really got me through the finish line strong. There was only one aid station (not sure if that's normal or not).

I really enjoyed my first tri and will be doing this one again next year.