Iron Girl Columbia Women's Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Swimming is not my forte...Learned 2 summers ago and have worked up to this distance which was super LONG for me. I was in a panic in the beginning. Took me to the first bouy to settle down. There were lots of people around me, which is well out of my comfort zone. (I don't even like to share my lane!)I moved far to the outside and concentrated on making it to each bouy. 10 strokes and then sited with 3 breaststrokes. Got into a nice rhythm. I did have a stitch about 1/2 way through, but it didn't get too bad. I am admittedly slow, but finishing a swim of that length was a feel good experience.

Relax in the beginning...I had a momentary thought of backing out. Swim a little harder. I was afraid to run out of breath, I tend to panic in the water when that happens.

Had a short uphill run to transitions. Stuck fuel in my sports bra for the ride. Socks on, shoes on, helmet clipped and glasses on face. Grabbed bike and jogged out. Up hill to bike start...grass was wet, so was fairly careful. Jumped on bike and stood to get up to speed. Right turn out of transition area and we were off.

Nothing. A litte faster, maybe.

It was just an average ride for me. Not as hard as the weekly training rides, which was good! My cycling group helped my ride tons! That "mountain" was just a steep hill...I passed lots of people, and was passed by some as well. There were some fast women in my age group! I did realize once I got going that I forgot to put my cyclometer on...I use that to guage my effort, so...we will see how it ends up! I did not know the course, but was aware that the run would be a challenge, so I think I held back a little, but not too much. The course was a bit crowded, the cheerleaders on the side were awesome! Signs and noisemakers!

Nothing really...train earlier. Recovery after hills is slow for me. Ride a little harder. I didn't know what to expect from the course and I knew there was a killer run coming up.

Average transition...Grass was wet coming down hill. Ran cautiously. Lots of spills from what I hear. (okay so after I wrote this...I saw the splits...I apparently took a short nap on this transition!)

Hurry the heck up and ditch the running skirt...sheesh, talk about slow!!

Run was very hilly...stitch in side got worse. Tried to run through it, but the hills were a bit much. Speed walked the 2 steepest hills so as not to lose too much time, ran hard on the downhills and moderately on the flats.

Run more...more hills.

Race had iced towels (Heavenly) grabbed some gatorade and waited for friends to finish. Food was good, vibe at finish was great. Was glad that run was over!


Great venue! Inspiring racers! I was pleased with all of my times but that last transition. I can expect to shave a couple of minutes off of each area next year now that I know how hard to push. I definitely had a little more effort left in me!