Mini MightyMan Triathlon - TriathlonMini Sprint

The plan was to take it easy for first 100 m and then build up the pace to the finish. However, that plan got thrown out the window without any warm-up. Within first 25 meters in pool I was feeling that anxiety you get in the swim and started to merely just concentrate on taking it easy. I know this caused me to pull head higher than necessary to breath. However, once I calmed down I was able to steady my stroke at a nice consistent pace (not too fast) and decided to go with that.

Warm-up more and stick to the plan.

This is where things went awry. It was so cold, rainy, muddy and miserable. In an attempt to keep everything dry I had all my bike gear in a plastic garbage bag. Until I reached my bike I was still not sure as to what I was going to wear (e.g. short sleeve tri top, long sleeve, sweatshirt). I also was unsure if I was putting on socks. I decided to go with the least amount of weather protection (short sleeve and no socks). When decision was made I threw on bike shoes and top, grabbed bike and thought I was rushing to exit.

(1) Not race in torrential downpour; (2) lay out my transition gear and simply try to cover it with a garbage bag; (3) leave gear out and not care that it was going to get wet (since it became wet within 30 seconds anyway).

The race course was so wet my major concern was too survive and not wipe out. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. I was moving well, although I lost all feeling in my feet and it felt like they were frozen bricks. I was passed early on by 2 riders but I maintained pace with them for most of ride. I was passing most people ahead of me and felt good.

My running gear was waiting for me in a different garbage bag and I had to grab my racing flats. First, very annoyed I was wearing brand new white racing flats on a muddy course (would have done better with trainers) - did not think of this and was not expecting the course to be on field and not pavement. My feet had no feeling and had major problems getting shoes on. It took 2-3 attempts with both feet. There is no excuse for that and my transitions took me 4:00 minutes and were MOP in age group. I missed podium in age group by 2 minutes and if I slashed 1-2 minutes in transition then I only needed to make up 1 minute on the course (which I could have done on the run).

Practice, practice, practice.

The run is the strongest part of my race and I have made great strides in past year. I finished 3rd in age group and 13 overall. However, I have been easily running sub-7:00 minute pace and averaged 7:22 for this short 2-miler. WHY? Here are my thoughts: (1) at run start I felt like I was pushing too fast so I pulled back a bit (which should still have put me at a 7:00 minute pace instead of 6:30; (2) you are certainly slowed down by running in the mud (I'm not a mudder); (3) the distance between 2 points is a straight line (in an attempt to avoid some killer puddles I ran around some of them).

If I would have missed age podium by 30-45 seconds then I would have been pissed but that was lost in transition.

Run harder and straight through those puddles (feet were wet and cold anyway).

Got through finish line as quick as possible and then found the hot tub in aquatic center.


Weather and preparation.


This is a great early year warm-up race or beginner race for new triathletes (weather permitting).