Waseca Triathlon - Sprint Course - TriathlonSprint

Sun was shining, water was warm, pretty calm, and wasn't a huge group of competitors. - Looked like a great day for a swim.

I *think* I had a good/fast start, but was still going
(too-hard, too-fast, too-early.)
Bumped into a couple people. When I came up to sight my next buoy, I heard less splashing nearby, and discovered that I had drifted completely THROUGH the wave!
Veering from far left to far right and now(Inside) the buoys. Foggy goggles and difficult time seeing. Felt like I was sinking (a bit) around 250-300 yards.

Last year on this course I was "out-of-shape" with swimming, and my "Michael Phelps sprint swim" approach was my downfall..
This year, I've dedicated 2 days a week to swim training, and have learned/improved dramatically. Swim was still a challenge, but I was much more physically/mentally prepared this year.


Start SLOW with an EASY pace! Don't break rule #1 - "Be comfortable in the water"

Try to find some anti-fog solution, or get new goggles before the event.

Fit in more Open Water Swim training for next time..

Made a realization today:
A big factor in my swim performance is due to my vision. Foggy Goggles and Silty Soupy water seems to add to my dis-comfort in the water..even anxiety - anxiety seems to affect my exercise induced asthma.

Very pleased with transition.
I forgot to grab my gel for the bike leg, but everything else went super-smooth. Even got my GPS watch - Seeing the speed (20-23MPH) gave me some extra confidence when I was getting passed by the relay team speedies. :)
Got up to speed and into shoes pretty quick on the bike.

Felt good. No changes needed.
Got up to speed and into shoes pretty quick on the bike.

I'm a big guy, so I guess I attract more gravity than most..
When I come up to a hill, it feels as if my tires go flat, and everyone just cruises past me.

Had some high inner thigh fatigue - Maybe I will try to raise my bike seat a little higher?

Maybe inflate my tires a little more? - 115-120psi -> 125psi?

Very smooth transition - I took some much needed time pouring water on my head, putting on socks and shoes before hitting the trail.

Nothing.
I tried (a few weeks back) running 3 miles without socks, and it ended badly with sores on the top of my feet.

Hot Hot Hot Hot Hot. Mile .8 was like walking into an oven.
Walked ~4 times.
Thanks much to the volunteers and the waterstops/showers!

Overall, I was faster than last year, and pleased that with all my walking breaks, I still kept up a 9 min mile pace! Training has really paid off.


Hydrate more before the race?

Wear my headband/icepack in the run.

I don't think "Powering-through" would have made any difference.
I finished feeling tired, but not exhausted or endangered.

I would also NOT look longingly across the lake, and think about how much further until the finish line.. that doesn't help.

Considering to race Clydesdale division from now on..

Finish my orange Gatorade.. Sit with ice-packs on my head, chest and legs.


Heat.
I really don't to well in Heat. It affects my breathing, my vision,
and it was a real attitude downer during the run.
Felt like running in an oven..


Great event!! Great support along the course - ample water stops, and good food (box lunch!) at the finish pavillion.