Tri for a CURE - TriathlonSprint

This was an interesting experience but I was surprised by how relaxed and comfortable I was. I guess I was adequately prepared. It was a little awkward trying to navigate around people and there were quite a few that were slower than me but it wasn't scary or overwhelming. The water was fairly wavy but I felt comfortable with the waves, they didn't bother me. I was pleased with how I did but most of all happy with my comfort level in dealing with my first race swim, let alone ocean race swim.

Now that I know what it's like maybe I could be more aggressive next time. I was a little cautious not knowing what to expect and I probably let other people get in my way and slow me down. I need to do better maneuvering around the congestion next time.

Additionally there was a mini-transition which was a good distance run from the beach to the transition area. This was 3:45. This run was much further than I expected and did tire me out a bit having just come out of the swim and then having to run while carrying my wetsuit. My heartrate was very high at that point.


I don't remember having any significant problems or anything I really got stuck on but I feel like my time could have been better. Maybe I wasn't hustling as much as a could have. This was kind of a shock to the system though coming out of the water and having to hurry to the next stage. Maybe I just need more practice at this and can do it more smoothly and less shaky next time.

I felt good and strong on this part. In the past I've struggled with the bike, getting really tired on the hills and having trouble keeping my speed up. I think I finally got past a hurdle and was able to keep up a good comfortable pace (avg 15 mph). I also knew the course well so I was able to time my momentum and gear changes pretty efficiently. I was continually amazed with how good I felt, nothing hurt or was feeling too tired but I felt like I was pushing myself adequately. I still wanted to save my energy to get through the run.

I took in a Hammer Gel before the last 1/3 of the bike, right before the fairly rolling area. I didn't think I'd have a good opportunity after that point to take one in and it seemed like a good choice timewise as well.

I still don't have clipless pedals, so that's something I still need to add. I also need to add another bottle. I almost perfectly spaced out the water from one bottle across the course and maybe that's fine but it wouldn't hurt to have another one.

Maybe I could have pushed a little harder, but I really was trying to keep a reserve of energy for the run. So I was pretty satisfied with the pace I kept on the bike.

I didn't change shoes since I don't have bike shoes yet. So that made this easier. There wasn't much to change just helmet and gloves off, running hat and race belt on.

Getting the clipless pedals and leaving them on the bike sounds like an interesting strategy. I probably could have dismounted and ran and racked the bike faster and more gracefully. My bike handling still needs some work.

By the time I got to the run I was definitely feeling tired. My legs felt fine pain-wise but tired. My breathing was also getting winded and it was a struggle to keep from getting wheezy. I had a cramp in my side that kept threatening to get worse but every drink station I would grab some Heed and it seemed to really help with the cramping.

I just pushed myself to keep a steady comfortable pace without going too fast or too slow. I doubt I fluctuated too much until the very end. When I could see the finish line I let lose what little energy I had left and was able to pass quite a few people at the end.

I was really surprised that my pace ended up being what it was because I felt like I was going really slow. I was really pleased that my overall rank ended up being a little better than MoP. It seems that running is my strongest sport at the moment which is kind of a surprise to me. :) But it's nice to be slightly better at something!

I don't know that I would have done anything differently. I was really at the end of what energy I had and I didn't want to run out before the end. I wasn't miserable the entire run but I was very tired and slightly uncomfortable. So I feel like I pushed as hard as I should have without killing myself. I drank at every drink station and that seemed to be the right move.

Not much, a little marching in place and a LOT of drinking. With my family greeting me at the end I didn't want to go walk a lap or stretches. I felt fine though, I don't think the lack of warm-down was detrimental.


I can't really think of anything. I feel like I really gave it 100% and everything was working properly and felt good. I feel like I made good decisions and properly fueled and hydrated. I just need more training to get faster but I think I did the best I could for my capability level so far.


This race was really a blast! It's hard to say how it compares since it's my first and I'm guessing this one is different than many triathlons. There were 100's of spectators along the entire course with signs and bells cheering us on. There was so much positive energy and even the athletes were being supportive of each other and cheering each other on. The course was also beautiful and I tried to make sure to appreciate it. I just enjoyed every minute of this entire event. I will HAVE to do it again next year!