Smithfield Sprint Triathlon - TriathlonSprint


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Smithfield, Virginia
United States
Set Up Events
55F / 13C
Overcast
Total Time = 1h 14m 45s
Overall Rank = 189/265
Age Group = Clydesdale
Age Group Rank = 9/19
Pre-race routine:

It was my first triathlon so I spent the time looking over the transition areas making sure I knew where to go. I talked to the other athletes on my rack who all were excited to start off the 2011 season.
Swim
  • 06m 7s
  • 328 yards
  • 01m 52s / 100 yards
Comments:

It was a lot different sharing a lane with people headed in the opposite direction. The water seemed cloudy and I looked up a lot to make sure I wasn't going off course or running into someone else. The guy starting behind me was a lot quicker for some reason and I was able to let him pass at the end of one of the lanes so I didn't hold him back. I almost caught up with the person in front of me but she stayed just far enough ahead not to be a factor. It also seemed a lot longer than 300m but it was probably due to me being excited about the race and wanting to get onto the bike.
What would you do differently?:

Work on my stroke and try to improve my times for next time.
Transition 1
  • 02m 17s
Comments:

It was a little chilly hopping out of the warm pool area and running straight outside though it was only a short run to transistion where I could towel off and put a shirt on. Since I forgot my cycling shoes I had to bike and run in my running shoes. Putting on the shirt, socks, shoes took a while but was a welcome little break. T1 was slow but it was my first race and it was good to see what I could improve on for next time.
What would you do differently?:

Wear a tri-specific top so I don't have to change into a shirt. Consider going without socks for the ride.
Bike
  • 34m 17s
  • 10 miles
  • 17.50 mile/hr
Comments:

The first half of the course had some pretty strong headwinds so I paced myself accordingly. Used some of the hills to pass other people as I seem to be stronger on the hills than some people. On the last few miles there was a good tailwind so I was able to go faster and make up time.
What would you do differently?:

Remember to bring my cycling shoes. Practice and try and put the cycling shoes on the bike to reduce T1 time. Spin some on the last 1/4 mile to prepare for the run.
Transition 2
  • 00m 37s
Comments:

T2 was great. Was able to put bike back and take off. No need to change shoes since I was already in my running shoes.
Run
  • 31m 29s
  • 3.11 miles
  • 10m 07s  min/mile
Comments:

I was not able to run nearly as well as I had hoped. A lot of this was probably due to the fact that I had done no outdoor running before this race (all my practice was indoors on a treadmill). The volunteers were great and very encouraging, in particular the one who told me there was only 200 yards to go. That helped me run a little faster to the finish.
What would you do differently?:

Run outdoors more and get used to running on pavement and asphalt as opposed to the treadmill.
Post race
Event comments:

This was a great course for being a first time triathlete. It is well organized and gives newbies a chance to see what triathlons are all about.




Last updated: 2011-04-08 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:06:07 | 328 yards | 01m 52s / 100yards
Age Group: 9/19
Overall: 145/265
Performance: Average
Suit:
Course: 25m swimming pool x 6 lanes. Course was a "snake" up and back each of the 6 lanes for a total of 300m.
Start type: Inside Pool Plus:
Water temp: 0F / 0C Current:
200M Perf. Average Remainder: Average
Breathing: Average Drafting:
Waves: Navigation:
Rounding:
T1
Time: 02:17
Performance: Below average
Cap removal: Average Helmet on/
Suit off:
Yes
Wetsuit stuck? No Run with bike: Yes
Jump on bike: No
Getting up to speed:
Biking
00:34:17 | 10 miles | 17.50 mile/hr
Age Group: 11/19
Overall: 160/265
Performance: Good
Wind: Strong with gusts
Course: Rural roads with some small rolling hills.
Road: Smooth Dry Cadence:
Turns: Average Cornering: Average
Gear changes: Average Hills: Good
Race pace: Comfortable Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 00:37
Overall: Good
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike
Running with bike Good
Racking bike Good
Shoe and helmet removal Good
Running
00:31:29 | 03.11 miles | 10m 07s  min/mile
Age Group: 0/19
Overall: 0/265
Performance: Below average
Course: The first part was through town then out into the countryside. Mostly flat with a few small rises in the middle section.
Keeping cool Good Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Good
Mental exertion [1-5] 4
Physical exertion [1-5] 4
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Good
Race evaluation [1-5] 5