Smithfield Sprint Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

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.

Work on my stroke and try to improve my times for next time.

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.

Wear a tri-specific top so I don't have to change into a shirt. Consider going without socks for the ride.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Run outdoors more and get used to running on pavement and asphalt as opposed to the treadmill.

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.