Valley Girl Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Pretty sure my swim was not the 24th best of the day - I just don't swim that well. Started toward the outside, had plenty of clear water, was able to slip between a couple of women right before the buoy, and passed several women from waves ahead of mine.

More training - I haven't been in the water much this year. I would love to be able to do this swim wetsuit-free, but I've tried it twice and had panicky swims both times. This was not the year since I haven't been training much, but it's in my future.

One other woman was at the rack before me and I watched her run out as I was trying to unstick my suit from my heels. Plus I was dizzy so it was not one of my best transitions. My socks were soaked when I put them on - ewwww - and my shoes went on easy. Helmet and glasses easy, off to the Looooong run out. My rack had the longest run out of anyone.

Not sure - I don't want to cut the legs of my wetsuit. I kicked my legs coming in or I would have probably been dizzier, but overall it was ok for the first one in a year.

My favorite part of the race. Starting in the very last small wave in a race of 450 women means I get to say 'onyerleft' a lot. Didn't get passed once on the bike, but passed a bunch of people. Fun times. Pushed a little too hard on one hill and had noodly legs for a bit, and backed off a couple of times when my breathing got too hard, but a good hard effort.

Passed the one person from my age group about halfway through the course. My club jerseys are the best out there, but are pretty bright with a big round sun in the middle - a nice target - so I felt chased the whole time.

More training - not as much bike time as I'd like. Also, maybe not ride an hour and a half the day before the race.

Once again, a looooong run in (and out). Had to navigate some sand on the way in which was a little difficult. Shoe change went fast, grabbed hat and number belt to put on while I was on the go. I was running a little scared since mine was the first bike back and I knew the next person in my group wasn't far behind.

Nothing.

Hmmm, 24th OA on the swim, 24th OA on the bike, 159th on the run... looks like I could use some work. :)

The run was a bit of a grind. I always feel like I'm running so slow when I get off the bike. I didn't take my Garmin because I didn't want to bother putting it on in transition, so I had no pace info, just HR and PEL info. I just tried to stay relaxed but push as much as I could.

NOT dump water up my nose when trying to drink. Drinking while running is a skill I have yet to master.

Got a bottle of water and watched more finishers. Have I mentioned yet that the finish area is a big party? LOTS of support for the racers all down a long stretch to the finish. Fun times! Walk back to the lake to pick up bike and gear, eat pizza and salad in the park and wait for awards.


Not enough training, too much extra weight as usual. I was sick for two weeks, then on vacation for a week in June with no workouts and feel like I'm still not 'back' from that.


Emde sports does a fantastic job with this race year after year. I HIGHLY recommend it to women, particularly first timers, who want a fun experience, although all ability levels are represented. Not too crowded, great volunteer and community support, and an all-around fun time. I described it as a big party with a triathlon attached at one point. You have to be ready to sign up in October, because spots go fast, but they allow transfers and it seems like there are always a few available for someone who didn't get registered at first.