Cactus Challenge Triathlon - Sprint - TriathlonSprint

I still can't believe how different it is swimming in open water with a lot of other people around. I have been working hard in the pool and have been feeling great. My stroke improved and my breathing was much better in the pool... Then came the lake. My technique was shot and my breathing was eratic. I went from a 1:45/100m to a 2:12/100m. I was hit and kicked throughout which also made it difficult to ever get in a rythm. Even though I felt bad during the swim, I was close to my target time of 10:00 minutes. I'd just have to make up the extra minute.

I'm not sure how you can simulate the rough water and body bashing. I guess you just have to get used to it and concentrate on your stroke.

My tranisitions were much better in the race than my last. T1 was 3rd fastest in my age group. I decided this time I'd sit my butt down to put my shoes on. Didn't fall over and made it go quicker. I also didn't waste time on a drink or gu during the transition. With such a short race I didn't need gu and I could hit the fluids while moving on the bike. Only problem I had was I pulled my wetsuit off and realized I was at the wrong bike rack. Fortunately my bike was only 1 rack over.

Duh, make sure I'm at my bike for T1.

Even though I was 2 on the bike #1 was only 1 second ahead of me. I felt great on the bike and I was flying by people. The road was a little rough in areas but the hills were no problem. I'm used to riding on a much hillier course so this felt like a cake walk.

Nothing, felt great.

Another pretty good transition. I do tie my shoes so they stay snug. I was 8/26 in T2 so could have been quicker getting my running shoes on.

Even though I didn't feel extremely strong I was happy with my run time. I only had 1 person pass me and that was an elite Olympic triathlete. I was thinking of walking up the last hill, but I was proud for refusing to do so and driving through it. I must've passed 10 people just going up that last hill.

I think the taper week prior really helped. I focused on keeping heart rate down a bit and going slighly longer distance. I think I can go harder at the start of the run.

Stretched, gatorade, fruit, and pizza. I ate a lot for the next couple days.


Felt pretty good. Just need to keep working on the swim. Bike and run are good.


This was my 2nd triathlon ever so I'm very happy to have finished #2 in my age group. They didn't have overall, but if my math is correct I came in the top 20 overall. I beat my target time by 5 minutes so I know I can continue to improve. Finishing #2 only makes me want to work harder to finish #1.

The race started late, but that's ok because I arrived a little later than I wanted to. Once the race got going it was great! I'll be there next year.