TriWaco Sprint Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Had a great starting place, inside left in the front. Gun went off and I was surrounded by men, and never really go any clear water to swim in. Lots of body contact, nothing painful. Water was very warm with little to no visibility. This race has a really hard swim exit, you have to depend on the volunteers to pull you out. And I did!

Nothing, it is what it is.

Long run from the swim exit up hairpin ramps to the transition area, then a long run down the middle of transition to my bike. AT least 1/4 mile altogether. Luckily that meant not far to run with my bike to the mount line!

Nothing, it was about as quick as I could get it. The bikes were packed in pretty tightly so it was a little hard to maneuver, probably should have chosen the far end of the rack over a place in the middle.

There was definitely some wind out there, it looks like everyone's bike speed was down from the past 2 years. Had a gal in my AG pass me within the first couple of miles and I opted not to go after her, but to ride comfortably. In hindsight, I wish I had hammered the bike because the run sucked anyway. I definitely had the energy and the legs to push harder. I was easily over 20 mph the past 2 years.

Ride harder! In my case, I don't think holding anything back to "save" myself for the run is the way to go. I need to build up as much lead as I can with the bike and swim and just hold on for the run.

Had a hard time getting my bike racked since the guy next to me didn't leave me much room! Then there was a long run to the end of transition to the run exit. Shoes went on okay, but I still needed to brace myself against the bike rack, so I still need work on getting the shoes on easily and FAST. I might have to resort to a *gasp*, bucket?!

Practice getting the shoes on faster!

And yes, another suck run that I blew up in. Had to walk within the first quarter mile, just couldn't get my breathing under control. After mile 2 I began having some ITB type pain in my right knee, so I would walk a little, run a little... 2 more ladies from my AG passed me and I couldn't hang with them. Managed to sprint across the bridge to the finish line, so I was happy with my finish, but overall... suck.

Hammer the bike and then deal with whatever on the run. I obviously need to keep working on basic bike fitness and run fitness...

Tried not to puke, that last sprint to the finish really did a number on my tummy. Drank a bottle of water and sat down on the grass with Kati. Checked the results, got some pizza and cookies and a Lemonade Vitamin Water, waited for Anne to finish her Oly, but never saw her come in, and waited for the awards.


Sucky run, for sure. I think I have a psychological block about the run... I start thinking about it even before I'm done with the bike, and I think I just psych myself out. If I can get my everyday and stand-alone running to a low 9 minute pace, I would be happy.


I love this race! 1000 racers, really nice party atmosphere with bouncy houses for the kids and loud music. Beautiful outdoor amphitheater area for announcements overlooking the river, and lots of shade. Fast bike course, almost flat run course, swimming under bridges, just a nice race. I'm disappointed I didn't bring home any bling this year after being 1st AG 2 years ago and getting the Grandmaster's Award last year... New AG next year, so another goal!