TrySports Mayo Lake Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Started to left of dock, second row of swimmers. Two guys in first row pinned me between them for first 100 yards - we swam stroke for stroke exactly the same - made me laugh - we must have looked like synchronized swimmers! Eventually, I pushed through. Hoped to draft off a faster swimmer, but wound up alone the whole course. Navigation was dead on - super excited about that since I didn't familiarize myself with the course. Nice comfortable pace for me - never got short of breath - HR stayed low - could have gone faster, but as this was my first tri in two years, I planned and executed a nice strong steady pace focusing on my catch.

Needed to kick more. Not sure why, but I kept having to remind myself to kick.

3rd in Age Group. Wow! Long uphill run to transition. Saw the family on the way up. Was a bit winded at the top of the hill. Put on race belt (normally I put this on for the swim and roll it up and tuck into my shorts, but just read something about getting a penalty for folding bib numbers - tried it anyway, but couldn't comfortably tuck it in my new compression shorts). Only been on my tri bike twice in last two years as I just fixed it up. Very uncomfortable running with it on my shoulder like I normally do. Still did it, put both feet on tops of shoes and began pedaling, put right foot in shoes, but couldn't get left foot in. Actually had to stop, dismount, and put both shoes on, then back on bike. Very awkward. Got passed by 4 people in my AG while putting shoes on!

Practice transitions. Left foot in first while mounting, then right while pedaling.

As I've been tinkering with my position, I left my Park Tool strapped to bottle cage. Rattled like hell. Certainly didn't surprise anyone I passed! My lack of riding time on my Kuota showed - kept searching for a comfortable gear - another 3-4 people in my AG passed me early on, but once I hit a groove I passed about 5-6 in thee 30-39 age groups. Had little GI issue (don't normally drink coconut water or Nuun) but it cleared with just water right by the time I planned for my 2nd gel (30 minutes in). Also, not sure if it was b/c of rain (torrential at times), but couldn't easily shift to big ring unless I was in a difficult gear.

I've been abusing the triple-ring privilege my road bike provides and paid for it on the hills in the regard that I spun very fast in a very light gear, slowing down a bit too much. Despite that, I still closed gaps on hills. More time on this bike and make sure derailleurs are properly adjusted. I could have pushed through, but stuck to my game plan of having fun today. I'm certain in less rain, with more experience on my tri bike, I could have knocked more than a few minutes off this bike time.

6th in Age Group. Actually mis-timed dismount and rode side saddle for a bit too long I think. Hopped off brilliantly, but chose to push bike rather than sling on my shoulder and run all out. I really like to blast through transition, but I saw too much gravel not to focus all my attention on that. Shoes went on easy. I stopped to hug and kiss Claudia and tried to do the same with Carson but he kept waving me on because he didn't want anyone to pass me. I love that kid!

No much, if anything.

When the temps have been in the 100's for weeks, how can you complain with a cool run in soaking rain? While not my fastest, this was my most consistent run in any triathlon. As fast as I needed to be, but not too hard that I didn't have anything left in the tank for the last half mile - which says a lot since I had no idea how hilly this course was! I've run zero trails in the past year and my max long run has been 4 miles - so I can't reiterate how happy I am with a consistent pace throughout this run, then opening it up in the last five minutes and creating a nice gap between me and the guy on my tail the whole run. I think the compression shorts helped, too. I have mixed emotions about my Dr's advice not to pursue surgery for my piriformis tear in March 2009 as I still experience discomfort/sensation when running. I think the compression shorts really alleviated that discomfort and will become a regular part of my training/racing attire.

Train. I've really been just swimming and riding (at a leisurely pace on my road bike - abusing my use of the triple ring) and throwing in an occasional run to keep me honest. I'm already scheduled for a bike fitting and Vo2max tests this month, after which I'll get HRM and start real training for the Shipwreck Triathlon.

1 banana, slice of water melon, cup of water. Grabbed a coke for the car. Sandi said I looked great, not red in the face or overheated or winded like in most my recent races. That made me feel good (because I felt good too!) Stopped at Rock of Ages winery http://www.rockofageswinery.com/for an 11am wine tasting! You wouldn't believe me if I told you, but the chilled "Cork n Pork" white/red blend w/ barbecue sauce and crackers was truly the surprise pairing of all my wine tastings - or maybe I was just hungry after the race? We'll see later this week when I make barbecue and drink some Cork n Pork.


Nothing. I executed this race exactly as planned. Best of my ability on this given day, on this course, in these conditions. Woot!


New favorite race. If you like trail running and triathlon, but not mountain biking (me!) - this is THE race for you. Loved it!