Alligator's Creek Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Performed better than I thought, actually 4 seconds over what I reported for registration which was probably a stretch. Had good swimmers in front and in back of me, so that helped. It was good to get in the water, much warmer there.

Better pacing. Started off a little fast for me.

Did not have transistion time broken out, but know it was not good. I ran and biked in a compression shirt which was a nightmare trying to get on over wet skin, duh!!! After having to completely take it off and on I finally got. It had to have been funny to watch.

Swim in a shirt or get a proper tri shirt.

Wow!!! I knew this was going to be a challenge, but not having reviewed the course beforehand, did not realize how hilly it would be. This was my first race, so riding my mid 90's hybrid threw some challenges in too. My chain jumped off right at the bottom of the hill leading to the transition area, so had to hoof it up the hill and in to the transition area. My quads were not ready for that!!!

Upgrade the bike a bit on the way to getting a road bike. Review course beforehand.

Again not T2 break out on time. After getting to my spot, my quads were barking. Definately room for improvement......

Although my training runs incorporate a lot of hills, not like on the beginning of this course. I did a run in the North Carolina Mountains right before the race, which would have been more ample training grounds. When I got off the bike, I did not think I would be able to get it going. I even did a few bricks leading up to the race which felt better than the actual race. I think the bike chain incident wreaked havoc on me mentally.

Run greater distances in training and incorporate more of the dreaded hills. Review course beforehand.

Not much, some stretching mostly.


Overall experience. I now know that I can do it, now the fun begins. I am hooked. I increased my distances on everything except for the bike during the week after the race. I am also now addicted to trying to bridge my paultry budget with an upgrade in my current bike and eventual new bike purchase.


Good event. They definately make an effort here. This was my first one, so not much to base the experience on. I accomplished the primary goal of finishing and the secondary goal of doing it in under 2 hours. A victory in my book. On to St. Peters in October!!!