Marshman Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

One thing that has always bothered me about Piranha races is the lack of warm-up availability...you're not allowed in the water ahead of time. They didn't let us in this time either, but by establishing the start line out in the water, we had to swim to it, allowing me to get some of the jitters and coldness worries out of the way. And truthfully, the water temp wasn't that bad compared to the air temp.

I followed my plan here, stayed cool, in my "zone", and never got out of control with my breathing, although I thought I was getting close a time or two. Being in the second of four waves helped a little. Never got onto my back, so didn't scull or backstroke, and only kicked on my side for an extended period maybe 5-6 times. Stayed on line by coming up to breast stroke or dog paddle every 10-12 strokes, which also let me catch my breath a little each time. Obviously it was slow, but I was pleased with the swim because I kept it all under control. And the follow-up wave didn't start catching up until I was about two-thirds of the way through.

Nothing really, as I'm happy with this result.

Transition mat was probably no more than 10 yards from where we got out of the water, making this a slow transition. Due mostly to trying to get off the wetsuit.

I haven't practiced transitions enough, especially getting the wetsuit off. But I remain convinced there is no reasonable way to get that off without it grabbing my heels.

This is, in my mind, a tough bike course which, to some extent, offsets the short run afterward. Described as "moderately hilly"...a bit of an understatement. Obviously not the Rocky Mountains, but there were some long uphills and a couple of short but steep ascents.

Inside the first mile we hit one of the shorties, riding through a neighborhood. People were weaving to stay upright, while others clipped out to the side and walked up. Saw the clip-out dance a couple of different times. Never got worried I'd need to go that route, but my speed was down below 6-7mph on some of the longer hills and on the short steep ones.

Around mile 9-10, riding out of some shadow into bright sunlight and trying to see into the next section of shadow (a real challenge on the day), I saw what I thought must've been several people comforting someone who'd wrecked their bike. Up close, it was several people unclipping in order to walk up the hill.

I think it was also around there I passed a guy near the top of a hill who asked me, as I moved past, whether that was the last big hill. I'm not sure if he wanted an answer or just an affirmation that we'd all be fine. Either way, I didn't have the heart to tell him no, there were several more to come.

Embarrassing moment: During the ride I traded spots a few times with a woman who had some of the strongest looking legs I've ever seen. She could absolutely kick ass climbing the hills. Thought I'd lost her but then almost spit on her as she made her way past me on another hill. I apologized profusely but she laughed it off, said she should've let me know she was coming.

Climbing work beforehand would be a good idea on prepping for this race. And, of course, I'd not done any of that since I'd been peaking for a generally flat course.

Again, fairly slow, even though I already had my shoes off. Mostly related to the Zoots and the difficulty getting them on.

Not sure what I can do about those shoes. Even if I pulled the laces completely off - and I think I could do that without even changing the way they feel when I ran because they're that snug - I don't know that it would help.

Started off with what I felt was a decent pace; not too hard, not too easy. But it got tougher as the path began an uphill grade through a wooded area...my hips and glutes really started to ache. I walked for about 20 seconds then started up the hill again slowly. Walked for maybe 15 seconds while sipping on water at the turnaround, then picked it up on the way down. I didn't look at the Garmin but once or twice. About a quarter mile out I glanced at it, saw I was doing sub-9 minute pace, so I didn't sprint too much at the end. Now I wish I had, just to break 19:00.

Met my goal here, so not dissatisfied. Would've like to grab back just a few seconds (like maybe when I walked) so I could've beaten 19 minutes.

Walked around a bit, grabbed something to drink and a granola bar in the food tent. Short races mean quick recovery. My legs were achy afterward, but nothing worse than that, so I was looking forward to post-race pancakes!


Lack of any kind of hill training on both the bike and run since I'd not trained specifically for this event.


Standard Piranha event, went off without any apparent hitch. Post-race food was pretty blah: hoagies, baked potato chips, and granola bars. No bananas, no bagels, no pretzels...kind of surprising; Piranha normally does better.