Danskin Triathlon Series - Austin - TriathlonSprint

Well I was in wave 7 of 10 and it was crowded by the time I got in the water. I started a bit back and far to the left. I felt nervous the first 100, but then I calmed down and was able to keep my breathing fine the whole course. I got caught up in a lot of people around each of the two turns and was in a mess of people for the last segment heading back to shore. My swim felt good, other than the traffic. But, when I got out of the water and checked my watch I certainly had a wave of disappointment wash over me. I've worked so hard on my swimming over the last year and time-wise had very little to show for it. Last year at my first tri at Danskin I freaked out in the water and got out of the water feeling frazzled and completely out of breath. This year I felt good in the water, but was a little frazzled that I was already running behind my goal time.

Last years swim: 22:11, time improvement 1:03 (ouch). I have thought a lot about this swim and can't really figure out what happened, other than I just swam slower than I have been. I've looked at the times from the rest of my tri group and know how I swim compared to them and my time was certainly slower (vs. short course or any other excuses!). The conditions were almost the same - crowded course and super calm water. Oh well, guess I know what I'll be working on in the off season!

Knowing I had some time to make up to reach my goal, I hauled butt through T1. Out of the swim you have a nice big hill to run up and I just tried to pound it. Had a great bike spot.



Last year 3:18, time improvement 1:09 (oh yes, I improved more on T1 than my swim - made it sting even more).

Clearly biking is my strength, but I still don't feel like a "biker". I had a fabulous bike ride. I knew I was still down on time going into it, so I just hit it as hard as I could. I didn't get passed once (the highlight of my race)! Yes, I know that having a slower swim time certainly helps you not get passed on the bike. :) This was my first race using my aero bars and I loved them! I was so scared to use them a few months ago, but they really have made me a more confident biker. I had a lot of fun on this segment and felt strong.

Last years time 42:06, time improvement 3:43.

Dashed into T2 got off my shoes and running shoes on. Was ready to grab my hat/number and water and start running. Took my first step and thought, "oh I'm tired I can't run through T2". Started walking to put on my belt and hat then told myself I had to start to run.



Last years time 1:32, time improvement :22.

I checked my watch for the first time since coming out of the swim and knew I had caught up to my goal time and as long as I hung out around 10m/m I would be fine. I was feeling awful as soon as the run started. I think I pushed a little too hard on the bike, but I don't think I would have changed that. I got to see a number of girls from my group (as part of the run loops past another part) and that was really encouraging. It took all I had to not start walking, but I was determined I was going to run this thing. One of my coaches met me half way up the big hill at the end and ran up with me, such a nice support. Then my second coach met me near the finish line and really tried to push me at the end. I honestly had nothing left to push with, but tried to humor her. My feelings on the run are mixed. I was super proud that I hadn't walked and survived it. But, I really felt bad during the run and couldn't enjoy it. The best part of my run was certainly the end, where my 7 y/o daughter grabbed my hand and ran down to the finish with me!

Last years time 37:26, time improvement 7:40.

Hung out with my wonderful husband and daughter who both cheered me along throughout the way. I thought a lot about my daughter on the run and how much I value inspiring her as a woman. I met up with my tri group and we had a nice party to celebrate everyone. Racing and training with this amazing group of women was such a positive experience in my life. They helped push and encourage me each step along the way, I only wish I had trained with them last year!

Hung out for a few hours and got to watch Hilde get her 1st place AG award!! Being able to do this race with Hilde was certainly a highlight. Last year I was so nervous about my first tri and I sent her a PM after having read an old Danskin race report of hers. From that moment on she has supported and encouraged me. Hilde has taught me so much and has been an amazing BT mentor. Getting to finally meet her was amazing. :)


Last years time 1:46:36, time improvement exactly 14 minutes!!! I had some rough parts in this race, but I was happy with my time last year and to take 14 minutes off of it really makes me appreciate the work I've done over the last year.


I love that Danskin is an all women. It is a great energy and a wonderful place for women to do there first tri. But, each year the numbers have been getting smaller and I think there is a reason for that. The lack of volunteers was significant. At each water stop there were only 2-3 people handing out water (and it is a crowded course). They did away with the expo this year and you had to pick up your race packet and rack your bike at Decker the day before (option to do it morning off too). Post-race was certainly lacking. This is an expensive race, but not any extras in this department. You got your goodie bag after the race - which was a bag, your shirt, and then some packaged snacks (cookies/crackers), bananas (no other fruit). No drinks or other food. There were some food and drinks you could pay for, but it was fairly sad post-race set-up. Last year there was chocolate milk, ice cream, oranges, and water bottles when you finished - all missing this year. I was also disappointed that they didn't put up mile markers on the run, as they have in the past. The bike had one mile marker at mile 6. I still be back for future races because I love training with my Danskin Y group, but if they don't start improving things more then I think the numbers will keep shrinking with all the other great race options in the area.