Patriot Half Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I am a novice swimmer. In January, I couldn't swim a length of the pool without taking in water. One month ago in a sprint tri, I had to sidestroke the 0.25 mile swim (prior wetsuit was too tight). My only goal here was to survive. I was able to complete the entire course in freestyle. The women in my wave were very polite. As I got further out in the water, the chop picked up and I took waves to the face when trying to breathe. I was pleased that I didn't panic and managed to continue on.

About halfway out, the men's wave behind mine caught up and there was some serious contact. I thought a couple of guys were trying to drown me. They just kept hammering away at me after realizing they'd come up on someone. This surprised me because I was swimming wide. I thought the uber-competitive types who would be willing to beat up a woman would swim a tigther line. I guess not. I actually had to elbow one guy - it was total survival on my part as he was pushing me under. At about 0.7 miles, someone grabbed me. It was my husband - what a pleasant surprise!

On the return, the chop calmed down a little and I became more confident about finishing the swim. Getting through this swim was a huge victory for me, especially considering the challenging conditions.

Practice sighting, more OWS practice.

I'm still a newbie at transitions. There's considerable room for improvement. I have yet to learn how to run and jump onto my bike. I had applied sunblock before the race and I sprayed some more on during transition. Unfortunately, I mised some large spots on my back and have been paying the price!

Make sure to apply sunblock better! Move faster.

I was concerned about pushing too hard on the bike and tanking on the run. I didn't have a good sense for what pace would be appropriate. I averaged 16.5 mph on the first lap but then slowed about halfway through the 2nd lap due to significant knee pain. My quads felt strong, but my knees limited my ability to keep up my pace. I also had some significant pain in my left foot (I've been having issues with work shoes and my bike shoes - may need to see a doc), and the bike seat was absolutely killing me after 40 miles. I could not wait to get off that bike.

See a doctor about my knee and foot issues. More longer rides.

I was so happy to get off my bike! My left foot was in excruciating pain. When I got off my bike and put pressure on it, I had a sinking feeling that my race might be over. Fortunately, upon stretching it out and putting my sneakers on, the pain subsided quite a bit.

I should've applied sunblock again! Overall, just need to move faster and maybe consider the locking laces.

In prior half marathons, I have pushed too hard in the early miles and then broken down in the last three or so. I was determined not to do this again. My early miles averaged over 10-minute miles (when I usually am in the low 9s). Unfortunately, my knees tend to be what breaks down, and I'm not sure that going slowly early on really leads to much gain later on. No matter what pace I run in the first ten miles, my knees reduce me to a shuffle in the last 3 miles.

The race was so well organized. There were aid stations at each mile (or thereabouts) with water, heed and flat cola (after the first few miles). Every other station had snacks such as gels, oranges, bananas, pretzels. I truly enjoyed being out there on the run.

I'd like to see a doctor about my knee issues because they're clearly the limiting factor for me performance-wise, both on the run and bike.

Water bottles with wet towels were given to finishers and that was a great touch. I was so happy to wipe all the salt off my face! Met up with my husband and friends from our running club to hang out for awhile before packing up. Drank one of the free Muscle Milks but the food line was long so we just decided to head out.


Knees! I was barely even sore, muscle-wise, after the race, but my knees were in rough shape on Sunday. They hurt both under the kneecap (patellofemoral pain stuff, I assume) and behind the knee (ACL? This was the worst of it for me.).


While I don't have many triathlons for comparison, I thought this race was phenomenal. Very well organized. Lots of volunteers, great mix of nutrition offered, great communication. Thanks again to Mark Walter, the Sun Multisport team and all the awesome volunteers!