Victoria Triathlon - Half Iron Course - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

WOW! Best swim yet. I have been spending a lot of time in the pool during masters and attended an OWS clinic the weekend before the race where I learned a very efficient sighting technique. I learned I sight far too little and end up off course almost every time. Using the new technique I was able to sight every 5-10 strokes without interrupting my stroke. Felt on target the whole way. Tried to draft a bit, but never found anyone my pace for very long. Kept my effort steady, I knew I didn't want to blow too much energy this early in the race.

Nearly nothing. I think more time in the pool and OWS over the summer will really continue to improve my times here. This swim was a 5 minute HIM PR!!

I really need to learn how to A) put helmet on at the same time as taking off the suit and B) put my shoes on my bike.

This wasn't what cost me the most time though. I lost my chip while taking off the wetsuit and was lucky enough to notice it laying on the grass before taking off with my bike. Had to stop and reattach. In the process I forgot all of my Gu packets I had set out for myself to grab. I should attach them to the bike next time.

See above. I never make practicing transitions a priority. Need to fix that.

This was weird. I'm used to coming out of the water pretty late, and passing lots of people once I'm on the bike. Today was different because I actually put down a respectable swim time. I tried dropping lots of people like I normally do, but they were strong riders and stayed right with me. Some people went flying by me in sections where I was working hard. The wind was pretty strong by the time we got on the bike course, but due to the loop it was alternating between headwind, crosswind, and tailwind the whole way. Never noticed the tailwind, but really noticed the cross/headwinds! I also expected smaller and fewer hills, but this ride is really quite hilly most of the way. All these things combined to really mess with my attitude. I was convinced I was going super slow and was having a bad day. It wasn't until halfway through the second lap that I realized I was not doing too shabby.

Mechanical issues: dropped my chain at one point and had to put it back on. Afterwards my derailleur in the front began rubbing. In my attempt to fix that the shifter got so tight that it took two hands to switch from small ring to big ring. Not good on a hilly course.

I think having a better attitude would have resulted in a better time. I really need to fight those demons that come out when you're working very hard and feeling like you're not getting to where you think you should be, perfomance-wise.

Nothing too much to report here. It'd be nice to learn how to get my feet out of my shoes while the bike is still moving.

This went better than expected. I felt like I worked pretty hard on the bike, so I was worried I'd burn out early on the run (as has happened to me in my first two HIMs). Thankfully, I still had running legs. I paced myself to a marathon-effort (HR where I'd expect it at the end of a marathon). This felt hard but manageable. Didn't pass too many people on the first lap, but worked my way up on the second. Didn't drink too much, and the only calories I took in was a half cup of Gatorade. My stomach never seems to want anything at the end of a harder effort.

Not much. I probably need to train to eat more so I'm not dying at the end of longer races (like IM). I ended up consuming maybe 400 cals the whole race, which was fine today but maybe not in August during IMC!

Not much, milled around trying to find the food tent. It's not well marked so it was hard to find. Congratulated my teammates before rushing out of there to make it back to the hotel to shower before check out. Came back and claimed my 3rd AG podium!


My mental state during the bike was negative, which can't really be a good thing. My T1 was too unorganized. Need to get more efficient.


Very nice race overall. Loved the run course. It's very peaceful running on trails through the woods.