JCC Scottsdale Firecracker Maxi Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

I had not previously done this type of race before, so when I received a number that indicated I would start in 84th position, I was concerned. The pool was going to be packed, and if I started behind slower swimmers, would I have enough room to go around, and how would that slow me down? It turns out the lanes are plenty wide, and with the :15 intervals, there was enough space to get going. I did bump and rub a few people when the lane got tight and they were not progressing fast enough, but that happens I suppose. My swim was pretty strong and just quicker than my normal training pace, so it was right in line with expectations. I have to admit I went harder out of the gate than normal, but in a 500m swim for a sprint Tri, I knew I would have the fuel in the tank for the whole hour of the race.

Not let things bother and worry me so much, and just do my thing (swim my own swim and not be concerned with those around me).

Transition times were built into the bike split (not sure why - as they used timing chips and mats, so they recorded transitions). However, I tapped the lap on my watch and it looked like my T1 was about 1:25ish - a little slower than I had planned (thinking 1:00 flat), but acceptable.

With transition times built into the bike split, my average MPH looks a bit low. I had myself at right about 22mph based on my watch. I pressed hard for the first two (2) laps, then let up just a bit, which I wish I had not done. Regardless, only two (2) athletes passed along the course, and both ended up in the Top 5 Overall, so I guess I was pretty fast. I passed a bunch of people (some twice). Had to slow down at one point as we shared the road with vehicles, and by the transition area cars were backed up and we could not get by.

Keep pushing my effort. I wanted to go as hard as I could for an hour, and I think I let up just a bit toward the latter part of the bike.

Again, transition times were not listed, so I have to rely on my watch, which was not perfect (I did not hit lap at the right times). Based on my assessment, T2 for me was just less than a minute, and should have been slower had it not been for the athlete next to me, who racked his bike (kind of) and it was laying across 3 transition spaces in disarray, with him sitting on the ground tying his shoes and relaxing. C'MON!! Be courteous and stay in your own area - if you are not in a rush, others may be. ARGH.

Push harder on the 3rd and 4th loops.

As with the end of the bike, I did not push hard early into the run like I should have. In a longer race, going out steady is OK, but in a short sprint like this, I should have kept a better early pace. I picked it up on the return leg, which saved my time, but I could have cut another :15-:30 off my time had I pushed harder like I planned. However, coming in sub-7 minute miles is always a good thing, so I will not beat myself up over it.

Push harder early, grab a bit more water and try to hydrate a little.

Relaxed until the race and awards were over. Hung out and congratulated ONE athletes, Dan Cadriel (3rd OA). Spent some time with Todd Slaten, who ran a great race and improved over last year (congrats!). Rode home to cool down and felt good afterward.


Mental issues about the swim structure, and not pushing harder late on the bike and early on the run.


I was really hoping to make Top 5 Age Group in this race, based on last year's AG race results. However, I was told that so many more people broke 1 hour this year than last (just my luck). My goal was 59:45, and I was 1:15 slower than that, but it would not have mattered. Even at 59:45 I still would not have moved up any positions - 5th place was sub-59 minutes. Oh well, maybe next time. Regardless, I love racing and it was fun to have a race so close to home that I could ride to and from and not mess with parking, keys, etc. On to the next!!!