Tri the Parks - High Falls State Park - TriathlonSprint

Navigation difficult due to no markings in the lake. Water is dark. Could not get a rhythm going until second half of course. Breath every stroke.

Use clear goggles. Get to front of wave as much as possible to avoid being kicked in the face. Try to be in the middle line of the wave or outside line from first buoy or turn.

Did not place goggles in my transition area. Lost swim cap. Only used towel to wipe off feet. Put on socks and bicycling shoes. Put on helmet and shades. Ran in transition area with shoes to bike exit. Ran at a slight job pace.

Bring a seat to sit on. Bring small basin with water to rinse feet. Maybe put rubber bands on shoes on bike with no socks.

Used a Giant road bike with straight handlebars. No drop bars or aero bars. Gloves were hard to put on. Ass hurt, seat was hard. Hands hurt, had to constantly change positions. Chest was catching too much air causing lots of drag. On downhill’s pedaled until no effect. Nice to have higher gear. Right knee started to hurt after 5 miles or so. Wore left knee brace. Left knee felt average, some pain. Brought two gel packets. Brought 48 ounces of water. Tried to drink water about every two miles. Drank first 24 ounces well. Took one gel pack at mile 10. Had to chug about 33% of water within last two miles. One biker commented "If you had a real bike, you would be killing us". That felt good ;-).

Perhaps no gloves. Maybe less water. Use more rotational pedaling. Might have used to much downward force. Not enough upward force. Get a tri bike with aero bars.

Slowed down to "Off Bike" line. Ran at a slight jog pace. Legs felt a little hard. Legs not that tired. Knocked over bike next to mine. Wasted time putting up fallen bike. Took time to mount my bike. Took long time to take off gloves. Took time to lace up running shoes. Ran towards bike exit instead of run exit.

No gloves. Use speed laces for running shoes. Put shoes on first, then carry number belt and visor and put on while running.

First 200 meters adrenaline was working, did not feel brick. Felt brick after 200 meters. Cramp formed after 100 meters on left front side. Cramp lasted the entire course. Right knee pain after 1 mile. Pain was 6 out of 10 for rest of the race. Drank one cup while walking. Did NOT STOP, ran with the pain. Pace was slow jog. Sprinted last 100 meters.

Drink one cup, splash one cup over head.

Just stopped and greeted friends. Drank protein shake, one banana, and one beer. Did not stretch. Took a dip in the lake. Hung out on the chairs. Cheered other athletes.


Cramps during the run. Left and right knee pain during bike. Navigation during the swim. Kicking in the face during swim.


This was my FIRST triathlon. It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the competition and the variety of three sports. The swim was the most chaotic. Hard to stay focused and get a rhythm. Bike ride was the most fun. Bike ride is fast, scenic, and cool! The location was great. State parks are great locations. I will definitely do another race.