Carmel Swim Club Sprint Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Even though swimming is my strength, it seems like every year I go out too hard. Made a very conscious decision to go out easy and build during the swim. They did a GREAT job spacing us out – I had absolutely no traffic until the last length when I passed one person (happily I didn’t get passed). I would describe my pace as “pleasant”. I was slower by 20 seconds of my slowest for this race – still not sure if I’m upset about that, because my heart rate was good heading into T1. Climbed out of the pool, and out into the chilly weather.

I don’t know. Pace was slower, but I felt so much better getting out of the water. I was bib #44 but decided to move back to close to 100 for the start – maybe I moved back too far.

Air was cold getting out of the pool. It was slippery in a few places – probably not for others, I’m just terribly uncoordinated! Took a bit of extra time to dry off well. Also took time to put on a bike jacket – I think that was time well spent. No real mistakes, I’m just pokey!

Like the swim, I made a conscious decision to take it easy for the first couple of miles. Every year in the past, I thought I would see my heart burst out of my chest, but the slower pace really helped – the first two miles or so of this course have some gentle climbs / hills so it was good to feel good. I calculated my pace for 9.4 miles that I entered for this report. Even though it says ten, the course map shows 9.4 – maybe I should have calculated for 10 –then I would have been faster! Winds weren’t as bad as last year, although it seemed breezy in some places. It was definitely much colder than last year. In retrospect, I didn’t push myself very hard. I passed one (or maybe two) and was passed by thousands.

I discovered late in the ride that I was in the small ring most of the way – I was in easy gears to start the ride as planned, but just didn’t change it. I definitely should have pushed more. I was in aero more this time, however not enough. I’m just not taking enough advantage of my bike! I also did not drink much at all – maybe two gulps. I need a longer straw for my aero bottle- I hope this helps me remember for the next race!

Not sure what happened here – this was my 10th tri overall and a PR for T2. I’m certainly happy – just not sure what I did to PR this. Maybe it’s just becoming more of a habit.

Ugh. My downfall. I could not get my legs under me. Based on my bike time, I should have been well rested. Mile 1 seemed to take forever. Based on my pace, forever is about right. Spent more than my share walking. I did however make sure I was running every time a camera was near! I’ve done enough races now that I don’t get as emotional the last half mile when I know I’m going to finish. I’m getting to the point where I’m enjoying the moment! What a great feeling sprinting to the end! One great advantage of being slow – the rest of my family is always finished, and it’s awesome having them there to cheer me at the end!

Run more, run more, and run more. Bricks help, but it’s NO substitute for the actual race experience.

Met up with family, hydrated, and ate some awesome Noodles and Company. Happily waited until awards – my wife was second in her Age Group – so happy for her!


I was about 2.5 minutes slower than last year. Last year, I was about 6 weeks into the BT 20 week 70.3 training plan (GREAT plan by the way!). This year my fitness was not where it was last year. This year as last year, I probably didn’t respect the challenge enough, “even though it’s ONLY a Sprint”! Ha. This is not an easy thing to do regardless of the distance. My lack of hydration I think was a factor too. When it’s cold, you don’t think you need much, but that is a mistake!


The longer swim interval this year was awesome. I also really liked the new bike course. The Carmel Police and volunteers do an amazing job - THANK YOU! I would like to dope slap some of the impatient drivers (it’s early Sunday morning for crying out loud!) that honk and yell at the police officers for holding up traffic for bikers / runners. I do all I can to thank every one of the officers and volunteers that keep us safe. I hope to do this race for as long as this body holds out. I would HIGHLY recommend it for first timers, and experienced triathletes too.