Swim
Comments: I was in line with another buddy that we met up with and decided to swim behind him. That lasted a couple laps as I found myself pulling up and breast stroking. I was getting passed by someone, so I then I pulled in behind her and passed we both passed my friend. She continued to pull away, so I settled back into a nice rhythm and continued with my breathing every stroke. At the walls, it was INTENSE! I was swimming over, around and under people!! This is Freakin AWESOME!! At one point we were 3 wide! I went far left in the lane (lap 7) and found a hole and picked up my pace. I passed 3 other guys and pulled away! I was too d-mn excited and needed to slow my roll, but I was now on the last lap. Screw it, pick it up! I pulled, kicked and concentrated on my stroke. It felt great and I was at the end. I got passed by one person and I passed 7, so I felt great with the swim. When I pushed up to get out of the pool, I was welcomed with a little fatigued arms. Nothing an extra ounce of Ummph couldnt fix, so out the door I ran... BRRRRRRRRRR!! HOLY CRAP!!! COLD AIR!! I gave a quick Man yell, and continued to run to my bike. What would you do differently?: My swim was under 8 minutes, so I was pretty happy with it. I wasnt too winded at the end, so Ill try and pick up the pace next time. Transition 1
Comments: Did I mention it was COLD?!? I took my time (too much actually) and made sure I was dried off before I put on my 1st layer, a compression long sleeve shirt. My 2nd shirt was a 1/4 zip up jacket, fairly tight. I taped my shoes up the night before and had the socks rolled up in them already. So I rolled them on, and put on the shoes. I threw on a stocking hat, and then put on my helmet and buckled the strap. (The night before I adjusted the strap for the hat on my head) Last thing, my gloves and clear glasses and off I went. What would you do differently?: Move with more effort and speed. After seeing my results, I know I couldve done better. But I wanted to makes sure I had everything and be prepared for a cold ride. Bike
Comments: I passed a few people and let them know I was passing by saying, "Good Morning!" Most of them responded with a positive comment. I was passed by many more people and heard the cool whine of some sweet Tri bikes! Man they were cool!! Most of them would say something to let me know they were there, but the faster ones just zoomed on by! I was having a blast!! I was also cussing myself for not training as I should for the bike! It seemed like I was getting passed by everyone! I also saw 4 riders on the side working on their rear tires. Oh no, please dont let me be one of those guys. Even though I had the tools to deal with a flat, I only changed out a tube once. side note, a couple of the guys I passed with issues, came back and passed me. How awesome for them! The course was well laid out and officers and volunteers were at each intersection directing and blocking traffic. I made a mental note to say "Thank you for Volunteering" to all of them. They all appreciated that and wished me well. DID ANYONE SEE THE TWO HUGE ST BERNARDS on the back stretch? I had to do a double take as they looked like horses! What would you do differently?: More training! It sucks being passed and dropping below 8 mph. Transition 2
Comments: Made my way down the long downhill towards T2. Now this was nice to have it end with a DH. About 50 yards out, I unclipped my right foot, then a little closer, unclipped my left. I already have my fall under my belt, so I did not want to do that here. I stopped my bike completely and dismounted and ran to my rack... HOLY WOBBLY LEGS and FROZEN TOES!! I was "crabbing" my toes about a mile out to try and warm them up, but they were still numb when I hit the asphalt. Cold toes, cold feet made for some slow moving. I racked my bike first, took off my helmet & hat, removed my shoes and tried to stretch. Wow were my feet Numb. I finally got them into my running shoes and then just stood there for a bit. I dont know why, I just stood there. WTF!? RUN YOU DUMBA--!! So I snapped out of it and made my way out. What would you do differently?: Move faster and with more effort. Run
Comments: There is nothing like running with two ice blocks at the bottom of your legs! I swear all I heard was THUD THUD THUD when they contacted the pavement. My goal was to run to the first mile point. I made that. Next goal, make it to the turnaround point, did that also. KEEP RUNNING I told myself, almost there! I was NOT going to quit running at this point. I was in the home stretch and could see the finish line!! WOHOO! I was going to run the whole 5K!! I was thrilled as I met another personal goal! What would you do differently?: More training!! Post race
Warm down: I crossed the line strong and was thrilled it was over. I made my way over to the buffet of doughnuts, power bars, bagels and Peanut butter. I grabbed a glazed doughnut (bad choice) and a lemon gatorade and went back to the line to watch my friend finish. What limited your ability to perform faster: My lack of experience. Event comments: AWESOME!! I picked a Great event for my first Tri! Everyone was friendly and organized. We started at 7:01 on the swim clock and I knew 10 minutes after my race how I did. I plan on doing this race again! Last updated: 2013-02-09 12:00 AM
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United States
HFP Racing
38F / 3C
Sunny
Overall Rank = 286/472
Age Group = Clydesdales
Age Group Rank = 9/17
I packed and re-packed the night before. I made a list and went over it quite a few times. I probably over packed, but as this was my first Tri, I was not wanting to leave anything behind at the house.
I woke up at 4am, left the house at 4:15 to go pick up my friend, loaded up his bike, and we were on the highway by 4:40.
Grabbed a banana, a protein shake and a couple Cliff bars & Power bars for the trip up.
During the drive up we encountered some sleet, but I was hoping the weather guys got their forecast right, I knew I couldnt do anything about it, so I didnt worry about it. A couple miles later, clear dark skies.
Got there pretty early as the volunteers were still setting up some stuff. I noticed the numbers on the racks and found my area. I racked my bike on the end and set up my towel and laid everything out.
Walked around and took in the whole thing...My First Tri and this is AWESOME! I was nervous, but my excitement over came any thoughts of failure and I was looking forward to getting started. Walked back outside and dropped off my sweats and crocs and made my way back into the nice, warm pool area. Did I mention it was COLD outside?! It didnt bother too much as I was excited to be here!