Belews Lake International Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

I was surprised that the start was with a dive. Many people chose to jump off the dock, myself included. Not particularly graceful but the safer option as I have never done this before and was worried about losing my goggles. This was my 2nd triathlon and I'm not a strong swimmer and have trouble sighting. Considering this, I was happy with my sighting, I still need work but was satisfied with my performance.

I was very happy that as I lined up before the race a fellow competitor told me you didn't have to go around each sight bouy, just the triangle ones. I think this saved me a little time as the round sight bouy's seemed to veer out from a straight line (triangle to triangle)

Not sure. I will work more on my swim next season, this season it is not part of my goals.

Mother of all cramps in my leg had me whimpering like a baby and stuck with one foot still in my wetsuit. This has never happened to me before so I am completely unsure what caused it. However, even though my transition was terrible, it was during this transition that I was reminded why I love the sport of triathlon so much. The women racked right next to me (who beat me in from the swim and could have easily taken off on her race) helped me get my other leg out of my wetsuit. I still had to sit for a minute before I could even work my leg, but I was SO grateful for her help. Awesome people compete in triathlon!!! The one thing I did correct was have my bike in the correct gear (something I learned from a mistake in my first triathlon :)

I think I should have stretched my ankles a little when I got out of the swim. My calf felt funny, but I had no idea such a big cramp was coming. I also need to practice, practice, practice my transition so when I'm thown a curve ball I don't unravel. Couldn't get my head organized after the cramp...messed up my watch, had trouble clipping in, etc.

I was very happy with my bike. I had two goals for this race...ccomplete the whole race in 3 hours and try to get between 1:20 and 1:30 on the bike. The first loop was awesome, the second loop wasn't bad, but I ran into a long line a people after the last turn onto Ellisboro and wasn't sure of the drafting rules for passing all of them. Did I have to pass them all in 15 seconds or 15 seconds per person??? So, I waited until I was at the top a an incline and just passed them as fast as I could. The only other disappointment was having a guy pass me right before the cones and then slow down...almost to a coast. Again, I wasn't sure if I could go outside the cones to pass him. He was working his race (stretching, etc.) but the bike was my most important leg and I was wanting to test what I could do. I guess experience will help me learn what I am allowed to do in these situations. Could just be the luck of the draw (shrug)

Wouldn't do anything different on the bike. Very happy with how it went. Training is paying off.

Again...wheels came off in transition. I have got to figure this out. I still have shoes with traditional laces. I have tried the bungee laces, but they always put pressure in all the wrong spots when I run. They tighten in some places and loosen in others.

Practice, Practice, Practice

My run was just what I expected. I am a typical 10:00/mile kind of girl regardless of what I have done before my run (sit on the couch or ride my bike) It was a tough run for me, but I am happy with my performance. One step at a time...My next goal after this race is finding another gear with my run.

Not sure I would have done a lot different. I walked through some of the water stations and occasionally at the top of the hills.

Walked around, drank water, ate pizza, massage.


Transition practice, run speedwork and hill work


I thought this was a good race. Setup events has very cheerful, helpful people. I really don't have a lot to compare the race to so I don't know if it is average, above average, etc. I'm happy with the setup events.