Hagerstown Sprint Triathlon - Triathlon

I started out WAY too fast and burnt out. My back started spasming which didnt allow me to breathe properly. On a typical day at the pool I am always right at 5:30-5:40. My time today was much slower. The only thing I can think of that would make me that slow was if the run between the pool and the transition timing mat was factored in.

I would pace myself better during the beginning and focus more on my breathing.

My back was giving me really fits and I could not breathe well at all. Took too much time putting socks on. Next time I will go without.

Not spend 1:30 trying to put stupid socks on.

I was very disappointed in my bike. I typically average 19-20 mph. Today I spent the entire bike portion trying to catch my breath. Every time I tried to inhale it felt like daggers stabbing me in the back. I contemplated stopping and waiting for the pain to subside but pushed on regardless. If I hadn't pulled a muscle in my back I should have been able to average around 20mph or better.

Not pull a muscle in my back during the swim so I can actually breathe during the bike.

Very slow transition for me. My socks were soaked from putting them on after the swim so I changed them. Threw my shoes and sunglasses on and started off.

Not wear socks right after the swim so I don't have to change them out in T2.

Pretty hilly run. I avg 9:00/mile but on this course I avg 12:00/mile. A combination of the hilly course and the pulled muscles in my back attributed to my poor performance.

Train running more. Incorporate hills into my training

Stretched and ate a banana


I pulled both lumbar muscles in my back during the swim and thus I had a lot of trouble being able to breathe thoughout the entire race. Very painful to breathe in and out. This is the absolute largest factor that caused me to perform so badly.


This is a very well organized race put on by Racine sports. Very beginner friendly race. The volunteers were all very nice and very helpful. Overall this is a good race for anyone getting into triathlons or those veterans that want a good challenge.