PT Solutions Allatoona Triathlon - Triathlon

I was a little nervous because this was my first mass start. I was worried about the washing machine effect so I stayed back. I was the last one in my wave to go into the water. I passed several people in my wave. The entire wave was fairly small with 20 - 25 people and I never felt the washing machine effect until halfway through the course when the next wave caught me.

I could probably move up into the last 1/3 of the group. I handled the bumps, pushes, and kicks better than I thought I would and I didn't panic.

I had really practiced this the week before and everything went perfectly. I was a little disoriented because when I got to my rack my bike had been pushed further down the rack. My transition stuff was on the ground in one place and my bike was further down. It really didn't effect my too much. I was super worried about wet socks and wearing my running shoes, but I think overall they worked out fine.

I set up my transition 3 or 4 times this morning I was worried about how I would approach it. I think how I set it up in the end worked out great. Practice really helps. I was really pleased with this time and I am sure I can knock off some more time with practice.

It was hard to determine if I was pushing hard enough or not enough. I was riding close to my training buddy and didn't want to slide into our normal habits. After the first 5 minutes I felt like I was ready to roll and holding a great pace. At one point I realized I wasn't racing but just riding comfortably. After that I made an effort to push just a little bit. I was able to pass quite a few people and took on the hills without fear. I dropped my chain going down a pretty steep hill I am wondering if I was just spinning to fast or if I accidentally spun backwards and that is where it dropped off. I made the decision to finish the downhill before I fixed the chain. I was able to fix the chain in under 30 seconds and I was on my way again.

I think its time for me to invest in bike shoes. When I got my bike in April I thought it would be too much for me to train for the triathlon, learn to ride a road bike, and learn the clipless shoe system. I rode this race in my running shoes and no cages. I think I made the right decision, but my wet shoes were dangerous. They slipped several times and I am missing the upward benefit of having my shoes clipped in. I think I am still abit nervous about switching over to clipless pedals. Also I am sure it would have helped my time to not drop my chain, but I think I handled it pretty well!

Practice made all the difference! I was a little a little disoriented when I finished my bike. My feet had fallen asleep some (which I chalk up to wearing my running shoes, once again this would be solved with clipless pedals and shoes). I was able to stay upright and run a bit. I walked down my aisle some and racked my bike where it should have been. Grabbed my hat and belt and was on my way!

I need to figure out my shoe situation. Feet being asleep didn't help much. Other than that I thought my transition time was great!

Running has always been my weakest sport. I always feel accomplished when I am finished but I have to work at it. This pace is actually average for me. I was aiming for under 12 minute miles and hit my goal. I stuck with me 3:1 as closely as I could and came in just where I thought I would. The aid stations were great at the first one I poured water down my back to cool down and drank Gatorade.

I need to put in more time running. Maybe if I run more my times will get a little better.

I was in a bit of a daze I couldn't believe I had actually finished my first triathlon. The finish line was a bit emotional. 3 months of hard work and it all paid off. The water never tasted so good!! I never eat so close after the finish because my stomach is always so agitated. The walk back to the car was around a mile. I couldn't believe how I didn't feel too sore. That feeling was short lived, half way back to the car I could feel the sore muscles starting


This race was really great. Everything was clearly laid out. There were ample volunteers and police. Never once did I feel that I wasn't safe or that if I was in trouble that it would be hard to find help. The courses were a mix of flat, rolling hills, and a little bit of challenging hills. This was a big race for me but I never felt like I was just a number. The after race gathering was incredible and I really can't wait to do the next one. I still can't believe I actually finished my first triathlon and completely destroyed all of my goals... So where is the next one!!