CSTS Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series - Race #1 - Triathlon

Felt zero nerves before the swim. Since I have been swimming 3x per week, I was actually really looking forward to the swim leg. The water was plenty warm, too. When my wave started, I stayed out to the left of the clockwise rectangle, but sited pretty well so that I would angle in and not really swim much farther because of starting to the side like that. I think I only had one major course correction in there, otherwise, siting was good. The first long segment of the swim out to the first buoy was a little tiring, I could feel that I wasn't warmed up and was maybe over-compensating and not carrying through with my stroke. After the first turn, I felt myself get into the groove and it was smooth swimming from there on out. Surprisingly, I was even passing people (a very new experience for me!) and don't recall even getting passed by the wave behind, though I might have.

I can't think of anything right now. This was my best swim, from siting to pacing, it all felt good.

Jogged to my transition area, towelled off a bit. I tried to balance myself on the bar so that I could towel off my feet - I do always feel a little dizzy after the swim. I got my socks and shoes on, got a good few sips of gatorade (that bottle wasn't on the bike, only water), grabbed my helmet and glasses and trotted off.


I just need to streamline my T1 and T2. Maybe not towel off? Not drink? I don't know yet.

What do I recall.... first, I remember passing several ladies and thinking that maybe I was catching some people who were ahead of me in my wave. I was also passed by a lot of men and some fast women. I tried to keep people in my sights and maintain the distance, not let them pull away. I had a few drinks from my water bottle and kept the effort steady.

On the way back, right before we turn off Folly Road, a lady I had passed early on passed me. That gave me a kick in the pants, because I thought her pace was much slower than mine -- obviously not! Either I had slowed considerably out on Folly Rd. or she had picked it up. I kept her in my sights, though, and passed her again in the last few miles. I actually felt best in these last few miles, very peppy and full of energy.

Ride more. Better fitness would give me more confidence to put in a greater effort throughout.

The first mile was relatively plodding. I felt pretty tired in the second mile - even had to take a few steps walking for a breather. I just gave myself a little pep talk and got back to it. The last mile was actually my best, by far. On that out and back portion to the main road, I am usually feeling super tired and can't wait for the race to be over, but this time, I couldn't believe how much energy I had. I sprinted pretty early and had no problem carrying it through to the end.

My time was not good.

Couple things - I think my six miler the day before might have tired my legs a bit for today's race. Obviously I needed longer to get warmed up, and once I was warmed up, I was able to perform better.

Got several cups of water/gatorade mix. I had a good feeling because I actually beat my husband in - that never happens! It turns out we were only 3 minutes apart in our chip times. I asked my family to stay for awards because I didn't see so many people in my age group - I knew of 2 ahead of me... but it did turn out that I had placed 3rd, so that was awesome :-)


No bike training.


Great series!