Carlsbad Triathlon - Triathlon

I was nervous about the swim segment as this was my first experience with a swim start, and I was lined up with the elites and competitive 30-35 year olds. My intent was to hold back and follow the faster swimmers and catch up on the bike/run. However, I have a strong background with shore break, and to my advantage a large set of waves came in right as the group entered the water. I got passed the breakers in a very good position and passed a few others over the course of the swim. I felt very comfortable, and was able to body surf a wave into the beach. I was very surprised and happy with how the swim went.

Have a little more confidence at the start. Hustle a bit faster to T1.

Carsbad incorporates T1 into the bike portion, so it is not calculated. My Garmin put me at a little over 2 minutes. It could have been faster

I should have practiced a bit more with transitions.

It appears both T1 and T2 were incorporated into the bike portion. Garmin had my bike time at 45:22, which I was very happy with. My goal was to exceed at 20 mph pace, and I was able to average about 21 mph. It was nice being part of the first wave because the course was very sparse. My heart rate was high during the ride, but I felt good so I didn't back off too much.

Nothing, felt like bike went pretty well.

Transitioned pretty well, but ran the wrong way out of transition (which added to my bike time!). I ran up the bike exit instead of running out the run exit. Pretty dumb, I know, but I will call it a rookie error.

Pay attention to the correct route. Also, put my bib # on as I'm running.

Felt really good at the beginning and was able to maintain good pace. My splits got faster for each mile, first was 7:30, second was 7:00, third was 6:53. I lost about 20 seconds because I didn't know which direction I needed to go, and there were no runners near me (again, dumb mistake). I was able to pass 4 people within my age group (one of which passed me again at the very end).

I think I hit the gas a little early toward the end of the run. I should have waited a bit longer to make a more aggressive move, as I was out of fuel by the end.

Great first race, which helped me to become comfortable with the triathlon process. I didn't know what to expect, but my goal was to make it an easy race. My ideal goal was to finish in 1:30, and that was prior to an injury I incurred a few weeks ago in a bike crash. Having done no speed work leading up to this race (only aerobic for longer distances) I pretty much let this "ideal" goal go. I finished in 1:29, so I exceeded all my expectations.