Philadelphia Women's Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

This was my first open water swim experience, and though i've read all about them, nothing but previous OW work could have prepared me for this. Waiting for our wave to start, we were treading water in the nasty schykill for about 5 mins before the gun went off. when it did, i felt about 20 people swim right over me, i kinda freaked out and my breathing and form went to crap. instead of my usual every 3rd stroke breathing, i was doing every other, then intermittantly breast stroking just to catch my breath. all i wanted to do was be out of the water

practice more ow swims, get over my mental freak outs.

i never really practiced transitions, so i think i did pretty good with this one...

maybe just move a little faster

after my bout with the water, i was a little frazzled on the bike... i pedaled pretty steadily for the first few miles, then started thinking abou the swim again. i started wheezing and had to pull out my inhalor a few times. then i started contemplating why i was doing this in the first place, at this point i just felt like the whole thing was the worst torture i ever endured... then a racer passed me, and complimented me on how well i was riding for having a mountain bike. that picked me up and i decided just to forget about earlier (this was my first race after all. i wasnt there to win, just to finish). the rest of the bike leg flew.

not dwell on things mentally, maybe get better handlebars and slicks for my bike.

i was so happy to be starting the last leg that i forgot for a few seconds that i was actually being timed! i kinda fiddled around with my socks and stuff and realized, oh, better get movin!

just move a lil faster.

the first half of the run, i just looked at all the girls coming back up the path thinking, wow they're so lucky they're almost done! at the first water station i had them dump water on me, didnt stop to drink because i just wanted to keep moving! as soon as i got to the turnaround i picked up the pace and passed about 7-8 people on the way back...and that's when i started to enjoy myself. reaching the finish line was the best feeling!

just go faster!

after i crossed the finish line i started wheezing again, couldnt even speak for about 10 minutes... after i walked around a bit i was ok.


crappy asthma and my overanalyzing everything. i should probably drink more too, i had a massive headache the rest of the day...



Overall good race, everyone was so friendly and things were well organized.
i know there are parts of this race report that sound negative, it's just that this whole sport is an eye opener to me. I have been an athlete all my life (soccer, basketball, lacrosse, softball), but racing is a TOTALLY different animal. i'm a very competitive person, but with this sport it's not really about the competition, it's about overcoming physical endurance and mental obstacles. the only competition should be with yourself and your personal goals, everyone else there wants you to do well too! this is something i need to learn so i dont get down on myself. look at me - i am now a triathlete, and i am proud.
and, yes, i will tri again!