Great Lakes Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

I felt much better than 2 previous races (which were half the swim distance). My objective was just to relax, take my time, and feel good the whole way (instead of panicky and about to die!). This plan worked. Now I have more confidence and a better idea of how hard I can push. On the downside, I was the slowest in my age group and once again not a single person who beat me (overall) had a slower swim.

I could have sighted a bit better if my goggles hadn't fogged. I should also get comfortable with switching back and forth to breast stroke (instead of tredding) in order to have an option for sighting, rounding buoys, and recovering from getting smacked/swallowing water/etc.

I hustled well from the water to my bike (and found it well), but fiddled around a bit too long with wiping my feet off.

Just get the worst of the dirt off my feet and not worry about the rest.

I felt pretty fast. I'd look down at my computer during the uphills and was going like 19-20mph sometimes. I was also passing people and feeling pretty strong on the hills.

Not too much. I could have drank a bit more.

I was a little late and awkward getting out of shoes while on the bike. Once out of the shoes I dismount and run with the bike pretty well. I was quick enough getting running shoes on and grabbing Gu, race number belt. I didn't wear sunglasses or a hat.

I'd really like some single-strap bike shoes. And I should practice transitions a bit.

I settled in quickly and felt pretty decent the whole way, even on the hills.

I could have pushed the pace a bit more.

None


Inexperience with open water swimming.


I had a blast. The whole race was fun, and the post-race high was incredible. The conditions were just perfect--even during the run I was enjoying how comfortable it was. I felt like it was a very smart race for me. I met my main goals which were to feel good through the entire swim and average over 20mph on the bike. Now I have a better feel for how hard I can go during future swims, and triathlon run segments. It's interesting how my rank improves dramatically with each segment (310, 101, 56)