Harbor Lights - TriathlonSprint

Needless to say, the swim did not go well for me. The swim started in the direction of the sunrise and, with my goggles fogging up, I could not see where I was headed. I had to stop, tread water, and remove my goggles to see better. As a novice swimmer (I only recently taught myself to swim within the last couple of months) and in water too deep to stop and take a second for breath, this left me gasping for air and mentally psyched out. For a second I thought I might not even make it out of the water--the very fear that has plagued me since I signed up for the Accenture Chicago (I did Harbor Lights for fun and practice). As I made my way through the course and headed back to shore I did fine, stopping swimming somewhat far from shore and wading the rest of the way in.

Get tinted goggles and relax more out there.

Long way from water up the beach and across a woodplank walkway. Had a good jog up the beach but slowed down on the woodplanks--hurt my feet. Did not rush getting dried off and getting my shoes, etc. on. However, I did put my helmet on before putting my shirt on (idiot!), even though it only cost a couple seconds. My bike was about as far back in the transition area as possible so I had a decent ways to go before mounting. I did have a nice jog with it and even passed a few people. I even did well getting my feet smoothly in my toe-cages on the mount--I only had them put on the day before so I was a little nervous about that.

Remember that helmet goes on after shirt.

I was pleased with my performance on the Bike course. Because I was in the first wave of the race, though, I didn't have the opportunity to pass anyone slower that had started before me. Being passed constantly was kind of dicouraging. I did manage to remind myself that it was my first tri and, after the fiasco in the water, things were going better and I really was having fun. Having an old bike with the shifters on the frame, I still did well shifting gears.

Nothing, I think a newer better bike could have saved me a couple minutes. Should have hydrated more, use bottles with better liquid flow than the Propel bottles that I had.

Quick transition, again jogged well with my bike, passing a few people. Didn't have to change from cycling to running shoes. Just finished off the gatorade I had left from the bike, had a GU, and was on my way.

Nothing

Did better than expected on the run. I was keeping my time with a watch and began the run hoping to break 1:50, gradually began to hope to break 1:45, and ended up breaking 1:44. Starting slow becuase of a slight stomach cramp, kept a good average (for me) at about 8.5 minute miles. Was able to comforatbly pick up pace for the last mile and finish that last 100 yards or so with close to a sprint.

Nothing.

Light stretching and walking around. Was too anxious to scarf down a banana and 2 or 3 of the myoplex bars they were handing out at the finish line.


The many swimming issues I had, an inferior bike, temporary stomach cramping early in the run.


The course distance and level made for a good first triathlon. Because of the boring course, however, make this race something I wouldn't necessarily be concerned to do again.