Ridgefield Sprint Triathlon - Triathlon

Calm pond water swim in water that was warmer than the air temperature. The first wave was all M 39 and under and it was actually a lot less people than I was expecting. Nevertheless, I started toward the middle and outside just to avoid contact. Tried very hard to not start too fast and just settle into a rhythm. Once I rounded the last buoy I tried to pick up the pace slightly as I swam toward shore. Time includes the short run from the beach to the transition area in the parking lot.

This was an average swim and about what I expected for my current swim-fitness level. I’m changing my approach to swim training. I’m going to re-evaluate my stroke and really focus on quality over quantity.

Need to hurry up, buttercup.

Mentally prepare and practice.

Ran my bike to the mount line and clumsily clipped in and started out on the course. Overall a disappointing bike but I only have myself and my lack of bike fitness to blame. I felt I hit my stride a bit more toward the second half of the bike. Funny side story: I saw another BT’er at the race and although we’ve never met I hope he won’t mind me giving him a shout out. In transition area before the race I happened to recognize (Rudedog) from his picture on BT. His reputation on the bike precedes him and I can attest first hand. During the race I was making a pass 1/3 of the way through the bike course when I hear what sounds like a car coming to my left. The purple blur that is Rudy passed me like I was standing still. I couldn’t help but smile.

I need to re-evaluate my bike training. My bike fitness and to some extent race experience / strategy is lacking and it shows. I have almost exclusively trained indoors on my trainer and although I do frequent interval-work, I was just no prepared for this course. I was crawling up the hills in my granny gear. I felt like I was giving an all-out effort based on HR and RPE but my PR on the run after makes me question if I’m really working as hard as I could be?

Hmm, not sure what happened here.

Having driven the run course the day before, I was not looking forward to it. The first half is basically entirely uphill. I started off with a high turnover and peaked at my HR which looked to be where it should and lined up with my RPE. My feet were slightly numb from the bike and it took the first quarter to half mile to get the feeling back and get my legs back under me. I felt strong but made sure to hold just a little bit back for the downhill second half. I crested the final hill and knew it was time to pick up the pace. I speedily ran the down hills and made an extra push about a quarter mile before the finish, overtaking a few racers.

Set a 5K PR – including stand-alone races! I’ve adjusted my run training recently after a decent base and feel my quality workouts are starting to show. Very happy with my run, felt I paced and executed the run perfectly.

Milled around after the race and caught up with a new friend (fisherman) to chat. Sheepishly collected my 2nd place AG award – I had no business taking a podium spot for my AG with my time, but since it may not happen again anytime soon, I’ll take it.


My swim was average my bike was weak and my run was strong. I need to put more effort and emphasis on the swim and especially the bike if I want to reach my goal to go sub-1:15. Transitions were also an afterthought in my preparation and I need to at least mentally prepare a bit more so I can shave off a few precious seconds.


Well organized local race. Had a blast and will be back next year!