Dragonfly Heart Triathlon - Triathlon

The current was exceptionally strong. In fact, it dislodged the second buoy. I and many others kept trying to chase it down and it kept moving away from us.

I found myself fighting the current on all 3 legs of the "U." The first leg I sighted well and felt like my free technique was good, but got swept away right as I approached the buoy and had to fight back towards it. The second leg (with current) was fast, but the buoy was moving away at the same rate. The race official gave up and just told us to turn towards shore. Other officials were yelling at each other to "grab the rope!" to keep the buoy placed within reason. When I did turn towards shore, sighting immediately, I saw that the second leg had been extended by about 50%. Was supposed to swim perpendicular to the shore line to get to the finish, but it ended up being at a 45 degree angle instead. It just felt impossible to make progress.

The bit of chop was fine, kicking people, being kicked, etc., the things that worry a lot of people, didn't get to me. But my fitness level with the current was scary. My plan B, if I got winded in freestyle, was to flip onto my back, backstroke, sidestroke, breaststroke. I felt like I had options. I needed the options due to my lack of fitness. But the scary part was the the current exceeded my options. I'd flip onto my back and find that I actually lost ground. Free or breast were the only strokes strong enough to get me to the finish. Very tough swim. Officials estimated that many people swam near double the distance, and in fact they eliminated the cut-offs since current was stronger than expected.

I need way more time in the pool. Need to improve freestyle endurance. A clinic or a few coaching sessions would go a long way. Obviously not swimming several weeks before race was a poor decision, and I knew that going in.

After such a tough swim I surprised myself by being able to run in and out of transition. I did need to dig out my emergency inhaler after swim (I had it under my bucket to keep a clean transition area, with the assumption I wouldn't need it but it was there if I did.) I realized at this point I had forgotten to set my watch, but also realized that it didn't matter because I wasn't trying to beat a particular time, I was going to move at my own speed, period. I had a 80's style sweat wristband so I could wipe my face during the bike and run, but forgot to put it on before the bike. I had baby-powdered my socks in advance and they went on easily. Towel to wipe feet was great, spray bottle I had was unnecessary.

My goal for transitions was to average 2 min per, I was around that because T2 was shorter.

Take inhaler and start watch before race starts. Grab wristband. No need to bring spray bottle.

I knew bike would be my strongest leg and it was. Plan was to get in big ring and stay there, and be in the drops as much as possible. I passed lots of people, including the woman who finished third in my class (she had a faster T2 and much faster run than I). Could have been in drops a bit more, but was pleased nonetheless.

Crosswinds were pretty strong but could have been worse. I felt like I really was hammering well. Very pleased with my bike leg.

Forgot to eat my gels until about halfway through bike leg. Nutrition plan was 3 shot blok squares before race, 2 at beginning of bike, and 1 at beginning of run. Ended up eating 2 halfway through bike leg, and 1 3/4 through bike leg. But it was enough anyway.

Bring add'l gels for bike or have avail in T2

Thought it went smoothly. Got my sweat wristband. Was impressed by the eventual 3rd place finisher, I thought my T2 was decent but hers was like lightning! I was beat in T2 and on the run. Now I know.

Speed laces maybe???

I felt like I was running slower than my slowest days, like I was running through mud and the same speed at which one could walk. However my pace says completely the opposite!

It's slow for most people, but know that when I first decided to compete, I realized I had to slow way down in order to learn to enjoy running. That worked for me, but I was at a 16 - 18 min/mi pace to be comfortable. So I have been working on my "speed" ever since. On good days it's a 13 and change min mile, so that should provide some perspective.

Also, high heels 4 days/week and triathlons don't mix. My naturally big calves are always angry when I run, and take so much longer than the rest of me to get with the program. They didn't relax until about 1.5 mi in.

So it felt worse than expected, but my pace was better than expected. Go figure.

More hill, interval, fartlek, tempo training! More running in general. Have got to get faster. This is most people's strength, and my weakness, so to be competitive I've got to improve here.

My son jumped in my way in the finish chute. So I dodged him, crossed line, and then walked over to waist high bucket where the water was. Leaned on bucket, grabbed water, walked a tiny bit, sat in shade under tree, and then the kids (who had been making my husband nuts all day) were all over me. Got some minor stretching in. Love pigeon pose. Totally forgot that beer and food were available! Remembered just in time to grab some before they put it away.


Fitness level and water current


My first tri. Hydrating the week before really made hydration during the event a non-issue. The distance and flat course were just right for my fitness level. I've got work to do before my "A" race in August, which is a longer, hilly sprint. I didn't have that moment of elation or triumph but I did enjoy myself and the challenge. I look forward to improving and competing again. It was a perfect race to gauge my ability and practice "putting it all together." I met all my goals: 1. to finish without dying, 2. beat 1:45:00, 3. not finish last in my AG, 4. no walking.