River Cities Triathlon - Triathlon

I sometimes feel like I'm the worst swimmer on the planet. I went in to the swim with very positive thoughts. I had completed a 70.3 in June so this swim would be no problem for me. I started near the front of my wave and I just could not find a rhythm. My breathing was erratic and I could not seem to get it under control. I had to stop and tread water for awhile to get myself together. I have never felt like that in the water before. I have always been a very slow swimmer, but I have always been very comfortable in the water. I don't want to use the word panic, but I don't know how else to describe what happened. I was able to regain my composure and swim the last 600 meters without problems.

I don't know. I have no idea why I had the reaction I had in the water. Fitness was not an issue, and this was not my first open water swim. I will continue to put time in the water, and try to improve.

As I was running from the water to T1, my toes caught a lip where one level of concrete transitioned to another, and I fell flat on my face skinning up both of my knees pretty badly. I got up and made my way to my bike. I got my helmet on pretty quickly and headed out. I got my right foot into my shoe with no problems but the strap on my left shoe came all the way out and I could not get it back in so I ended up riding the entire race with my left shoe undone.

I was still kicking myself over my awful swim and I let it distract me from having a good transition. I pride myself on generally having pretty good transition times so this was a disappointment. I need to be mentally stronger and be able to get over problems more quickly and move on to the next phase. The shoe was a fluke but I need to figure out a way to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Once I got out on the road I was able to get the swim out of my head and just ride. I felt very good and began to pass a lot of people. I have ridden this course many times since it's so close to my house. I felt very good climbing and descending and I was able to stay right on my goal pace for the entire race.

Nothing. This was my best bike segment of any triathlon I have done. I have been training and improving on the bike and I will continue to do so.

I had a hard time getting my feet into my shoes for some reason. I was a lot slower than I was hoping getting out to the run.

Work more on transitions.

The run is my strength. It is where I have shown the most improvement since I started my tri journey. I felt great on the run and tried not to go out too fast. I kept a comfortable pace and passed quite a few people. I finished a minute off of my PR for a stand alone 5K so I was pleased.

Nothing. I love to run so I will continue to put in the miles and get even faster off of the bike.

Got my water and finishers medal and walked around to get cooled off.


My crappy swimming ability.


River Cities is one of the best races you could do. The SWAG bag is great and it has a big time atmosphere. Well run and lots of great volunteers. The best part is it's 5 minutes from my house.