25th Columbia Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

There was a lot more silt stirred up at the start than last year. I started out with a little more space around me - no panic mode this time!!! The sun was pretty bright, so I was just following the swim caps, and when I didn't see any caps, I knew I was at the buoy to turn - I stayed way to the right, so probably swam extra, but it was worth staying away from people. Somewhat near the end, I got some seaweed stuck on my goggles, and that freaked me out a little - that's probably what got my HR up to 163.

Last year's time: 29:26

Practice drafting.

It wasn't too hard to beat last year's 4:56. I think the transition went pretty well. I was planning on eating a gel, but didn't. I went sockless for the ride - started doing that last summer.

Transition Place: 47 - as opposed to 134 out of 169 last year!!

Nothing

I love that course, but missing some much training in the Build Phase really hurt me. Last year I averaged 19.3; this year 18.9. I still had fun, and with the new bike, I was able to take the downhills faster (I think). I took it easier on the uphills this year, trying to save my legs more for the run (for naught!).

Last year's time: 1:18:47

Ride more than once per week.

I probably wasted a couple seconds by sitting down to put on my shoes. Last year, I didn't see the "Dismount Here" sign and rode all the way up to the transition entrance - amidst much shouting and gestering, "dismount here, dismount here, DISMOUNT HERE, DISMOUNT HERE!" This year I stopped at the sign and walked to the entrance, then ran to the rack.

I forgot to put quick-tie barrels on my "new" shoes - i.e. when I got new shoes last year, I put the barrels from the old shoes "in a good spot" to find them when I needed them.

Transition Place: 100 - right smack in the middle of the pack.

Boy, since I hurt my calf right at the beginning of the Build phase, all I did was Zone 1 and 2 running for the past month and a half. I was curious to see how I'd do, but didn't think I'd do this badly. When I crossed the finish line, I was pretty disappointed with myself, but as time passed I began to feel better - I just completed my second triathlon!

Last year's time: 55:13

Again, like I said last year: train on hills. My neighborhood is extremely flat - I've got to get out and find some hills (and not get hurt).

Signed in at the massage pavillion and wandered around looking for my sister and brother-in-law (smeining), who came in 6th in our age group and 42nd overall!!!!


Hills
:)
I think I walked a little more this year; walked before I cramped. Last year, I cramped and had to stretch before resuming.


Starting the run, I was only 25 seconds behind last year's time, but finished 4 minutes slower - meaning I transitioned faster, but performed slower in each event.

This is a very challenging course, but it's where I grew up, so I love it.

I checked back on how much training I really did compared against the training plan I was using, and didn't come close to half!
Lifting - 11:50 / 41:30 = 28.5%
Swimming - 19:07 / 54:30 = 35.1%
Biking - 27:01 / 73:20 = 36.8%
Running - 37:23 / 49:10 = 76.0%


Time to get serious about the Colonial Beach Tri!!