Renegade Off-Road Triathlon - Triathlon

It was a mass start from the beach. I worked at controlling my breathing and relaxing and was finally in a groove about 1/2 way through the swim. I'm a slow swimmer, so I was happy with my time as it was 2 minutes faster than my pool swims leading up to the race.

Seek out a swim coach.

Not a super fast time but went ok. Was able to get the suit off quickly by stepping on and pulling out my legs (read that tip on this board).

My goal was to do the bike in 1:45, my fastest time in training, so felt great about taking 6+ minutes off of that. Worked at pacing myself and taking in enough nutrition, but not too many carbs due to the diabetes. I actually felt better for the 2nd loop, even though my time was a minute longer. I think I had gotten into a good rythmn by that point and my heart rate had settled down.

More hill work.

I borrowed a bike for this event and it didn't have clip-in pedals, so I used the some shoes for the bike and run. I only had to take off camelback, helmet, gloves and put on a run hat and add a couple of gels.

There is a 400 ft. trail climb within the first two minutes of the run. This had my hamstrings cramping. Ouch. I panicked a little because of the huge issue I had with cramps at my last triathlon. I did that triathlon as an undiagnosed diabetic and took in way too much potassium and carbs before and during the race, which some have said could have contributed to the cramps. I was a little nervous, but when my heart rate had dropped a bit, I worked on relaxing my muscles and controlling my breathing and amazingly the cramps stopped. As soon as I would tense up, the cramps were back. I felt empowered to finish the race with this new discovery. Was able to pass a few people in the last 1/2 mile and was suprised that I had anything left in the tank.

Do a few more brick workouts before my next race.

Found my sister who was my support crew for the day. Ate some chips and took in some liquid before heading to In-N-Out for a doulbe double animal style.


There was lots of support and the course was marked well, quite a feet for all of the different trail options at park. Heard at the end of the race that a couple of kids had moved/changed one of the directional signs, so this sent a few bikers down the wrong path.

I felt this was huge success for me. The only triathlon that I have finished strong (or any race for that matter) and felt like I could go further. I also feel a little less panicked about the muscle cramps after this race.