Cactus Challenge Triathlon - Sprint - TriathlonSprint

By far the worst swim I have ever had. However, I can chalk this one up to wardrobe malfunction. About 20 yards into the swim someone knocked my goggles off. I waded to put them back on and could not get them to seel properly. Whenever I put my head into the water they would fill with water. I tried swimming with my eyes closed and tried to site every once in a while but had no idea where I was going. The only option I had was to swim breast stroke so I could see where I was going. I would through in some free style when I felt I could get going in a good line but that was for very short distances.

This was extremely disappointing since I have put a lot of time swimming the last couple months.

Good transition. A little slow pulling the wetsuit from my legs but not bad. There is a long run from the water to transition and I did cut this down from last years T1. I've decided to to sockless for Sprints so I saved time by not putting on socks as well.

Transition was pretty good and no socks helped.

Happy with the bike. 2 loops around a square course. I had the 2nd fastest bike in the entire sprint race. I did start to cramp in my calf at the end of the last lap. I'm guessing it was due to the cold water because I haven't had that happen before.

Nothing. Because it was a sprint I could go hard all the way.

Good quick transition. Got out of shoes on bike and got running shoes and race number on and I was out.

Nothing.

I felt really strong on the run and was glad to see I was fastest overall. I don't think there was a time on the run I felt I was pushing so hard that I would ultimately slow down. My legs felt great off the bike and didn't feel like bricks at all. I guess the longer Oly and HIM training is paying off.

Nothing.

Got the wet towel. Did some stretching and got some pizza and cookies.


Problem with goggles on the swim. May have finished 2nd overall without that prblem.


When I came out of the water and looked at my watch I was extremely mad. I figured I better pick up time in transitions and in the bike and run. I'm glad I stuck with hit and picked it up for the bike and run. I debated on doing the Oly rather than the Sprint as I am focusing this year on HIM. I was also concerned I'd lose Sprint speed because of my added volume. Bottom line, longer swims, longer rides, and longer runs only make you faster in Sprint's as well. I'm glad I did the Sprint to compare times and fitness level to last year. Now I know I'm strong enough for Oly and HIM. I'll throw some Sprints in for training purposes but if I have the choice I will stick to Oly and HIM. Next year will be full IM!