Elkhart Lake Triathlon - Sprint Distance - TriathlonSprint

Waited until they called my number range. Tall_tri_dad kept reassuring me that I'd be fine (Thanks, Pete!). Went to line up...two by two. Wished my partner luck and off we went. The water was shallow enough that I walked out to the first bouy, and just beyond it. Started swimming after that. Face in the water was not going to happen. To be honest, I don't even think I tried. I was busy concentrating on just moving, so I think that's enough for a first tri. Got around the second bouy and headed for the beach. Started walking again right be for the last bouy and stubbed a toe on the bouy weight (THAT'S the concrete they were talking about...). Made my way to the beach and heard someone hollering my name. Firstnet911's daughter (aka Donkey photographer) was standing there. Waved at her and made my way up the hill. I was amazed by my time, so I'm wondering just how acurate that swim length was...but it's not like I was going to go the RD and argue about it!

Definately need more OWS practice. Need to work on face in the water.

The hill going up wasn't nearly as slippery as I was afraid it would be. Made my way up and through the LOOOOONG trail into transition, working the top part of my wetsuit off. Misplaced my bike for a second, but found it thanks to the obnoxious towel TriDDS brought me. Worked the rest of my wetsuit off (have to work on that. I think the bodyglide I'd put on definately helped, as it was faster then before, but could still use some work). Ankle brace on, socks & shoes on. Grabbed the helmet, had some manual dexterity problems w/ the strap, but worked it out. Grabbed the bike and headed for the bike out.

Practice. I think for a first transition, I did pretty well, though.

This is not an easy course. I've very glad I'd come up about a month earlier and run through it. Headed out to bike mount, got on and off I went. Didn't go off particularly fast, but I'm NOT particularly fast, so that's ok. Had some problems shifting the front gear per usual, but I think I finally have it figured out. Got passed by a number of donkeys along the course,along with what seemed like everyone ELSE on the course, but I was able to pass a couple of times. Topped out at 28.2 mph going down that sweet hill, I just need to be more confident there. Then there's the hill. I lost a lot of momentum going over the tracks, but managed to make my way up that damn thing with out getting off. Passed tons of people getting off to walk. Just talked my self up. I was going so slow that my bike computer actually paused, but I DID NOT GET OFF! Went into Road America and worked my way around. Out the Gate 5 and in for the homeward stretch. Had fun during the course talking to the spectators...thanked the volunteers.

I just need more time in the saddle. I've been slacking on the bike big time.

Off at bike dismount. Leg o' jelly ensued, but worked itself out before I got to my bike rack. Helmet off, had some more water, grabbed my race belt, got slightly disoriented, but made my way out for the run

Not get disoriented. Was confused by the bike out sign. Just a race stupidity moment, I think.

Ran out of transition. Walked a lot of the course...uphills, mostly. Tried to run the downhills and flats. Didn't always happen, but that was my aim. Saw a number of donkeys on their way to the finish as I was starting out. Tall_tri_dad ran over for a high five and lady behind him wanted one, too. Hit the turn around and made my way back, again with the walk/run combo. Once I hit town, I picked up the run. As I approached the finish line, I heard someone shouting my name. Saw FirstNet911 hollering at me, so I picked up the pace and sprinted for the finish line. I AM A TRIATHLETE!!!

Need to run more. That's all.

Walked over to peeps I knew, then grabbed some food/fluids. Cheered on Oly donkeys. Finally made my way to the ground to do some stretching.


Obvious stuff...still working on weight loss and building up bases. I'll get there.


I had a BLAST! I achieved all my goals for this race. I have to say, it is so much more fun when you are there with people you know instead of in the midst of strangers, as I've been in other races. The support is amazing.

One thing I noticed in doing this...once I started, the nervousness was gone. I was just doing what I do. Now I just need to get faster.

Many thanks to XH2O for his hospitality the night prior, and to TriDDS & Mrs for their hospitality for the post race burrito bash. Thanks to all the Donkeys and other BTers for their support. This ROCKS!!!