Kinetic Sprint, Race #4 - TriathlonSprint

56 degree water temp did not affect me much at all. I got in the lake about 15-20 minutes before my wave start and swam around to get acclimated. I thought I'd start on the outside of the group to try to avoid the masses. The problem is I got caught up in the excitement and started too fast, getting out of breath. during one of my breaths, I inhaled a whole lot of water and that was it! It took me about half the race to get my breathing under control (I swam the backstroke after getting my mouthful of water). After that I did ok, except that I found out I don't swim very straight when I'm not staring at a line at the bottom of the pool. Also, swimming in a lake with about 100 others is very different than swimming in a pool lane alone. Overall, not a good swim, but I gained some experience for next time.

Start more slowly. Let others get out in front to avoid masses. Swam too fast and was out of breath.

I didn't think I took as long as I did during the transition. I guess I need to concentrate more on going as fast as I can. Wetsuit got stuck on my feet - need body glide here. I don't know how some people do this in under 2 minutes.

Would like to try leaving shoes clipped in and putting them on while starting out the ride. Practice taking wetsuit off faster. Apply body glide to feet and lower legs.

According to my Garmin forerunner, 1st mile was slightly uphill and a little slow (approx 15 mph), but then I maintained 18-22 mph for each of the rest of the miles, except for one uphill mile that was approx 14 mph. Overall I was pleased with the bike ride, but can probably push a little harder and go faster next time.

Try to push harder to get my pace over 20 mph.

This transition seemed to go ok, but could do things a little more quickly. I did make a big mistake and ran towards the bike exit and not the run exit, which was at the opposite end of the transition area. This cost me 10-15 seconds.

Try taking off shoes while on the bike and jumping off at dismount point. Drink more.

Mile splits were 7:45, 7:30, 7:30 (gps watch). I was hoping to run 7:20 or lower, so a little disappointed, however I did not drink enough on the bike and was getting dehydrated. No one passed me on the course and I passed 40-50 people. Temp was very hot during the run.

Push the pace immediately even though legs feel "rubbery".

walked around and drank fluids


mental block on swim, not drinking enough during bike ride


I wish they presented medals to all finishers. No free food after race - only gatorade and mountain dew.