Key Biscayne, Swim, Bike and Run Sprint Tri - TriathlonSprint

The swim is my weakest event, so I was anxious to get it over with but didn't want to go out too fast and tire out. Felt like I started with a good pace. Had to go to breast stroke on several occasions in order to know where I was and to regulate my breathing. Set goal of 10 minutes for swim and was very excited that I pretty much met my goal.

No secret that I need to log lots more hours in the pool/open water. I've only been training seriously for about 2 1/2 months, so I'm certain that my endurance will improve.

The course is such that you have to run practically a quarter mile from the finish of the swim to the transition area... mostly in the sand. I was very winded to say the least after reaching my bike. Rinsed off feet and dried them before putting on socks and realizing that the person next to me must have done the same thing but dumped water all over my socks! Luckily I did not get any blisters. Most of my transition time was eaten up from the run from the beach.

Would probably test out other ways to set up gear on ground, although with such little space to work with, it probably wouldn't have made much of a difference.

Bike is my strongest event, so I felt like I could make up time on the course. I've chosen to use toe cages rather than clips. Maybe I would be more efficient with clips, but for now (just starting out), I'm fine with cages and it makes my transition from bike to run a lot quicker. On flat portion of course, I was able to maintain between 17-19 mph. The Key Biscayne causeway bridge is pretty challenging especially when the turnaround is right at the bottom of the bridge just after coming over it the first time. Not much recovery time!

Even though I didn't meet my personal goal time on, I was pretty happy with my performance. Felt like I gave pretty much everything I had.

Because I'm using cages, all I had to do was remove helmet and put on running cap and number belt.

Nothing... good transition.

Just missed my personal time goal by 2 minutes. It was approaching 9 o'clock when the run started, and it was already pretty hot and humid. I've been heart rate training with the run/walk method, so I walked at several points through the course. Because I went "all out" on the bike, my legs were like lead at the beginning of the run. Took me awhile to get any rhythm.

Just like the swim, I need to log more hours running. It's all about endurance, and because my athletic background is volleyball (short bursts of running and jumping), it's going to take a lot more work to train my muscles not to tire so quickly... and more mental endurance, too!

Headed straight for water and fruit. Actually felt pretty good after I cooled down. Didn't do a whole lot of stretching. Showered off and changed clothes before checking the rankings and heading home.


Swim - probably nerves and not enough endurance training. May have been able to push myself more, but I was too worried about tiring well before the finish.
Run - lacked a bit of mental endurance. Feel like I could have pushed myself more.


Very proud to say that I am officially a triathlete! Glad my first tri is behind me, and I'm happy with my performance. My overall time goal was 1 hour, 30 min. I only missed that goal by 7 minutes.