Philadelphia Women's Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Swim did not feel good and I was surprised that I did it in just over 17 minutes. I guess the current really helped. I felt like I got out of breath very easily and did a lot of backstroke and breast stroke. Did pass a few people, though. River very cloudy so totally unable to see. I liked the in-water start.

Train more for swimming. I'm a good swimmer, but need to do more and do it faster. This was my first tri and first open water swim.

Did not wear a wetsuit, so no issues there. Took a drink of Gatorade and put on gloves, which probably took time, but I need them. I ran a little with the bike, did not jump on bike.

Not much. Possibly get triathlon laces for bike shoes.

Bike was excellent. Very nice route along the river on both sides. Shady, fairly flat with a couple of shallow hills. Passed a lot of people, even on my 27 year old ten-speed bike. I would do this part again in a heartbeat. I thought I was averaging about 18 mph and it turned out to be a bit slower, but still excellent. I could probably do a bit faster.

Not much. A better bike (more gears, lighter frame) would help me go faster, but I'm not ready to spend the money.

Stiff getting off the bike. Did not run with bike except "heavily." Helmet and shoes on until racking the bike. Had to leave the gloves on as they took too much time to get off. Took a drink of Gatorade.

Not much. Presumably practice and experience will make it a bit faster.

Felt very slow and draggy, however, I didn't walk at all during the race, which was a huge victory for me. Very hot day and I'm not a runner. Took a couple of drinks during the race, both water and energy drink. Really needed it because of the heat. I was concerned about my right hip, where I had pulled a muscle on Memorial Day, but it felt fine. By the way, CGI has my run pace at 10:18.

Just practice running more - longer distances, push myself on speed. Also, practice transition from Bike to Run so the stiffness is not such a problem.

Some stretching and walking around. Not much. I may pay for it later. Should have gotten a massage.


Heat on the run. Otherwise, just being a newbie.


Excellent race; very well organized, lots of volunteers, especially in the water in kayaks. Course a good one. Very supportive and warm. Good sponsors. I would highly recommend it.