Columbia Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

Swim was what I thought would be weakest area. I had not had the opportunity to have an OWS or even practice with a wetsuit. I had trained regularly in a lap pool so I had the conditioning but everything else about the swim was foreign to me. It took me a few minutes to figure out my sighting and get used to swimming in a crowd. I probably could have gone faster but wanted to take it easy on my first triathlon.
I got a cramp in my calf about half way through which really scared me. I had visions of my calf locking up and not being able to even pedal the bike let alone run. I felt it through the rest of the race but it wasn't a factor.

Practice open water swims. Getting used to race starts will only come with experience. Finished faster than my goal time and felt good coming out of the water (other than my cramp fears)

Again, since this was my first tri I wanted to take my time through transitions. Everything went well. I was surprised at how long I actually spent in T1 & T2. It didn't seem that long

Work faster!!!!

I had heard that the course was hilly and "thought" I had trained enough on hills. I was wrong. By the second half of the course I was exhausted. I knew that my legs would be spent for the run. There was a little rain and the roads were wet. That made some of the downhills and turns a little scary.

Train more on hills. I am local to this race and should have riden the course a few times.

Took time to get some nutrition in T2. Took it easy and enjoyed the experience. Still forgot my race belt.

Work faster.Remember race belt.

This is where the wheels came off. After the bike I had nothing left for running hills. Strangely, I felt good coming into the run. My first mile was an 8:45. I was looking for a 9:30 pace. Once I hit the first hill there was nothing in my legs to get me up. I had to walk the hills but could maintain my pace on downhills and straight portions.

Train on more hills.

Went to Pizza Hut for my reward.


Even with the physical issues I had a BLAST at this race. I was mentally prepared and felt my training was adequate. Now that I have my first race under my belt I can focus on where I can improve.
The race was well organized. Everyone I dealt with from the bike inspection at Princeton Sports, to the people at the expo to race volunteers and officials were great.