Flint Hills Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Ok, this part of the event was the biggest disappointment in terms of my performance. I stunk it up bad! The start wasn't too bad because it was 1 every three seconds. Once in the water I struggled to swim fast with the wet suit and it got chaotic. People were everywhere and I was getting bumped into alot! I started to feel alittle disoriented and panic started in. I switched to breast stroke and then continued Free style. I kept going way off course and they kept yelling for me to get back on course. That was really frustrating for me and I struggled for the first 300 yds. After I settled down and fell way behind the pack I started to find my rythm and out of nowhere I started swimming faster even passing some on the last 200 yds.

I should have tried to get out to an open swim session during my training. Pool is nothing compared to Open Water. I also should have trained the last few days in my wetsuit. As far as the start, I should have started with the breast stroke until I felt the commotion and initial excitement wore off. I also wasn't prepared for sighting the buoys.

T1 really hurt my overall time in a major way. As I was taking off my wetsuit I got a bad cramp in my right calf. It was bad FUR REEL! I hit the ground and just about cried like a baby. IT HURT!!!! I just massaged it out while trying to get my shirt and helmet on. Finally I was able to get up and limp out of the TA with my bike. I'll never forget that cramp and not sure why I got one. I was well hydrated and felt I did good on the nutrition side. Still trying to figure out why...

I think if the cramp had not happened my time would have been faster.

I was tired after that OW swim, and right out of the chute was that damn hill! It about killed me but I made it up the hill while some bikers were walking up the hill. That made me feel good. I was passed by a fit young guy and I thought no biggie. Then I got passed by a 65-70 yr old lady and that humbled me a bit. Then I got passed by a chubby guy and that started to Tick me off so I kicked it up a notch and passed about 5 people. That made me feel good too.

Train outdoor more and get a better bike. I wason an old Trek 330 from the 80's I think..maybe 90's but I'm sure the 80's. I think I'd also push harder a little more. I think I held back way too much but hey it was my first ever tri.

Now that's what I'm talking about...55 sec's heck yeah! after my T1 fiasco I knew I had to hurry. I felt really good about 72. Slipe on my running shoes, grabbed my cap, smashed down some carb jelly beans and made my wayout.

Tie my shoes better...later in the run I had to stop to tie my shoes.

I can't believe that the run was my best time of the three events. The first .5 mile was tough and people were walking all over the place, but I refused to stop...I kept on moving and a very slow jog. Finally my leg's kicked in and I was able to get into a nice pace. I passed onthe water and gatorade because I hydrated well onthe bike. I was glad I did because I felt really good...especially at 2.5 mile marker. I turned it up and picked up my pace. I actually felt good about the run considering the injury I had a few months ago.

Tie my shoes good in TA. I had to stop to tie my shoes better.

Just walked around and ate a bananna/orange. I also ate a slice of pizza..yum!


I think the OW swim is what hurt my time. I usually swim 550 yds in about 13.30 to 15 minutes but OW is so different from the pool. I also think waking up at 3:15 and driving to the event was not the smartest thing to do. An old bike also hurt my performance.


I wanted to come in under 1.30 but that's ok. I felt like I gave it my best and I really finished stronger than what I started the race. This is just the beginning and I can finally now say ...I Am a Triathlete :)

People were really nice at this event. Everyone was friendly and willing to offer tips/wisdom. Can't wait to do the next one!