Devil's Challenge Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

It was actually a relief to get in the water which was much warmer than the surrounding air. The water was very clean and calm and I thought quite warm.

I found some open water and actually had a good swim. I sited well but it helped that the course was straight and the markers were large. I started swimming early and swam almost up to the steps. I find running in the water tiring so prefer the swimming.

I don't know if I "race" enough. I am so concerned about the rest of the race and finishing that I don't think I swim as hard as I could. It also didn't help that I haven't been in the water for well over a month.

The run from out of the water to the bikes was pretty long or it seemed like it anyway. This was a particularily slow transition. I had a hard time getting my shirt on so dropped that and moved on to sox and shoes. That was no easier. Finally got everything on and was very glad I had thrown in a light pair of gloves.

Not sure - run faster to bike. Get in "race" mentality.

Wow, those are some hills! They just kept coming and coming and coming. I looked down once and I was pedaling away only going 4mph. On a couple of the downhills I hit 39mph, which was unnerving. I used the brakes as I was not all that comfortable with that speed and/or trying to pass people. The thought of falling over from going slow just didn't seem as painful as the prospect of wiping out at 40mph!

I did drop a chain during the race which was a bummer but at least it was at the bottom of a hill not halfway up. In the grand scheme of things it probably didn't cost me a lot of time but it made me wonder if it would happen again.

The obvious - more hill training. Not sure if I can find any hills that size around here but will do some research. I also need to spend more time riding bike period.

I loosened my bike shoe laces to take my feet out and then thought the better of it - the ground was wet and muddy and my feet were already freezing. I ended up clipping out but it was tough running with loose shoes that were about to fall off.



Think first! Am I running to slow in the transitions?

My feet were so cold it was like running on clubs. They didn't warm up until 2.5 miles or so.

The final bit was a sprint. Some woman was trying to pass me and her fans were saying easy, schmeasy to catch me - no way! I didn't let her pass me but it made me think I am not running fast enough the rest of the way if I have that much left.

Run faster earlier so I have nothing left at the end.

Walked around a bit, got a bite to eat, talked with some people, packed up my gear and went back to the camp site.


Lack or "race" mentality? I am new to triathloning so I'm not sure if I'm just a whimp or lack the "race" mentality. I have met my goals in each of the races I did this summer but maybe they are too easy. If I can sprint at the end it makes me think I haven't left it all out on the field. Need to evaluate what my goals are - to finish or to race.



I really enjoyed this race - hills and all. It was well organized with plenty of volunteers. I will do this race again.