Got The Nerve? Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Holy cow! The muliple laps in the pool never prepared me for this! As soon as I hit the water, I forgot all about technique and focused on moving forward without getting hit, kicked or dunked. Calmed about halfway, remembered technique and actually turned the second bouy like I knew what I was doing.

Train in open water. Try to calm myself before the start, maybe a mantra "remember technique"

After leaving the water feeling dazed and confused, Some people I know were there and bellowed my name. That felt pretty good.

Nothing

I live only 15 miles from the event site, so I trained on the bike course once per week. That helped tremendously. I knew the course and my capabilities at each point. That fact was crucial when climbing Pinch Road. I felt like Superman on that part! The rest was a blast.

Not try to hold back and save energy for the run. When the time comes, the energy will be there. Lesson learned for newbies like me: pick a race close to home so you can train on the course. Also, this race runs through some nice PA Dutch farmland, its worth picking up the head and taking in the views.

No problems, although my wife, who was cheering me on at the side, said there were numerous accidents just before entering the transition area. From my perspective, the volunteers were very helpful and very directive. If you chose to ignore them, you got what you deserve.

Nothing...I think. Going from the bike to the run was a blur after I entered the transition corral.

OK run. Again, I trained once a week on the course and that was a big help. The course is on a false flat. So going out, you think things are going great, then you realize its uphill to return. Those friends I mentioned at T1 were at the finish line and gave me a thumbs up when I crossed. That was so cool.

Next time, I won't hold back. Gotta work on speed

After smiling for the camera at the finish, I found my family, hugged them and didn't let go until they complained about my sweat, then stretched and drank lots of water.


Apprehension. I didn't know what to expect so I held back. Not next time. I have dropped almost 15 pounds, I think if I drop more, I can really increase my performance (yeah, duh!)


Ok, I rated it best but I have no background or anything to compare it to. Well, this is why: 1. The fellow atheletes were a great bunch, 2. The volunteers were helpful and spent time with the newbies, 3. Its for a good cause, and 4. I am a veteran and the race was concieved and organized by a veteran. All in all, it was great fun, I already signed up for my second tri!