Swim
Comments: Started in the back in the middle. Swam pretty well when I had open area to do so. Got off course a little, didn't know the route exactly. What would you do differently?: Start in front row and maybe to one side. Find out exact course route. (I was so nervous that I didn't pay close enough attention when it was explained - and I'm short so couldn't see the swimmers going in first heats before my own heat because I was in the back.) Transition 1
Comments: Transition felt pretty good. What would you do differently?: Use different shorts - this pair had a drawstring, not a good idea. Bike
Comments: I have a mountain bike - NOTE TO SELF: Get a different bike for next race! And I don't know the first thing about fixing bikes so I did not ever shift gears - it was in hardest gear all through my training as well as the race. I also found myself lollygagging along forgetting I was racing! So I would remember and then push it harder. What would you do differently?: Different bike, mentally focus on race, drink more water, learn how to re-chain or minor bike repair so I can shift gears without fear. Transition 2
Comments: Got new pedal straps one week before the race so hadn't practiced loosening the straps to get off. One minute before dismounting I mentally pictured how I would dismount: loosen straps, feet out of them, jump off near time-pad, run into transition area, mount bike, toss helmet and begin run. As I crossed the time-pad, I heard one of the timer-guys say, "Wow, nice dismount!" to the guy next to him! That really psyched me up! What would you do differently?: Practice with new equipment way ahead of time (rather than a few days before race). Run
Comments: First I have to say I am NOT a runner. My biggest goal for this triathlon was to be in the running motion the whole distance of the run. And I did that! I did not care how fast/slow I went ("Grandpappy Pace" I repeated over and over). All I cared about was NOT walking during the run portion. Mission accomplished! I even was able to sprint the last block over the finish line! Heard the announcer say, "Here comes the popular number 408, Sue Ellen Toppings! And who can't think of ice cream when you say her name?!" He said popular because almost my entire family was there cheering for me! It was great! What would you do differently?: Learn to run more efficiently, breathing properly, get my body to be more that of a runner. I did the best I could at this time! I have a lot of work to do yet, though. Post race
Warm down: I puked 4-5 times. Not much of a warm-down! After that, I concentrated on not puking on my kids, family, friends or any by-standers. One other triathlete saw me puking and was very concerned and caring. She brought me a glass of water and made sure I didn't need medical attention. I did not - it was just a combination of nerves, 5-hour energy booster, and a ton of dirty lake water all mixed in with the exersion of sprinting the last block! What limited your ability to perform faster: That 5-hour energy booster, I think, gave me heartburn when it was mixed with lakewater. (I had had the stuff during training with success.) I wasn't able to drink water much the entire race. I am used to drinking plenty during my training workouts so I am sure that limited my performance. I didn't pay close enough attention to the swim route instructions. Event comments: I had a great time and accomplished something huge for myself. I enjoyed the swim the most, the run the least. I think I would like to be the swimmer for a team tri someday (maybe soon, too!) and can see myself training for another individual sprint tri - but I don't think it will be this summer. I will work on my running skills - I will enter a 5K race this summer or fall to motivate me. Will look for a different bike and train on that as well. I have set a good bar for myself. I'm proud of having done it and accomplished ALL the personal goals I set for myself! Last updated: 2007-07-05 12:00 AM
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United States
Vacation Sports
80F / 27C
Sunny
Overall Rank = 333/396
Age Group = 35-39
Age Group Rank = 29/33
Had a banana and yogurt at 5:15am. At 7:30 had a 5-hour energy booster (not a good idea for the future!). Drank about 30oz water before starting race.
Stretched out a little. Once in the water waiting for my heat, I stayed wet and kept moving (about a half hour).