DQ Triathlon at Marlton Lakes - TriathlonSprint

Swim went very well this time and it is appearing that this is not as weak of a discipline for me as I thought. Water was mostly deep, but was very shallow in some places. In 1 case I was scraping bottom with my hands.

Not much, I stayed to the back at the start and moved into clear water and settled into the middle of the pack.

The transition are was very long and narrow. Since you could choose you location, I picked a spot at the far end from the swim so to minimize the amount of time I was running in my bike shoes.

Overall it was pretty smooth, except I forgot to fill the basin with water before I started, so that took a couple of seconds. I mostly had trouble with my bike shoes and getting the tongue not to fold under itself. I probably lost 30 seconds just messing with my shoes. I'm not sure these types of shoes (MTB) are good for this as they have 3 Velcro straps.

I mostly walked through the area since it was rough concrete and I was concerned with tearing my feet up. I need to figure out a way to get my shoes on faster, perhaps invest in a pair of tri specific shoes.

The bike leg did not feel great and I never really got comfortable with my pace. I was never tired, but again I never felt as if I had extra power in the tank. Overall the speed was about 2mph below my last tri, however this course had some rolling hills, so that affected it somewhat.

I had forgotten my computer so I think that affected my ability to pace myself and perhaps drive myself to a faster pace.

Not forget my computer

This transition felt faster than the time. Since the area was so long and narrow it does take some time to get through it after getting your running shoes on. I had placed myself at the end closet to the bike-out since I could minimize my running time in bike shoes.

Nothing

Before my first event ( this is the second ) I figured the swim would be my worst event, however the run appears to be. My pace is much slower ( in comparison to others ) that I thought it would be. I concentrated on picking up the pace for this one and I was able to drop my per mile time by 30seconds/mile and over a 5K course rather than 2 mile course. Overall, I was satisfied with the run segment, but I know I can go faster.

I also had to stop twice early on to stretch a cramp out of my right leg, so considering that I think it went well.

Work on picking the pace up slowly through the distance and finishing faster. I also need to work on grabbing a cup and drinking without inhaling the water into my nose.

Post race I was a little light-headed for a couple of minutes, but once that passed I was able to eat and drink and actually felt pretty good later in the day.




I don't think my pre-race sleep or meal plan this time was optimal. The sleep portion was somewhat out of my control, but I didn't each enough beforehand and felt a little low on energy during the race.


This race was well organized and the sign-in process was smooth. I liked that you could select your spot in the transition area as it rewards those who get there early to setup. I don't know if this is the norm or not as I have only done 2 races and the previous one had pre-set positions, but was not very organized.