Tri for Your Cause - TriathlonSprint

Tough swim. This was my first open water wave start, and even though the wave was probably only 50-60, it seemed crowded. I managed to take a couple kicks, but nothing serious. No open water for me most of the way to the first buoy. I felt OK, but was having a bit of difficulty getting a good breath. After I rounded the first buoy,the wheels came off...for a bit. I had an episode of exercised induced asthma and was short of breath and weezing. Had to back-stroke most of the way to the second buoy and attempt to recover. I was able to flip over and resume my crawl just before the second buoy, but I'm certain I lost several minutes. I did finish up feeling OK and made back a little time on the way in from the second buoy, but the damage had been done.

The swim will never be my strength, but it can sure be better than it's been. For starters, I need to deal with my EIA, rather than ignore it. Stupid. I will get the inhaler refilled and I will use it. I might also try swimming more...what a novel idea. Finally, I just need more experience with open water, mass starts...No substitute for experience and the confidence gained from each one.

Jogged from the swim finish to the transition area and the wet-suit came off fine. I opted to dry off a bit and put on a long-sleeve jersey for the ride. Had a bit of difficulty getting the jersey on and I know I lost 20-30 seconds with that. It was cold...and I just wasn't able to move as fast as I would have liked.

I don't know...maybe don't do a race in September when it's 45F so I don't need to wear a jersey....

I was chilled on the bike, despite having the long-sleeve jersey. I regretted several times not opting for the leg warmers and gloves too. I rode a hard, but sustainable pace and passed 20-30 riders (who beat me out of the water and were obviously better swimmers). Everything was going pretty well until I missed one of the last turns before the transition area. I would like to blame someone, but it's probably mostly on me. There were a couple cones, but the voluteer wasn't directing me to turn....so I didn't, I went straight. There were no riders visable ahead of me, and about 200 yards past the turn, I had second thoughts. As I looked back to see two riders I had passed make the turn, I knew I had screwed up. I got turned around and hauled ass back to the turn and really poured it on the last 2 miles to the bike finish. Unfortunately, I could not overtake the two riders and ended up arriving at T2 anaerobic. Stupid.

Would have been a decent bike had I not missed that last turn. I probably lost 90 seconds for that mistake, in addition to arriving in T2 pretty wound up.

A little slow as I was quite tired and wasn't well focused. My hands were a bit numb(again, it was cold) and I fumbled with my helmet, the shoe change and the race belt.

Not miss the last turn on the bike.

Was still a bit excited to begin the run, couldn't quite find that nice pace I was hoping for. I went out a bit too hard and had to back off after the first mile. At the turn around I stopped for about 10 seconds to drink a cup of water I really didn't want or need. But the 5 year old boy handing out the water hadn't been getting much business... so I took a one and thanked him and his parents for volunteering. Felt OK coming back in, not sure I could have gone too much harder. I did find a kick for the last 400 yards, even though I wasn't catching anyone.

I am not unhappy with the run, but I know I would have had a better one if I hadn't missed that last turn on the bike and gone so hard into T2. Oh well.

Walked around, drank some water, recovery drink and attempted to eat an awfull breakfast burrito (not successfully).


The swim issues, missed turn on the bike and the cool morning air.


Overall, and considering the swim and missed turn on the bike, I'm satisfied with the effort and outcome. This was my last race of my first season and will leave me with plenty of motivation to train over the next 8 months.