General Smallwood Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

The weeds were pretty nasty, but I was just happy to finally use my wetsuit in competetion. While still slow, I felt much better and more comfortable, now I just need to work on speed. Passed a few people from the first wave, and was passed by a few from the wave after me.

Nothing at this point, I just need to get in the pool this winter and work on form. Maybe bring a waterproof weed whacker.

Like some others, I left shoes at the swim exit, so as long as I was there I removed my wetsuit (which went ok considering it was my first time doing it in a race). Did a shuffle/jog up to T1. I felt a little loopy while changing, probably due to swimming with a head cold.

I probably didn't focus enough while prepping to get on the bike. Having decided last minute to do the race I didn't think through things as much as I normally do.

Much hillier than I expected. Came out of T1 feeling pretty good, then hit the first hill coming out of the park completely unprepared. Other than that I did ok on the hills. First time using aerobars in a race, I felt pretty comfortable with them. Passed some folks, probably a few more than passed me. Saw some _very_ obvious drafting, which was annoying.

If I had known ahead of time I was doing this race, I normally study the course a bit more and might have been better prepared for the hills. I was a little tentative after the first couple.

I can always take pride in my T2 times, even when I suck at everything else. ;)

I have actually gotten really good at jumping off the bike at dismount, and I also have the obvious advantage of already having my running shoes on.

Nothing, but the new challenge will come when I go to cleats.

All those comments about not being ready for the hills on the bike course? Ditto on the run. I actually thought my time was going to be much worse, since I walked up portions of the 2 big hills. Had some good support from fellow runners to keep going. Another unpleasant surprise was the "trail" portion of the run. Fortunately I am slow enough that I can pick my way along fairly well. Towards the finish I saw that I had a chance to break 2 hours, so I picked it up a bit, but just barely missed it.

Lose 20 pounds and not be a hill wimp.

Grabbed a gatorade, waited for my friend to finish (Way to go on the first tri, Tim!). Had some pizza and more gatorade, plus per our group's tradition had a beer.


Not prepared, but at least it allowed me to come in with few nerves.


I liked the course, it was easily the most challenging of my triathlons so far. I am extremely happy with my progress on the bike, but still have work to do on the swim and run. As others have said, the surprise off road portion of the run could have been mentioned ahead of time, and I'm not a fan of swimming in a garden.