Finger Lakes Triathlon - Sprint Distance - TriathlonSprint

I was hoping for a better time, but I have never competed in an open water swim so I wasn't sure what to expect (sure ain't like swimming in a pool). I did not sight well, and was very distracted by the people dolphining. I did not like the run across the gravel path, I have wimpy feet! After we rounded the first buoy I did get a good draft off a women in front of me. It made it easier to stay on course as I could see her bubbles. I didn't come out of the water winded as I wanted to.

Learn to sight better, learn to block out those around me. Add walking across hot burning coals in to my training program? (maybe it will toughen the feet)

Transition went well. I liked transition it felt safe and calm...I didn't want to leave!

Dry my feet off better, my shoes and socks were soaked.

The bike felt good. I have only had my road bike for about a month, previously I was on a mountain bike. I really wanted to have a faster pace, but I knew it was probably unlikely. I am happy with the pace that I had. I think that I may have been drinking too much as my stomach did become upset on the bike, however the Charlie horses in my calf's on the run suggest otherwise. I think I need to dilute my electrolyte drink a little more.

Need to learn to go faster.

I usually run with a bottle of fluid and didn't want to run without it. I had trouble with my race belt, but didn't want to leave transition until it was on as I couldn't work on it and carry the bottle at the same time.

Sprout another arm? Probably skip the bottle and put the belt on while exiting.

I crashed; I am not a runner. I was hoping to keep the pace at under 10 minutes. I usually do a 9:10 pace, but didn't have high expectations for this run. I left transition with two charlie horses in my calves by the time I hit lakeshore drive they were gone. When we entered the woods my hip crashed (bursitis, arthritis? I always have some pain when I run, but this was intense.) I tried to run it out, but as we exited the woods I knew if I didn't stretch the quad and hip I was not going to complete the run, ergo the race. I stretched at the Hess station (the volunteers were excited that maybe they were going to have the chance to perform first aid!). By then however my right quad was a large knot and I wasn't able to lengthen my stride. Ditched the beloved, and now hated water bottle in a trash can on the pier, and by then I was able to stay focused and ignore the pain to finish. I have to be happy with the 33 minute finish given the amount of pain I was in. It also has compelled me to see the doctor about the hip pain.

Find out what is wrong with the hip. Skip the water bottle (my brother warned me). Train more on the run.

Grabbed a bottle of water, and got a big hug from my brother. Walked around some. Started getting my son ready for the kid tri.


Pain in the hip, unfamiliarity with competitive open water swims.


I had a blast at this race, and I was thrilled to be able to do it with my brother and get his guidance on all the little ins and outs. The most disappointing part was that my body crashed on me in the run. I hope to be able to fix that for next year. Although secretly I hoped I could go a little faster, I am happy with my time, and looking forward to next year!