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 Swim
Comments: This was my very first time in a saltwater swim. The water was pretty choppy as well, so I was learning how to deal with waves. I felt pretty calm, but just had trouble staying down and swimming strong because I would catch water with each breath. Didn't want to take in too much saltwater, so I side stroked for a little while and then would start again. Tried to count off the buoys and just relax and focus on a little chunk at a time. What would you do differently?: I really just need more time in the water so that I can comfortably swim straight without having to stop. More OWS will help with this too.  Transition 1
Comments: I couldn't believe when I saw this transition time. Ha. But the transition is huge and I passed up my bike and ended up a few racks over somehow. Got out of the wetsuit pretty quickly, but had some trouble getting feet washed off and dry. Also wanted to make sure I ate some luna moons and had some water. All in all, I feel comfortable with this time knowing that I can improve in the future. I got everything I needed and headed out without standing around. What would you do differently?: Dur. Find my bike faster! Otherwise, I feel like it was just fine for me and this race.  Bike
Comments: I was a little slow starting because I wanted to make sure I took some salt tabs and got comfortable on the bike. I felt really good the whole time though and just tried to focus on getting something to drink every 5 minutes or so and not pushing too hard. I got passed a TON, but was pretty happy with my pace overall since I have averaged 15 for most of my rides. What would you do differently?: I just want to get faster, which will come in time. Overall, I'm proud of my bike and it was faster than I had planned on. Transition 2
Comments: I still passed my rack space up again! I felt good, didn't feel like I took too long getting the bike racked, shoes switched and visor on. It was a big transition area, so it took some time to get back out. What would you do differently?: Same as above, I'm pretty ok with this time based on it being my first large race.  Run
Comments: The run was a little tough at first because the whole time you are running, you are passing people who are heading back, so it makes you a little jealous ;). It was getting really hot too! I just kept telling myself to settle in and get comfortable. My goal was to run the whole thing with the exception of aid stations, and I did just that. I dumped water on my head at every station and drank water and gatorade. Took 2 salt caplets too. My pace really slowed down, but kept pretty consistent, which was a good goal. Soon it was time to turn around and head back. The last half was better than the first, knowing I was finishing up. I gave it a nice kick coming down the chute and waved to my husband as I crossed the finish. I'm really proud of this race and my goal was to stay strong, feel good and finish happy. I pushed the negative thoughts out of my head and felt really proud. I also saw several friends out on the course and that kept me going! What would you do differently?: Nothing, I have been training for long distances (marathon and half marathon), and haven't spent any time on short and fast. I'd like to get my pace up for a 10K this season. Post race
Warm down: Grabbed some food and drink and hung out for a bit, then picked up my stuff and headed back to the hotel. Event comments: I'm really proud of what I accomplished today. My goal was to stay strong, feel good and finish happy. I pushed the negative thoughts out of my head and felt really proud. I have lots of things that I want to work on this summer so that I can continue making improvements in the Oly distance. I want to respect the HIM distance and I know that if I can make some progress, I'll get there feeling strong and prepared. Thanks to all of you for your words of encouragement, advice and support. It's helped a ton. My goal was to get out there and have fun and finish strong, and I achieved it. The fact that I finished faster than I thought I would is just icing on the cake. I do feel like I left some of my demons out on that course and that I have more confidence from this race than I ever thought I could gain. Last updated: 2007-12-13 12:00 AM
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United States
St. Anthony's Triathlon
Sunny
Overall Rank = 3357/
Age Group =
Age Group Rank = 0/7
I woke up at 4:45AM and got dressed, grabbed my bagel and headed out to walk to the transition area. Looking back, I'm glad I gave myself so much time. I ended up at transition a little after 5AM and only waited a few minutes to get bodymarked. Got to my rack and found that one of the girls next to me didn't come, so we had a little extra space to spread out. I set up my transition area and borrowed a pump to pump my tires up. (They were pretty close and I probably should have just left them). Anyway, as I was pumping up the back tire and went to remove the pump, the little piece that screws in on the valve came off.
Uh. ok.
I took my bike over to the nice guys at Chainwheel Drive and they hooked me up by changing my tire and getting it all pumped up. He even adjusted my brakes (since it was the back tire) and got me all situated. Awesome!
Since this took a bit of time, I headed back to my setup and finished getting everything ready. Chatted for a bit and then ran into my friend. We hit the porta potties and then I headed over to the swim start to see if I could catch the pros. I missed them, but managed to find my husband and we finished walking to the beach.
Hit the potties and then hung around for a bit until I got my wetsuit on. Went for a swim and warmed up and then headed over to the corral that was holding our wave. (Women 60+ and Athena). I got to start with Sister Madonna, which was pretty cool. She kicked my butt on the race, but it was a joy to start with her. Got to see 2 of my friends while I was in the corral and that helped calm me a bit so that I didn't focus on the nerves. The horn sounded and I jumped into the water and waded in until it got deep enough.