Splash, Flash & Dash Sprint Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

the pool was HOT! not just bathtub warm, but hot enough that I had a hard time breathing and keeping cool during the swim. A little congested at times but overall a decent swim for me. Only had to stop on the wall once for 4 breaths to catch my breath and go. Got sidetracked as my eyes wandered towards the gal on my left for the last 20 meters or so.

Originally signed for 3:00/100m, jumped in line at 2:30/100m, could probably have started between 2:15 and 2:25 per 100m just fine.


*tune out everything non-tri related 5 minutes pre-swim and get my mind in the right zone for the duration*

Lost time fighting with plastic bag for expected rain that didn't happen.


need quicker way to neatly drop goggles/cap and get glasses on without getting them wet/spotted.


damn near slipped and fell at bike start in bike shoes (first time in a hurry on slickery asphalt). I tuned every sound out except for my heartbeat and the thoughts screaming along in my head while in both transition areas.

fold towel over shoes, put plastic bag on top of everything,
not everything IN plastic bag.


Use shammy, instead of cotton towel, to dry off faster/save space.
Bring less crap to transition area - every motion should be automatic, I shouldn't have to think about doing anything between sections.

I flew compared to last year! Passed a whole bunch of people in both directions. On the way back, I hit about 28mph which is great considering other people were going about as fast on much more expensive bikes than mine. :)
I shaved exactly 15 minutes off my time from last year.
Lost my bottle of Gatorade Endurance just shy of the 5 mile mark, simply missed the bottle holder and heard it bounce away.
did not take a GU or liquid after 1/2 point, had no cramps on bike or run.


Ride lots more, especially on windy days for resistance and find a multitude of hills to work on at least once a week.
Get aerodrink thingy so I don't have to sit up/slow down to drink.


tune up bike 1-2 weeks before race. Gears slipped a bit and I could hear dirt in the chain.

good stopped dismount, legs didn't buckle this year but I still couldn't run back to bike rack.


Must remember to not hold on to bike, or bike rack when trying to get out of shoes - I caught myself but it could have been a disaster


T2 time lumped in with run - same way last year.

nothing

had to stop twice to stretch calves/shins (30 sec total).
Just past mile marker 2 both shoulders started grinding and I damn near gave up from the pain. I walked for at least 1/4 mile if not more.
I am not happy with this leg (no pun intended) - today had the potential of being a sub-30 min personal best.

This is the 2nd year in a row that I got to the water station at the half-way point and they were OUT OF WATER. At least this year they didn't pack up and leave. They did have Powerade but that doesn't sit well on my stomach.

Next year I'm taking my palm bottle for the run.
Need to really stretch out calves pre-swim.
Never stop taking my joint supplements.

walked around the parking lot and transition area a couple of times, took 5 minutes for a good full-body stretch.
had a good pasta meal and walked the bike from transition to the parking area further stretching my legs.


trying to anticipate for the changes in weather and making a couple poor last minute decisions.


Lack of hydration on last half of the run didn't help any.


I need to train harder and more often. I may have to use my economic stimulus check to hire a local tri specific coach who races as well as coaches to assist me in meeting my goals.


This was my 1-year aniversary of my first Tri ever.
I'll probably do it at least 1 more time.
It's a great race that all beginners should do at least once.

Proof that this sport is growing:
Last year I had 11 people in my AG, This year I had 52 to deal with and I still need to come in under an hour if I want a top 10 spot.