Swim
Comments: I totally sucked today. The size of the pool got into my head. And once I got winded, my form went to pot. Still, only one person passed me so I must have decently seeded myself. I did pass the guy in front of me. What would you do differently?: I was the mental equivalent of a bowl of jelly. Once I got winded, the negative thoughts flew in. I need to work on my mental conditioning prior to the next pool swim. If 50 meter lanes can get to me, what will happen in an open swim? I want to swim at least once in a 50 meter pool prior to the next race. Also, I need to do some mental exercises to help me keep my rythym and form. Transition 1
Comments: Much quicker and easier than I thought. I took my time, dried my feet, put on my socks and shoes and shirt and helmet. I stuffed some gel into my shorts, grabbed my glasses and headed to bike out. What would you do differently?: For now, nothing. Bike
Comments: I did much better than I expected on this. I went hard, attacked the hills, passed a few people and got passed by the elite. It was great. Except that my back tightened up. This has been a reoccurring problem due to, I think, an improper fitting. Other than that, I know I can go faster. What would you do differently?: Attack harder. Work my gears better. Work on my pedal technique.I need to hydrate better on this leg. I only drank half my water bottle. And I needed the electrolytes for the next leg. Transition 2
Comments: Same as before. Fast and easy. I dismounted in my shoes and jogged to my bike rack. Changing shoes was fast and easy. No issues. What would you do differently?: For now, nothing. Run
Comments: I started off fine. I didn't have the expected "brick" legs from riding so hard. I started off at what I thought was a gentle pace to get my running legs. About five minutes in, my calf completed seized up and caused me to stop running. On a scale of one to ten, this was about an eight. It hurt like a big dog. Stretching did no good. Cursing, I continued on with a limp walk. Then evolved into a limp run, which evolved into a run. I was surprised by my time and disappointed as well. I know I could have run much faster if not for the calf issue. What would you do differently?: Nothing. I need to finish a run pain free first. Post race
Warm down: This involved mostly limping, cursing, and stretching. What limited your ability to perform faster: Mental issues in the pool. My right calf seizing up on the run. Event comments: I can't say enough good things about this race. This was a perfect first triathlon experience for me and my girlfriend. We both had a great time, were impressed by the level of assistance, the course, everything. I really loved the leprechaun pope. He made a great emcee. I recommend the race and course to newbies, beginners, and even experts looking for a speed workout. Last updated: 2008-02-08 12:00 AM
|
|
United States
Dallas Athletes
58F / 14C
Sunny
Overall Rank = 233/462
Age Group = 40-44
Age Group Rank = 30/40
Rise and shine! 4:30 came awfully early. I didn't have a restful night's sleep. I was too excited. This was my first triathlon. Breakfast was two whole grain waffles with peanut butter and jelly. tri_kitty and I packed up and hit the road.
Most of my warmup was spent wandering around and taking in the sights and sounds. I got set up in the transition area. Got body marked. Checked out the pool. I eventually got around to some dynamic warmups and light jogging. I needed to check my right calf and left achilles. Both have been giving me trouble. The achilles pain was tolerable. The calf pain was gone. YES! I eventually got into race gear and moved inside the natatorium for some light pool warmups.