Toyota Redondo Beach Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

This was a half mile swim, which I've never done before, and I was worried about over-exerting myself and thus not finishing the swim. So as I ran down into the water, my goal was to keep my heart rate under control by not going out too hard. Which I did.

As we made our way around the first buoy, I got the sense that I was falling back, but I didn't care, this race was about staying within myself, finding a rhythm, and finishing comfortably. So I got my rhythm going soon after the first buoy, and after about 400 more yards, I started creeping up behind people, then passing people, then passing people from the wave in front of me! I couldn't believe my eyes when I started seeing those bright pink caps! This was the highlight of my race!

As we turned the last buoy and headed for shore, I got anxious and wanted to go hard, but I kept my composure, and just swam it in. I knew the transition would be hard, so wanted to continue to keep my heart rate under control.

Now that I know I can do this distance, maybe give it a bit more gas next time.

This transition was a bi-atch! Felt more like 5 mins! Glad it was only 2!!! Long run up the sand (50 yds), then a long run up a flight of stairs (my head was spinning and I thought I'd topple backwards!), then a 260 yard dash to transition!

From the minute I got out of the water, all the way up to transition, I was huffing and puffing my lungs out! It was hard work! Not sure of exact transition time, this is a guess cuz once again I messed up my chrono.

Got the suit off easily, a little hang up on the feet, but no big deal. Brought a pot with me to rinse my feet, then pulled my socks on. (Learned from my last race NOT to go without socks--got huge blisters that are still healing, actually.) Helmet on, shoes, on, didn't take the glasses cuz it was so overcast. Pulled the bike down and ran (uphill!) to bike out.

Bring my alternate lenses for my glasses cuz the ones I had with me were too dark; fortunately there were no bad downhills, so I didn't need the protection so much for this ride.

I hopped right on, got outta the saddle and up to speed, threw her into the big chain ring and cranked. I knew that my swim was not the fastest, and also that my run would be typically slow, so I had to pick up some time here and I know how to suffer on my bike. (I know I'm not the fastest bike racer in the world, but cycling is my easiest of the three.) I was seriously huffing and puffing the entire time, and when I tried to drink, I timed it wrong and ended up spitting electrolyte drink all over my bike. That will be a nice sticky clean up job.

There was one chicane (quick right, quick left) that I blew thru pretty well all 4 times (once out, once back, x 2 laps); was lucky that each time there was no one there to block me. Same with the hairpin at the end, where after the turn, I dropped 2 gears, got out of the saddle and got back up to speed.

More huffing and puffing, shloshing electrolyte drink all over the place...

Then the fun part: anyone who knows me knows that I like to go downhill on my bike. Fast! So as I approached the one downhill, I dove in like I was skiing a black diamond bowl! Got up to 32 mph, but it was short-lived before the nearly 360 degree loop back up from where I came. Threw it into the small chain ring with a small cog in the back, and got out of the saddle and jammed up the hill.

Did I mention huffing and puffing?

Second lap, same as the first, exactly, then into transition.

Nothing. I raced this one for all I had. My legs didn't fail me at all, but boy, my lungs were on FIRE!

Dashed down into transition, threw the bike on the rack, helmet and shoes off, running shoes on, schlurpped some more juice, grabbed my visor, and then outta there.

Nothing.

I was so happy this run was only 2 miles; THAT-- I know I can do. Whereas with most sprint races, the 3 mile run is still a little long for me.

But within 2 mins of starting, I got a brutal stitch in my side, just awful. About .75 mile in, I was grunting with every step cuz it hurt so much. Could not shake it and I was upset cuz I really wanted to try to do this as fast as possible. But I was in so much pain, I was just trying to keep going and get to the finish.

Oh well, what can ya do?

The last 50 yards or so was uphill, so no strong finish for me! I practically crawled up. I was like, "hey, who put this stupid hill in my flat race???"

I repeat, "oh well, what can ya do?"

Figure out what causes those side stitches (affected me in my last race too).

Keep training!

Guzzled more electrolyte juice. Didn't warm down at all. I should have at least stretched my calves, cuz they are tight and sore today!

As I crossed the finish, my daughter high-fived me and held my hand all the way out the chute. She kept saying in amazement, "Mommy, you are AWESOME!" I asked her if she was proud of me, and she said, "Yes, very!"

Made me feel wonderful!

Added bonus: in the midst of my post-race buzz, I ran into BunnyB and TriAya! So much fun to meet fellow BTers. I heard there were others there, but I don't know them. Hope to meet more soon.


I was not excited about this race ahead of time. I was a few weeks ago, but the last week I let my excitement wane as I caved in on my weight watchers dieting. I just thought I'd go out and do it as my workout for the weekend. But I was really into it once I got there. And had a great time!