Graniteman Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Felt good. First event with the sleeveless wetsuit. MUCH prefer to the too tight full sleeve used previously.
Was pretty much in the clear, as I swam next to the swim line the whole way, noone else seemed to this, not sure why ... came up on slower swimmers from previous heats and had to navigate around, but no 'battling for position' issues. Went easy on way out and started to push it on the way back in.

Figure out who the faster swimmers on and try to stay on their heels.

Fast enough for me.
No socks, which is the only way to go from now on (assuming Oly and Sprint).


Didn't have the shoes rubber banded, completely forgot bands ... was 'almost an issue' at first.

HR high to start, around 165-168 for first three miles. Pulled back a little to not burn out. Then HR began to drop too much. Had trouble figuring out the right 'output' to be in.
Passed by a couple riders at first, then played cat-n-mouse with a roadie and one of those freaky lookin 'SofRide' bikes. Held off on the flats ok, but got hurt on the hills, as they would catch up and pass. They left me around mile 12 ... I then started to get passed by some of the guys from the heat after me, who were just flying.
Decided to hold off on trying to keep up with the other guys, as I wanted to not be dead for my weak-spot 'the run'.

Came into transition area with my feet out of shoes and pedaling backwards. Moving dismount.


Get out of Fargo and do more Hill work, as usual...

Was I losing tire pressure during the race? When I got home three hours later, the rear tire was completely flat (bike was in the hatch back with wheels taken off and riding in the hatchback also). Tube I used was a flat repaired tube, since it was the only 'extra' tube I had ... poor decision I guess ... live and learn!

Can't complain ... how much faster can I be? This included taking the Garmin off the bike and trying to get the wrist band on.


Took a second just outside of the transition to get the wristband on ... have to figure out a better way to get my 'GPS crutch' on.

(GPS says 3.20 miles. Was the course a little bit long? If so, I was closer to 8min/mile, which is BY FAR a PR for me in a tri 5k)

First 3/4 mile seemed easy. 8:10/mile

Started to get heavy legs in second mile. Was concerned about getting stomach trouble, like I usually do. Might have held back some. Started to open up the stride during the decline, which was nice. 8:11/mile

Stopped for 5 seconds to get two sips of water at turn around. Realized my stomach was as good as it has ever felt on a triathlon run. Focused on form and steadiness. Decided I wasn't going to get passed by anyone in my AG from mile 2 on. 7:43/mile

Gave it everything the last 200 yards, as I thought someone behind me was about to catch me, ended up being a different AG. Held him/them off though.

Had the pukey feeling at the finish ... but thankfully no-go.
Steph came over to grab me after I made it back to my feet.

Heart rate results look a little low ... 155 / 156 / 162 / 167(last .2 miles). I should have been able to push it harder on mile one and mile two, according to HR data. I should be in the low 160's to start with, I think. 162 - 167 is my normal fast training range, so need to get more confidence earlier in the run.

basically walked around, did some calf and hamstring stretching. Stretched out legs pretty well while waiting for awards.


About as well as I could have done, I think. If I would have pushed it harder on the bike, not sure I could have had a PR run.


The best.
I am sure the sunny skies and good temp helped my opinion ... I think it stayed under 80 the whole morning through noon?
Awards were good and fun. LOTS and LOTS of giveaways.
Good lake for swim, nice cycle course with turns (only one sorta dangerous looking asphalt missing curb), good run and great finish line area.

The BEST event I have been to so far!