Miami University Student Foundation Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

I forgot to start my watch so in Lane 3 I had to tread water to start it. I was surprised that I was actually passing people. I did not go out too quick and I felt pretty comfortable throughout the swim.

I would definitely start my watch before entering the water. I also need to learn how to jump in the pool and do flip-turns. I've never jumped in a pool so I had to sit on the edge and jump in because I was afraid I would lose my goggles! I know it was a little dorky but this is what I felt comfortable with so that's what I did!

I took my time in transition. I know I could get faster with this but with it being my first time, I did not want to forget anything. I took time to eat another pack of sport beans and drink water. I took time making sure I had all my gear and gatorade.

I would just try to speed up getting my bike clothes on and trying to multi-task more. Eventually, I want to learn how to get on the bike and put my feet in the shoes while I'm riding.

I was proud of myself for doing the hills and not having to get off the bike and walk my bike up the hills. I witnessed a few people fall over because they could not generate their revolutions on the uphill and then could not clip out of their bike. Thus, they seemed to stop and just fall over. I had to maneuver around them and work hard to keep up my momentum. I was proud that was able to keep going and I felt bad for them because on any other day, that could have been me. My legs felt fresh though and I felt strong despite the steep hills and major climbs (at least compared to what I was used to). I heard some guy laugh at me because when I got to the top of 1 hill I exclaimed "Praise God!" I didn't care that he laughed though because the verse from Joshua 1:9 "Have I no commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" really pushed me up that hill. I definitely could not have overcome my fear of these hills with Him.

I would train more on the road and incorporate more hills. I also need to learn how to corner at faster speeds. Basically, I need more confidence!

I'm going to rate good for overall though because I did better than I thought I would for my first race.

I cannot ride with my feet on top of my shoes. I cannot jump off a moving bike. And I chose not to run with my bike. Again, I took my time in the transition area because I wanted to make sure I got my 3rd pack of sport beans and drank more water. I also drank some gatorade and overally felt great heading into the run/

I need to learn how to do all the things I said I cannot do above. Again, I rate myself good because things went better than expected for my 1st tri.

Great run! I had timed myself as 27:55 on the run and had wanted to be under 28 minutes. The run felt great! I walked for a few feet each time I grabbed water (at the 1 mile and 2 mile mark). My legs felt strong despite feeling a tweak in my right hip flexor and left hamstring during the 1st mile. Both aches subsided and I finished without feeling worn-out.

I probably could have pushed the time a little more but I was feeling so good that I didn't want to be too aggressive. I approached the entire race very conservatively and had a great experience. I didn't really want to change that during the run.

walked and talked with family --> drank 16 ox Water and ate a Clif Bar
--> stretched x 15 minutes --> changed clothes in locker room --> loaded bike and gear --> ate Grape Nuts + flax seed + splenda + peaches + skim milk that I had packed in a cooler --> drank 6-8 oz gatorade --> drove home


I took a very conservative approach to the entire day. I really wanted to have a 1st tri good experience and I really enjoyed the entire race. I had a lot of fun by staying within myself and not worrying about what everyone else was doing. I stayed to my race plan and it really paid off with a great race for what I wanted to accomplish. I thought I would finish between 2-2 1/2 hours and I finished under 2 hours. There was not a point in the race where I thought I could not do it or that I would not finish. God was good to me today. He gave me strength and encouragement to help me conquer my fears of 1) getting to the start line 2) riding hills and 3) swimming. I know I can do better the next time because I will have the confidence from this race to rely on. The major limiter to my time was just lack of experience.


There were no race medals and the announcer did not announce your name as you were running in to the finish line. Both of these add to the excitement of reaching the finish. I know in the marathons and half-marathons I've run, it definitely is cool to have someone announcing your name and putting a medal around your neck. At the same time, I respect the fact that medals were not given because then more money could go to scholarship. Also, I wish there would have been more post-race food. Bananas and sport drink are always nice in addition to the water and bagels.