Clear Lake Triathlon - TriathlonMini Sprint

At the Padden Tri (my first) I had started in the first wave and swam right for the buoy - resulting in a "feeding frenzy" effect of others who had done the same and I ended up practically dog-paddling around the buoy. For this tri I scoped out the course before the race and decided I would start in the front so I could begin with good strokes, stay to the outside (right) of the pack, swim strong and consistently - NO fast start to avoid getting my HR up too high, round the buoys a few yards to the outside rather than swimming right for them.

My plan worked great! Although I probably ended up swimming a few extra yards overall, I did not break stroke one time! I felt others pass me but just kept swimming and breathing. Started out in the front, sighted every 4 strokes going out then every 6-8 strokes when swimmers were more spread apart. Easily rounded buoys then kicked it up a notch for the return to the beach. Was not the fastest swimmer by any stretch, but kept it strong and steady and didn't get too tired.

I might have been a little too conservative and could probably have pushed it a little more speed-wise, but overall pleased with my swim performance because I avoided the "feeding frenzy" and general scariness I had experienced at Padden.

This transition went better than Padden because I didn't get my wetsuit stuck on my heels and upper arms. I really lubed up with the cooking spray for this one!

My sunglasses got wet from drips so I had to stop and clean them off. Plan to start putting glasses/helmet on top of bike rather than on towel.

I hadn't been on my road bike in 2 weeks (!) and I felt it. But I maintained a steady pace and even ended up passing several people. Just after the turnaround I ate another gel and, now that I was feeling more comfortable (mentally at least) on my bike I really pushed it on the way back and passed several who had passed me on the way out. Also passed one guy with a flat tire and noticed a pedal and several water bottles in the middle of the road. Was happy for my trusty Camelbak, which I use instead of water bottles because I just don't drink enough when I have to reach for a water bottle and juggle it back into its cage (a coordination issue on my part). Felt a little self-conscious about the Camelbak but had several racers comment they wish they'd brought theirs. Return course had less hills than going out - yay! Was very hot and my legs felt very rubbery when dismounting from the bike. Really had to psych myself up to do the run.

Would have been on that bike earlier in the week, despite cold and busy life. Would have just FOUND a way! Also I am still biking without clip-in shoes due to my fear of them, and I need to conquer this because I think it will improve my speed and comfort. Would also have dismounted bike a few yards earlier rather than right at transition area entrance.

Don't remember much about this transition other than I was extremely hot and I didn't want to do the run! My mental demons were getting to me again. If friends and family hadn't been there cheering me on I probably would have just gone and sat in the shade. Evidently I got my bike stuff off and my running stuff (just my visor and my race belt) on.

Decide in advance whether to wear visor or headband. Had them both sitting out and had to make a decision in transition. Note to self: if it's hot and sunny just wear the visor, silly! Also should have stretched my calves in T2 as I had to stop twice during the run due to them cramping.

Running is my weaker-than-weak sport. I not only need to train more physically, but mentally as I really allow myself to get freaked out about the running. I started out in a jog but decided on run-walking. I used power poles as my guide (walk 1, run 2, etc.) and had a lot of negative thinking going on. Was passed by several - I don't think I passed one person on the run. Was pretty sure I would make it about a mile and then collapse. At one point passed another entrance to the lake and gave serious thought to ripping off my running shoes and going for a swim!

Finally arrived at turnaround point at mile 2 and (yay) there was a water station. Ate a gel and drank 2 small cups of water. Wished there was a porta-potty there as guys were peeing in the bushes and I wished I could too! Made my usual (lame) "where are the margaritas?" joke to the volunteers and jogged back. I don't know if it was a confidence thing or the gel, but I did better going back. Still run-walking but able to run farther distances between shorter walks. Passed other runners on the outbound course so was happy I wasn't going to be last! Still very hot and again considered jumping into lake.

Mostly walked the last 1/4 mile until I rounded the corner to the finish line. Many onlookers were there cheering, which seems to annoy me more than encourage me! But I smiled and was happy to finish. Hugs from coach and friends. Final time was 2:15:something but they said to take 4 minutes off if you were in the women's swim wave so I'm calling it 2:11:00 until I see the officialy results (which haven't yet posted on the website).

Would have taken an other gel just before the end of the bike to give myself a boost on the early run. More positive thinking. Would have poured some water on me at the turnaround. And did I mention I REALLY need to work on my mental game?

Didn't do much warm-down. A little stretching. Drank a LOT, too. Was also really spacey after the race - for like 12 hours. Didn't sleep well and very tired the next day.


Lack of keeping up with my training; need to drop some more pounds; negative self-talk; hot weather.


This was a fun event and I only have one other tri to compare it to. The volunteers were nice and everything was well-organized. The setting is gorgeous and it's a very nice park. If I were to suggest changes it would be to have some patrolling of the roads (there were some REALLY fast drivers out there who were either oblivious to the race or perhaps wouldn't have minded taking a few of us out) and more water both on the run course and at the finish. Also the ability to register online would be handy rather than having to mail in the registration. It was fun, though, and a really great experience for me!