2nd Annual Savannah Sprint Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

The swim was my longest I have done. The start was much better than I have had before. I thinking swimming around a lot of people in Master's has helped. My goal was to bilateral breath as much of the race as possible. I was able to start 3 stroking in just a couple of yards. While I had occasional contact it was nothing major. Pretty soon I had a my own little bubble. I tried to sight on my 6th stroke like I practiced. I felt slow but not terribly panicked. I passed a few people but didn't speedy in any way. I rounded the buoys without issue, other than a guy in front of me needing some kayak assistance. It felt like it took forever to get to shore. I had to side stroke a couple lengths because I caught some water and needed to cough it up a bit. I was 30 secs slower than my goal but I really think the distance was mismarked. Several other races felt their times were usually slow. I swam 8:30 for 400 in my last two races and never did any bilateral breathing. I just think it had to be a bit longer.

I am surprised to say train harder. This swim was the first one where I felt tired because of physical reasons rather than mental. More OWS at higher speeds.

I dropped my swim cap and had to go back for it (about 10 ft.). I was afraid to leave it in case it I might get penalized. First time I haven't raced in a wetsuit.

Clearly, don't drop my cap.

I really cranked it as hard as I could with a tiny bit reserved for the run. I stayed in the drops except for turns and drinking. I basically switched back and forth between two gears in the big ring. This was my fastest course yet. I tried to stick to eating a tiny bit on the bike so I wouldn't bonk on the run. Had on square of protein bar (tiny) and 2 Cliff Shot squares. Eating when you are working that hard was horrible.

I would have trained in my drops. I almost never use them. It put my body in a postion it isn't use to. I need to figure out how to go faster on the bike. I feel like I max. out my current level.

Two problems happened in T2. The stopping point wasn't well laid out. The volunteer gave me a sign to stop. I stopped fast in order not to got to far. It wasn't really marked from what I could see. I unclipped and then he said that I could ride a little father. I was already unclipped so I just ran the extra 5 yards with the bike. Also, my Nike Frees are so hard to get on with damp feet. I really struggled with them.

No sure how to make this better. The shoes are still new so I hope they loosen up a little.

I hate the run. I felt horrible through the whole thing. It wasn't really my legs but more my body temp. I poured water on my head to start. I had a few ounces I carried with me. It was hard to drink anything. I just wanted to throw up anytime I tried. It was sheer will to keep any cadence going. The shaded areas helped. I just kept thinking that my next race has a hill or two and how awful that will be. I did end up with a little kick at the end. It was all I had that day but not all I can do.

I really need to figure out how my body works in the heat. I have been drinking Accellade and I took a few Cliff shots on the bike. Nothing I did made the run any better than I felt the last time.

Stood off the course and tried not to puke. Convinced my Dad that this was not the picture I wanted him to take!


I think I need to work on speed work and how to function in the heat.


I actually think this was a good race for me. I would consider doing this race again. It is only in it's second year so it has some "growing pains" in the organization. Maybe I would do this when the race is offered in October.