Galena Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

This was my first triathlon event so I wasn't sure what to expect in the water. I hung towards the back during the start because it was difficult to see in the water and I didn't want to climb over anyone and vice versa.
The water was very cold so it caused heavy breathing. From swimming laps in the pool all winter, I anticipated a 10 minute finish, so I wasn't far off pace.

Swim more in open water around bouy's because I found it difficult to look ahead and turn while maintaining a good pace.

I think these results are skewed for everyone due to the distance from the end of the swim to the bike area. I was in the 1st wave, so our bikes were all the way in the front, and the entrance to the bike area was in the back. With all the gravel it was difficult to run in T1.

Better conditioning coming out of the water and getting out of the wetsuit immediately instead of trying to run in it. Also it probably would've made sense to get into my bike shoes before trying to run across all the loose gravel.

It was tough getting up the first hill, and I never got into a rhythm with all the hills within the first 5 miles. My chain came off going up a hill around mile 3 due to all the rapid gear changes, so that cost a few minutes. I was hoping to be done in an hour, but the first few miles wiped me out and with mechanical issues I had to settle for a poor performance in this segment. However, I feel as though I can only improve from this performance and it will help me train harder in the upcoming weeks for my next event.

Train harder in this area. I put more emphasis on running and swimming during the off-season and I was happy with those results for my first event. I assumed since I used to race BMX bikes, this area would be the easiest. I underestimated the value of the bike severely, so it cost me in the standings. Now I see this is the segment where a lot of time can be made up and I will be better prepared next time.

I biked and ran in the same shoes so this transition was an easy one. I simply racked the bike and got my helmet off quickly. I downed the rest of my gatorade and took off running. I had anticipated my legs feeling squirmy and weak, so I was prepared to stretch a little. I guess since my bike time was so bad, I didn't exude as much effort in the bike as I could have so my legs felt fine and I took off running immediately.

Nothing--felt fine with the performance in this transition.

The first 2 miles were brutal. Most people were walking up the first hill but I felt good and by the time I got to the running segment. I wanted to beat a 2 hour time but I only had 12 minutes by the time I made the halfway turn and I knew there was no way I would be able run two sub 6 minute miles.
I was pleased with an overall pace of 8:06. I thought I'd be around 7:45, but I wasn't far off of that pace.

Not drink so much going into the run. I started to cramp in my sides around mile 3 because I had consumed to much fluids throughout the course. But on the flip side, I did not dehydrate or have a heat stroke.

After drinking 3 glasses of gatorade and 3 glasses of water, I took full advantage of the massage table. My shoulders and calves were hurting and I just wanted to lay down. They had wraps for lunch but I didn't have much of an appetite yet, so I only had half of it.
We had a few hours before we could collect our bikes and gear, so I went back to the hotel and got in the hot tub. I stretched some and got back in the hot tub, and I felt great afterwards.


Not training hard enough on the bike.


I know people tell you not to come into your first event with any expectations, but being a competitive person I thought 1:45:00 could be achieved. But due to my under emphasis on training for the bike, I was somewhat disappointed with my results. But it will certainly make me work harder for my next event.
The scenery for this competition is incredible and makes the bike ride very enjoyable. I see why it's one of the top events--it's extremely challenging and has amazing views. I will definitely be back next year!