Graniteman Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

I didn't panic and I didn't want to swim back once I got in. I much prefer the run in start over a deep water one. I also prefer having 39 rather than 100 women splashing around me at the start. I successfully navigated through a bit of a crowd at the beginning and just kept telling myself, kick and breath, kick and breath. My arms were just really cold the whole way, but I stuck to free most of the time, with breast stroke for passing and navigation. I wanted to post a 15 minute time and was really pleased that I did.

Improve my start. It's always the hardest for me mentally.

I was surprised at my time. There was a short run, and then I was tucked in the back and had to walk a bit to the exit. In general, it went smooth and was an improvement. BTW, trying to balance and put on shoes right after exiting the water, kinda tricky.

Work on having the shoes in the bike and ready to go.

This is the part of the race that the men start to pass you. I don't know why this was the case, but I only got passed by men on tri bikes. A few women here and there, too. Very few of them had any serious bike technology. I don't mind the guys starting behind us, since most men give you clearance when they pass. However, there are a few assholes that get so close you can count their back hairs. Seriously, I'm not kidding.

I think this was the toughest part of the race. I'm no good in the wind. I was hoping to average at least 17. When I started and was easily making 20-22, I thought I was going to do it. Enter the wind. Agh, it was a struggle. But I just stayed focused on the road as much as a could. I did say "hi" to the cows though. Just a momentary distraction.

I really need to train harder on the bike. My legs felt good, but they just can't pickup the momentum fast when I lose it. And with that wind, I was losing it regularly.

I was in and out like a flash. Had my socks on for the bike and my race belt, so I just needed to get the shoes on, grab my hat and go. Another amazingly fast transition for me. I might be getting the hang of this.

Actually get my shoes on right. I had to stop 1/4 mile down the road and fix them.

I made my 9 minute mile goal. I was very pleased. I kinda held back at the start since I didn't know what the course was like. But when I hit the turn around, I just ran and ran. I tried to grab some water and drink it, after getting tips on how to do it the right way from friends. I got a sip or two and then drooled the rest all over. I started to get a little tired at the end and my mind really began to wonder. I also has snot running down my nose and my hair was sticking out all over the place. I sorta felt and looked like a mad woman. I had to keep telling myself to focus on the road. I made a good sprint at the end and went to look for Connor, who gave me a big hug. Everyone should get a hug at the end of a race I think.

Run faster next time. This is my strongest part of the race. I think I just need to not be afraid to leave it all out on the road.

Ate a banana, an apple, drank some water and tried to figure out my time. No one was more surprised at me at the results. I had verbally said I wanted to make 1:45, but I really wanted to get to 1:40. I made 1:40. I was very, very pleased. My whole goal for this race was just stay focused and not dwell on this last week. The day before the race, I wasn't sure how I was going to set all of my thoughts aside and focus. I was really close to not wanting to race. But I knew I needed to. Partially, this was because I have been training for it. But also, it was because I really needed to be able to accomplish something even while I'm feeling down. That's what makes us all stronger and makes us better people, when we learn to take our hardships and pain, and turn them in to something wonderful.

BTW, I also have to say thanks to all my friends, and family that gave me words of encouragement and helped me clear my head. That got me to the race site. I'm the one who stepped in the water.


I like small races. I think I would do this one again.