Ozark Valley Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Since this was the my first open water swim and even though I was aware I was still not prepard for all the bumping and kicking. I had to stop fours times to gather myself before moving forward. After I separeted from pack I was able to get into a good rythm. As far as sighting I actaully did better than I though figuring this was my first open water swim - swam pretty straight and did not have to alter course.

Need to position better at start so to avoid some of the bumping and kicking. I figure I lost a good minute due to having to stop.

Long run from water to transition I would say 200 yards up hill. Thought I did well for first time. Everything went pretty smoothly.

Get a Tri Top or just not ride without shirt and forget putting on cycling shirt. Waisted time putting on the shirt. Need to learn how to put shoes on after on bike. This will take practicce.

Felt really good with ride. The hill was a killer but actually the long upward grade is probably were I was hurt the most on time. Got into Aero bars for a few miles but still not comfortable. Can't shift while in aero position since bars are not set up for shifting and if I continue need to get bars with shifters. Probably didn't drink as much as should, but will work on this on future rides. Had a slight pain in my hip act up for a few miles so I had to get out of saddle and coast. This definitley hurt my time.

Need to work on Hills and getting my cadence up. This will come with time considering I just started to ride 5 months ago. Need better conditioning.

Did much better at this transition, Had already opened shoes before dismount. Again having to change shirts not a smart move but easier as you can run while putting on the run shirt. Probably will go with number belt in future and forgo the shirt change.
actually I was pretty pleased with this transition.

Need to figure out how I want to handle the shirts, changing is costing time. Need to practice the bike dismount. Lost a few seconds at transition line having to unclip shoes.

When I got off the bike I knew my left shin would start acting up and it did, been nursing it for a week and it definitely made me go slower. Also I struggled at first to get my breathing into a normal rythm. The legs felt great no transition problems going from bike to run. I can attribute this to having done some bricks. Had a good kick at end, felt I could have done better but with the shin and the pounding it was taking on the down hills really hurt, but all things consider okay run.

Well I am still trying to figure out what casued my shin to flair up this past week. Never had shin problems in my life and then bang. Only thing that has been different is I bought a new pair sandals two weeks ago. Coincedence!!! Will stop wearing these for a couple of weeks to see what happens.

Walked for about 5 minutes and drank two bottles of gatorade.


Shin and overall conditioning.


Being the first Triathlon I can only compare to 5k's that I have run and I would say that this ranked up there with the better run events I have attended. Only comment that I have is that having attended several marathons, not run, it is a nice gesture to hand out medals to all that finished and they did not do this.
They did a great job with volutneers out on the bike course, had people stationed at each turn to help with traffic, not that there was a lot, but it does provide a good feeling knowing that there others out there watching out for your safety. Would definitley recommend this event to anyone.