Niagara Try-A-Tri - TriathlonMini Sprint

I watched the first wave of swimmers start the race (the younger swimmers) and got ready for mine. Watching them all huddled in a group in the shallow end, swimming over top of one another and kicking each other made me decide to go to the deeper end and towards the back. I treaded water until the starting horn. Then the horn sounded and I took a deep breath and started. I *could not* get into a good stroke pattern. Whenever I'd come up for air I'd have some wave hit me in the face or there'd be someone swimming into me. The water had zero visibility and my goggles started to fog. I tried switching to the breast stroke but the wet suit restricted my mobility. In the end a couple of times I had to roll onto my back and kick just to give myself a couple of seconds to catch my breath. Because of the waves, we kept getting pushed ashore and then we'd all be swimming on top of one another so you wasted a lot of energy trying to swim against the current to keep out of the pack. I *totally* underestimated the swim and thought it would be much easier but in the end it was my worse event. There were 48 swimmers in my age group and I placed 39th - 193 out of 233 overall. I had to haul my body out of the water and was so breathless as I scrambled up the ramp to the flooded transition area.

Practice open water swims more. Perhaps try a wet suit that is only mid thigh vs. full length.

I was so breathless from the swim and legs felt like jelly. *Of course* my wet suit got stuck around my ankles and I wasted time struggling to get it off but finally did it and got ready for the bike. The ground was SOAKED and muddy.

Try a different wet suit.

Because I had used my legs so much in the swim the bike started off slow. Tons of cyclists passed me and I was so breathless but I managed to get a good cadence going and started passing people. The second half was much better and I passed a number of people in my age group. It was beautiful riding along the service road looking over the vineyards. I felt good by the end of my ride and ended up placing 172 overall - 31 for my category.

Nothing - this was my personal best. Maybe get a *real* bike although I'm proud of my blizzard mtb.

Someone had thrown their bike over my transition area so was a pain the butt to untangle and move it. But all I had to do was take off helmet, put on glasses and go.

Nothing

I thought the run would be my worst event but I didn't have the spaghetti legs and while I was slow moving (personal worst) I didn't stop once and kept a steady pace throughout. There was nothing like running down the shoot and seeing my daughter's little face peeking out and waving!

Run more. I hate it but need to build strength and endurance.

Chug water and maul daughter :)


I felt wet suit restrictive - too tight around the neck and not accustomed to swimming in one. Will practice more and try a different style.


Good for a beginner. Of course it being my first race - I wouldn't know any better!