I Love the Tavern - Triathlon

Didn't have time to practice an OWS before hand, but had done alot of OWS swimming in my life so wasn't too worried. Water was a good temp. 3 waves, I was in 3rd
There was a man from the second wave who had a seizure and needed rescuing. Took a while to get kayakers/rescue over (people thought we were waving and yelling for fun).
Took a little time to figure out how to deal with all the people. I was behind this one guy who I could kind of draft off of, but then he would start breastroking and then I would get to close and try to go around at which point he would start swimming faster.
Accidentally put someone in a headlock after they stealthly swam up by my side. Sorry whoever that was.
After the turn I started passing people from the second wave. Then a couple people from the first.
When I got out of the water and looked at my watch and I was pretty pleased with my time.

Overall, I was pretty happy. I would work on my breathing and try to deal with traffic better.

Took some time to put on spray sunscreen (I burn really easily). Turned into a kind of white streaky mess that I am sure was quite attractive. Put on my socks and shoes, helmet, and sunscreen.

I would say the sunscreen slowed me down, but not willing to fry because of it. Since I wasn't clipping in, this is a very different transition than what it will/should be.

Eek. This is where I kind of struggled. I didn't clip in and road in my running shoes (long story). Also, was riding my cyclocross bike. Nice for cyclocross, pretty heavy and slow for racing.
Got passed by everyone and their mother. I passed exactly 4 people. And I was very excited about it!!
On the big hill, my gearing got all screwed up and I started feeling a little woozy from lack of food. Ended up walking about 50 yards at the top. Not proud of it, but better than passing out.
The way back was better (more downhill). I definitely struggled.

Get a new bike. Clip in. Go faster (not neccesarily in that order). Mix a gel or something in my gatorade for the bike. I need some nutrition even for a sprint. Ride a lot more in training. Did I mention go faster?

Dismounted too early (I was a little confused as to whether the dismount line was WHERE I was supposed to dismount or I had to have ALREADY dismounted by then).
Didn't have to change shoes. Took a puff on my inhaler just in case and a quick sip of honey (honey sticks are one of my fuels of choice for running). Guess I should have been really fast since my shoes were already on, but eh..oh well.

Have to put on my shoes because I was clipped in.

Well I did the worlds shortest brick the day before in the 100 degree heat since I thought maybe I should practice; I had hoped it was the heat and poor air quality that made it so hard...It was not...

I was excited to start the run which is my best section. When I started the run and felt like I was going so slowly. I knew I had about half an hour to do the run to meet my goal (under 2 hours) and I was pretty sure that I could do that. Still I felt very slow like my legs wouldn't go any faster. I passed quite a number of people on the run. Drank a glass of water at the beginning of the run and then a sip around the first mile. I then got to dump the water on my head as I have always wanted to do (well for a legitimate reason). I just pushed through the run and felt like I was struggling. Time ended up pretty good so I guess I shouldn't complain. I do alot of my running on a trail with lots of hills so the course was great for me.

Do more bicks. Do speed work in my training. I have just been building distance for my planned half ironman, but I think speed work would help me in shorter races.

Sat for about 30 seconds. I know this goes against all the advice. I do this for all races that I run. I believe it keeps me from throwing up and I am sticking to it. I went to the mist tent (that was certainly lovely). Got some water and a banana. Changed into my sandals and waited for a friend to finish.
We wandered around for a while and I ate some potato salad. I am never hungry after running.


Definitely the bike leg. I am looking into buying a new bike that would be lighter, faster, and would generally make me awesome. Start clipping in. I can now adjust my clips so that will start. Train more.
Need more speed work in swim and run.
Bricks.
Just general wide-eyed wonderment at the spectable and fear that i would inadvertantly bring the entire competition to a standstill.


I was very happy with my performance in my first triathlon. I was extremely nervous going in. We (my friend who did this as her first one with me) said we just wanted to finish, but I really wanted to race it.
It went really well (even the bike, considering).
I think I'm hooked.
Apparently the triathlon dieties were also pleased because the grocery store was giving out free ice cream...I don't believe that is just a coicidence.
Drove home and spent the day watching sports (soccer, tennis, track, and swimming) guilt-free...
Doesn't get much better than that.
I guess I am now OFFICIALLY a triathlete!!