Niantic Bay Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

This was my third tri and only my second real race swim since my first was a total bust. The running start was great and it only took me a 100y or so to get into a nice rhythm. I didn't avoid the other swimmers as much this time and drafted a little here and there. My sighting was good except for one point where I veered a little far to the left. There were strong jellyfish warnings and I saw a few, but only had minor contact with one right at the start in the shallows. Otherwise, I swam over them and they kept their distance.

Nothing. This was a really great swim both from an enjoyment and performance (for me) standpoint. I just need to keep swimming so I can get a little faster.

There was a slightly long run up the beach (150-200y or so maybe) and a steep paved path to transition, but my time was still very slow. I have video of my swim exit and I look to be moving really quickly so I think I need to work on my actual time in transition to speed it up. I skipped the socks this time, which helped a bit, but can definitely do more.

Start practicing my transition to make it more efficient.

My bike slipped a bit as I ran across the timing mat out of transition and my computer mount sliced my right knuckle. I didn't feel it, but looked down as I started the first mile and my hand was covered in blood. I slowed and tried to rinse it with my water bottle, but had to grab it with my left hand and was having a really hard time. I lost a lot of momentum and was slow for the first mile or so. I finally gave up and just started riding. It bled the entire ride and was dripping off and blowing in the wind at times. My right shifter was all sticky from my palm being bloody. After the race I got to clean it up and I basically just shaved a layer of skin off the knuckle, but for some reason it just wouldn't stop bleeding.

Once I got going I feel like I rode fairly well, but I could always do better. The course was supposed to be 12 miles, but the consensus is that it was approximately 11.3 miles based on what our computers said.

Since it was on open roads, we had to ride single file except for passing. There was really great support and the course was nice.

Not cut my finger trying to dash to the bike mount line! Just need to keep riding, I've improved tremendously this year.

Good transition, I got my shoes on quickly, switched the helmet for a visor and took off.

Ditch the socks. I didn't wear them for the ride, but haven't trained without them for the run and really need to do this. I won't save tons of time, but I'm thinking I lost 10-15 seconds on this.

Since there were no mile markers, I thought I was running kind of slow again. At the turnaround I thought we might be half-way, but someone said we were much further so I realized I actually had a good pace going. The finish was on sand, first along a sandy path, then on the actual beach. It was really hard to run in loose sand at the end of the race, but it was a beautiful finish.

This was another record time for me. I have never averaged a pace in the low 7s so I was absolutely thrilled with my time. I seem to do my best running during triathlons.

Nothing. This was perfect for me.

Not much, just walked around, had a popsicle right at the finish, and then some of the post-race food (which was quite good). I went to the medic to get some alcohol for my hand, packed up and headed back to the hotel so I could get out for a lobster lunch as quickly as possible!


The cut slowed me a bit on the bike, but not much. Overall, I feel like I performed my best given my abilities right now. I was really happy with the race.


I think this was a really well-organized race on a beautiful course. Even though the drive is not much fun from NYC, I'd like to make this an annual one. I had a really great time.