Women's Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

After looking at my notes from my first sprint tri, I started next to the buoys. Initially started out well, but got kicked in the side of the face after catching swimmer. Swallowed a lot of water and had difficulties getting back into it, both physically and mentally. It took me the first half of the swim to catch my breath at all, then made decent progress from there. Discouraged when caught up by next wave which had started 3 minutes after mine.

I need more experience in open water swims with groups of people so I don't get taken by surprise by the kicks and am able to recover faster. That and stronger technique.

Struggled getting ankle brace on quickly (ankle sprain 1.5 weeks prior). Put on backwards and had to remove and put on again, then adjust to get the wrinkles out completely before the sock went on.

Besides not spraining ankle playing basketball?! Not much. It felt good, even in the rain.

Felt great until I went to change gears and couldn't. Couldn't do all ride in first, so I had to stop and spend some time getting it worked out. Frustrating but my fault for not checking beforehand. First half of ride was good, even in the continual rain. Had difficulties staying motivated on flat road after halfway point. Feeling better towards end but crashed on a speed bump (!), resulting in road rash and twisted handlebars. Got back on and somehow got into transition area.

I found that I actually ride better on hills because it gives my mind something to concentrate on. My errors were novice errors -- such as not checking the bike with a test ride after transport, navigating speed bumps and drinking even though I was not thirsty. But I did feel good about getting back on and completing bike course.

I struggled with the bike rack (again!) and feeling it was going to remain upright. I wasn't concerned about the bike I had, but didn't want to damage others. My extra time came from taking the extra moment to wash the dirt out of the wounds from the bike crash.

Not much.

Started out great, feeling pretty good. I had lost feeling in my foot during the bike ride but when it started swelling on the run I had to stop and remove the brace and carry it with me. Although I didn't end up rolling it again, I was very aware of it due to the uneven terrain.

Given a choice I would have liked to have had more time for the ankle to recover, but I am too stubborn to cancel once I had registered. Additionally I found that I missed the support of the crowd during the trail run. When I could hear the crowd through the woods I ran much better.

Got some water, the medal and found my friend. Went back up to the run and cheered on those that were behind me (not many!). Had some peach cobbler, some great couscous salad and called home.


Inexperience and injury.


Even a bad day of tri racing is still a good day. No regrets at this time and I am looking forward to the next tri season.