St Croix Valley Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Murky water, with lots of weeds growing (could whack them with your hands as you swam by). There was enough of a current to push the buoys, so when i was rounding the first one, my left foot kicked the tether and I thought "ouch!" The second half of the swim was a real chore, getting run into, running into people, and just plain flailing about.... I need to do much better, it's like I forget everything.....

Do everything I should, instead of swimming like I'm having a seizure.... Oh, and the "ouch"? Yeah, sliced my little toe open, but I didn't notice (yet)

I'm fat, and should have brought my not as tight jersey....

How the heck to do you put a snug jersey on when you are soaking wet? Need to figure that out, since I fought with that way too long.

First thing out is up a hill, not terrible tho. Then get into rolling up and down a little bit to get out of town. Once out, it was like riding in a state park, lots of trees, curvy road, hills up and down... Well, there is one hill, smallest ring, lowest gear for over a mile. I got to the top and thought "I got nothing left".... Of course, kept going, I managed to pass some people, got passed by the fast people (big surprise). Then we got to go back DOWN this twisty, curvy, steep road. Holy crap! 38mph!? I was dicing with this guy in front of me, but I opted for discretion and didn't try to pass there, it could have been bad.

I did a good job drinking water, but should have had more, and step up the pace!

Much frickin better! Of course, rack and chuck the hat, and get moving! I did make sure I wasn't parked on someone else's stuff this time. :)

Nothing, except go even faster

Started slow, not sure about the knee. Got into a groove, so stepped it up, long rolling incline shot my HR way up, 170+, so walked for about 30 seconds to get that back down, then got back into my groove. Was doing well til just past 2 miles, left calf tightened completely, and knee started sending stabbing, shooting pains. This sucked, thought I might be able to run thru it, but it was getting worse. Stopped to walk again for about 30s, stretch things out. After that, I got back into a slower groove for most the remaining distance, trying to open up the last mile. Finished strong. Why is it when I'm getting to the finish there is never anyone in front of me to try to run down, but there are always people behind me running me down?!?!?!? Damn it.... Oh, and the "ouch"? When I got back to transition, and looked down, my left shoe is all red on one side! I think wtf... take shoe of, and sock is soaked in blood. Cleaned it best I could.

Run without pain!

Walked alot, looked for masseuse, (there was none), stretched a ton, ate some bananas/powerbars, drank alot of water and gatorade.


Lack of training and true preparation.


Luau after, was good. I now understand why racing alone is less fun than if you know someone. I walked around and chatted briefly with people, but felt a bit like an outsider. Oh well. It was a gorgeous day, and great race, and a good time!