F3 Sprint Tri - TriathlonSprint

Swim was great. I expected this though, as that is my background. I started 20th in a time trial start, and passed 4 people I think. Folks were generally nice about it, when I tapped their foot, they let me pass at the wall. I couldn't do flip turns though, because we had to go under lane ropes as part of the snake swim, and I hadn't practiced angled turns. Overall though, I came out feeling strong.

Practice angled flips for indoor snake swims.

Being my first tri, I am ok with this transition time. I could move a little faster, but I wanted to make sure not to forget anything. Putting my heart rate monitor and chest strap on took some time. Main thing is I just need to know my routine and do it faster next time.

Memorize routine better.

You know what the nicest part about being a fast swimmer and slow biker? Coming out of the water fast, and then drooling over all the bike porn that passes you in the first couple miles!!!


I was really scared of this bike going into it. I had not trained hills at all. I went to drive the course the weekend before, and found it was all rolling hills. It ended up not being as bad as I'd though, but I definitely spent way more energy than necessary climbing those hills at 8mph.

I drank about 16 ounces of sport drink/water mix during the bike. I am not 100% comfortable drinking on the bike yet while moving. Need to practice this. I had taken a Gu with me, but I decided not to eat it, the drink was enough.

I ride a hybrid style bike, so I guess I am happy with my bike time, given the hills and my bike type.


On my return trip, I saw a guy in a nice Cervelo who had a blow out on the side of the road. I stopped to ask if he needed anything. He took a quick look at my tires (hybrid) and said "no thanks" and told me to keep on going. I guess my tubes wouldn't have matched his.

Get a road or TT bike.

Train more hills, and train eating/drinking on the bike.

More time in the saddle. Ride! Ride! Ride!

T2 went ok, nothing much to talk about here. I took off my helmet, racked my bike, took a last swig of sports drink, and out I went.

I didn't really run my bike to my spot, nor did I run hard out of the transition area either. Considering I don't use clipless bike cleats yet, I really should have done this faster considering I didn't have to change shoes.

Move faster!

Ok, this is where everyone can laugh at me. Unlike the bike, where I can somewhat blame it on my crappy hybrid...I have no excuse here. I just don't have a running base yet, as I just started running 5-6 weeks prior to the race.

Still though...even as a self-admitted slow runner...it was much harder than I expected. I guess my calves were not in good shape due to those hills on the bike. I really did not plan to have to walk the run (except through the water station)...boy was I suprised. My planned 10min or less miles quickly turned into 11+ when I had to change to a run/walk plan.

There was also a really large hill at the start of the run, maybe 0.5 miles in, and that was tough...but I saw everyone struggling up that hill, so I didn't feel too bad struggling up it either.

After the hill, the course flattened out and was pretty enjoyable. I really don't know if I could have done anything differently that day to help my run. Eat a Gu? Bike slower? Drink more? I just don't know. In the end, I think it just comes down to me needing to train more.

Get a better running base. Definitely work on bricks more. I had only done one brick prior to this race.

Stretched a little. They handed me a bottle of water and an ice cold rag. Put the rag on my neck and drank the water. After I cooled down I went over and cheered at some more people crossing the line.


Just plain old inexperience and lack of a solid base. This coming Winter is definitely going to be used to get my base up.

Oh, and sweet talking my wife into getting a decent bike. :)


This was a new event in my area, so given that, I think they did a great job organizing and running the event. I was pleased, and will definitely go back next year if they have it again.