Mighty Man Sprint Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

I had no idea what to expect as far as my pace, given all my training was in open water vs. a pool. I started in the middle/back of my wave given this was my first tri. I certainly felt my open water training was an advantage, feeling right at home, and I also actually enjoyed being in a big pack. I was actually even a bit amused by being kicked, etc. by other people since it didn't really hurt or otherwise affect me. I took the swim pretty easy, and felt good about my breathing and sighting. I was happy to round the first few buoeys right next to them, although I seemed to drift out a bit on the way back to shore and might have swam a little further than need be. The only problem I had was water getting in my goggles and taking a very brief moment to get dump it out and re-seal the googles.

Start near the front of the pack knowing now that I'm not too slow to hold my own. Do a better job of getting the goggles on and give the swim a bit more effort. I held back with all the unknows, but I think I have some potential to improve in the off-season with a lesson or two to work on my technique, and some more solid training - including in a pool and increased frequency. (I've only been swimming about 1x/wk)

I was pleased with T1 overall. I did really well with getting my wetsuit down, and then off. As I was running from the swim, I was held up by a group of people walking, but after a little slow down, managed to get through. I had practiced getting my helmet on with my sunglasses attached/in place, but for whatever reason, this didn't work and I had to take my helmet and glasses off since the glasses were askew and put them back on individually which was a little annoying. I put my shoes on in the transition area... maybe next year I'll get into my shoes on the bike.

I sat down to put my shoes on...I should have just stayed standing. Figure out a better way to donn my hemet/sunglasses.

I had a good ride, and definitely enjoyed passing people! Only 1 female passed me, and I told myself it was because of her fancy Cervelo bike. :) I was worried that I'd be so focused on riding fast that I wouldn't drink enough, but I did manage to get in about 14 oz of gatorade/water mix. My goal pace was 17.5, so I was pleased to almost be at 19 mph.

Again, I'd go harder. But I probably gave it 90-95% effort...I just didn't want to bonk on the run.

I thought it was a little vague where exactly you were supposed to dismount from the bike and regret that I dismounted a little earlier than I needed to. But did ok with running from there to my rack.
And then...Oh my! This was certainly my "newbie" moment of the race. I got my running shoes on, and I'd like to think that maybe I was distracted by the fact that my feet were completely numb - which led to me heading out toward the run with my helmet still on! Oops!!! Fortunately a race official pointed it out to me and I proceeded to run back to the rack to get rid of the helmet.

Ugh, of course, take my helmet off before heading out on the run. I can certainly find the humor in it, but the worst part is that this wasted time can easily account for not placing in my age group! I placed 4th by only 12 seconds (59 seconds from 1st) and so I'm having a bit of a hard time letting it go... but regret is an awful feeling, so I'm trying.

My legs felt great after the bike, but my feet were completely numb! I wasn't alone, as another guy who chatted a bit as he passed me said his were too, feeling like he was running on "metal pipes." They felt like this for the first 2 miles, but at least I knew I wasn't the only one, and it probably distracted me from feeling fatigued in my legs. I can't imagine it was truly a full 5K based on my time, but if so, this was a 5K PR. The only problem I had was picking up my pace too early at the end, needing to slow down and nearly puking. Fortunately that passed and I managed a small sprint at the very end.

Nothing much...just need more running training, intervals.

A little stretching, eating, and drinking.


The anxiety of the unknown of my first tri. I could have given another 5% effort.


I wish there was a little more beginner support. I felt a bit intimidated checking in and trying to get set-up race morning.