Mission Bay - TriathlonSprint

Knowing that swimming is not a strength I was prepared to spend 20 min in the water. I started towards the back and close to the buoys thinking I’d already be outside of the last buoy and it would be easier to swim in a straight line. I had deemed the borrowed wetsuit I’d trained in too small so I purchased a new Xterra wetsuit on sale before the race. The downside of this purchase is that I wasn’t able to train in it; that made me nervous. I started out at as easy pace as planned, quickly realizing that I’m having trouble exhaling underwater. In short order, all form is lost and it’s now about survival. I was really impressed with the buoyancy of the new wetsuit however now that I’m freestyling with my head up, I feel like I’m laying face down on a hammock. Eventually, I find a rhythm that gets the job done and I survive unscathed.

For future races I’ll definitely practice in the wetsuit in cold water. More than anything, I just need to put in the time.

T1 was pretty uneventful, I methodically went through the routine I had planned on and it paid off. Of course, it was made easier by the fact that everyone else in my row was already gone.

I had been training with a HRM and used it during the race as well. Focusing primarily on breathing and keeping my HR under control, I probably passed as many people as passed me and I was okay with that. I even had the wherewithal to enjoy the course and the morning amazed that I was in the middle of the race I had signed up for 10 weeks earlier.

Practice, Practice, Practice

T2 wasn’t impressive. I was sure to get comfortable and take down a Gel Pack that was overdue. I don’t really know where the time went.

Knowing well that I wasn’t going to improve my placement on the run, I again stared at my HRM as though it were a tachometer. I tried to stay relaxed and in control and for the most part I was successful. My plan of jogging the entire run portion was temporarily suspended about two thirds up the first time on the bridge. I lost control of my HR try to keep pace with someone in my AG and ultimately made the decision to walk in the interest of finishing strong. Convinced I was the last in my AG I finished well, with a big grin and a proud wife who was anxious to tell me that I had just gone the whole race with my shirt on backwards.

Drop a few lbs

Stayed on my feet for a while, gathered my stuff, just relaxed and tried to soak everything in.


Gravity


I had a great first experience and would recommend this course to any first timer. Although my time has plenty of room for improvement, I felt I managed the course well and my expectations were right on.