Superbowl Y-Tri - TriathlonSprint

I didn't do badly given my current swim technique and training. I felt strong the first 150 meters but I knew I was going a little too fast for me. I did freestyle the entire swim and didn't rest at any of the walls. I did 3 stroke breathing for about 40% of race, 2 stroke the remainder of the race (sorry Gordo - I'm working on breaking that habit). The girl behind me passed me at about 60 meters (she was flying-at least in my mind). Prior to the swim start she mentioned that she finished her last 400 meter TRI in 11 minutes but it was in open water. I did managed to pass 3 people during the swim. One pass was a little tough because 2 people where side by side and I had to split them in the middle of the lane. Kind of tight. I probably expended more energy on that pass than I should have but you live and learn.

Gordo warned me that it would be hard to relax in the water during your 1st race. He was right on. I just didn't swim as relaxed as I have in my latest workouts. When I got out of the water my HR was at 158. I'm thinking holy crap - what did I just do. Way over my ZONE. I know I have got a ton of work to do on my swim technique going forward. But you know what - 3 months ago I could not finish 50 meters without holding onto a wall for 2 minutes. So I have come a long, long way.

Seeing that my HR was at 158 after getting out of the pool I knew that I needed to relax a bit during T1 transition. So I took my time. Dried off, got dressed, had a casual conversion with my lovely wife and I was off.

I forgot to put my frickin sunglasses on. It was cool outside and my eyes are sensitive so my eyes were watering for the 1st half of the bike. Stupid. Where does the mind wonder when your in a race?

The bike portion of the race went very well. I knew that I had to bring my HR down so I didn't slam it out of the gate. In fact, I was so concerned with my HR that I was constantly checking it early during the bike. This screwed up my race stop watch (which is also my HR monitor). Somehow while checking my HR I managed to pause my stop watch. I'm not entirely sure when it happened but it was early during the bike. Crap!!! I restarted the stop watch once I discovered that I paused it. So, I'm not sure what my overall bike time was. I'm also not sure what my overall race time was. I guess I'll have to wait for the organization that runs the race to post it. O'well - it happens. Back to the bike - about half way thru the bike I was able to settle my HR back into my biking ZONE. A couple people (maybe 3) passed me during the bike and I passed maybe a dozen people. I love being on the bike and it felt really, really good.

Pay more attention to my watch when checking my HR. Also, I wonder how much of a difference a real bike would make? I'm riding this old mountain bike now. I like it - but that doesn't stop me from wondering!!!!

I was out of T2 pretty fast. Of course I didn't have to do much. Took off my helmet, put on my sunglasses (that I forgot to put on in T1). My transition area was right next to where the biking course stopped and the running course began - so with some rookie luck I was off to the run in less than 1 minute.

Nothing.

The run felt really super. One person passed me during the run and I passed about 15 people. That little hill that I mentioned was placed perfectly for my run/walk protocol. I hit the hill at 11 minutes into the race, walked it in around 15 seconds and then I was back on the run. My run pace was super for me. My HR was maybe 6-8 beats higher than normal (nothing to sweat). I could of gone much further and despite the fact that my HR was spiked after the swim, I adjusted and saved plenty for the running portion of the race.

Not really much. I probably could have used a drink of water before the run started but it was cool outside and I was well hydrated before the race.

Met the family, chatted, and had some Gatorade, strawberries, and bananas. That was followed up with a nice Starbuck's latte (the 1st I have had since the training started).


Nothing. I'm right where I need to be given that I'm 50, weighed 250 lbs 12 months ago, spent the last 15 years on the couch, and am 3 months into TRI training stuff. I don't have a pressing need to go faster at this point in time. That will come naturally if I'm consistent and patient with my training. I've been told by a very wise person that if I have a need to go faster I should start hanging out with slower people. :)


You know what - I'm totally satisfied with my performance today. I'm three months into this journey and I exceeded my expectations. I'm not sure what my overall race time is going to be. I know it took me at least 1:09:36. My guess is that I come in between 1:15:00 and 1:20:00. My thoughts prior to the race were to come in under 1:30:00. So I'm happy.

To my fellow G-Man mentoree's - your day is coming. I can't wait to cheer you on. You going to love the experience. THANKS for all the support.

To the G-Man himself - THANK YOU. You said you were going to help get to my Superbowl. You did that and so much more.