Timberman Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

I really should have done better here, for starting up front. I know I'm capable of a better swim.

Swim faster. Start closer to the "inside," so I don't drift as far out, away from the first buoy; I put in a little extra mileage here correcting my direction. Kick the girls back (who says I have to play nice?). Practice speedy starts during training, then back down to race pace.

Had trouble locking my cleat into my shoes! Spent 10 unnecessary seconds here! Need to roll socks on faster.

Possibly forego socks, although I would sacrifice comfort. Get on the bike, then worry about cleats. Ultimately, I should have shoes attached to bike, run out to course, start pedalling and then put feet in shoes!

I need to figure out how to more smoothly transition from middle to big ring; it just doesn't go smoothly and the grinding noise frightens fellow riders! Today, I focused on smooth climbing, pulling with my hamstrings (pull up!), and steadying my uppper body, really putting all of my energy in pedalling my little butt off. I felt slow, like I hadn't practiced enough, and I HATE getting passed. It was about mile 7 that I vowed to put more miles in with Jesse. I didn't feel speedy here at all!

I did do well on the downhills (pedalled all the way), and I never once used the granny gear. I only climbed out of the saddle once, but with such long inclines, the course didn't really allow for that. I need to work on speed BIG TIME. Endurance is good, but I really need to focus on speed.

A highlight was seeing the Hoyts racing - man Mr. Hoyt has amazingly strong thighs! He was cruising!!

GO FASTER. Practice speedy climbs. Consider a lighter bike.

I forgot to remove my feet approaching transition. When I realized this it was too late, and there was a sharp turn left and only a short distance until you had to dismount. I decided to run in cleats and chance it. T2 went very smoothly. Racked and swapped shoes, grabbed water and I was OUTTA there. Felt very fast.

Get out of my bike shoes earlier and pedal on top, as I've practiced.

The rain started coming down (not too bad, though). My legs felt like LEAD when I began. I saw Jesse on the corner heading out on the course, and he said I looked miserable. I took baby small steps and worked on Chi running techniques, like I have been working on. I would find a person and reel them in, slowly and surely. I never walked, though I admit I really need to work on speed here. Today's 5K was a PB, but still could use some work. My hamstrings and left ankle started to really tighten up here, heading uphill. This made for a bit uncomfortable run, but overall I enjoyed this. I caught my breath and probably could have gone faster. Saw lots of club members and BTer KathyG on my way back. Seeing people I know gave me energy.

A highlight here was seeing the Hoyts again; (and he wasn't that far behind me!!) Inspriational to say the least!

GO FASTER. Power up that hill. Lean more. Think about skipping carrying the water bottle, and hydrating on the bike more. (The water bottle was annoying to carry today; it felt heavy.) Thought about ditching it, but wasn't sure about the rules.

Walking, hydrating, smiling, finding husband. Stretching and getting snacks from the food tent.


Other random data: Ave HR: 163; Max HR: 174; total calories burned: 1,624.


I finished a disappointing 577/810 overall and 242/401 (prelim results). I managed to beat my goal time of 1:45 by two minutes, but overall, I think I could have done better. What limited my ability? Not enough mileage during the past three weeks (bike and run). I felt a bit weak, despite strong training and good sleep. Wondering if I could have packed in more iron/protein this week in anticipation of today? I really need to commit to training every day (and often twice a day). I hate being passed, and I really want to get better so I can feel good about my overall time!!!

Other minor things to change: have breakfast; wake up earlier and arrive earlier so set-up isn't rushed; stretch more (esp. after).


The swim was really crowded - as was transition. I had less than a foot of space for my stuff. The course was extremely well-marked and staffed. the volunteer staff was amazing - full of energy and enthusiasm. Drawbacks: they ran out of my t-shirt size during packet pick-up; they told me I could get it after my race, but today no one knew anything about it. Wasn't given a sport towel at the end (saw others carrying them). Very well stocked drink stations - Heed is yummy! I will have to try this. Needs more live music - I loved the drum guys at the run turn-around; the happy beat gave me energy! Overall, and amazing operation. I will certainly do this race next year!