Clark Lake Lions Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

This was a messy swim. I started out too fast, and had a little trouble catching my breath. There was also alot of hitting, etc. I got one hand practically grab my shoulder and pull themselves past me.

Got into a rhythym after about 100m. I was able to draft off a couple people, until they either pulled away, or I decided they were too slow. There was one lady who could not swim straight that was constantly running into me. I tried to stay out of her way, but she was brutal. She was also breast-stroking the whole time, which churned up the water behind her. At least twice, she created a wave that I somehow ended up swallowing (why was my freaking mouth open?). But hey, she was out of the water before me, so it was working for her.

I was very happy with my sighting--it seems that I can swim in a fairly straight line.

I swam as long as possible. When I stood up, the water was about halfway to my knees. I had jello legs though, and I couldn't run. Once I got completely out of the water, I was able to start jogging.

Came out of the swim ahead of grillmaster ;)

I have to work on my endurance, and my speed. It was a good swim, and I'm happy with it, I'm just freakin' slow. I breast-stroked a bit, but more to check sighting, avoid crooked-girl, and to round the buoys.

No wetsuit definitely simplifies transition. The bike brakes got stuck on the rack, and it cost me a couple seconds to knock it free. Otherwise, I think I moved pretty good (we'll see once the results come out).

After I passed the mount line, I got on the bike, but had some trouble clipping in my left foot. I need new cleats, but I'm trying to stretch them out to the end of the season--it may be costing me some time.

Got out of T1 ahead of grillmaster (and my time was better too ;) )

Not much. It seemed to go pretty smooth.

I felt like I really pushed the pace on this bike. It started out okay. Tried to spin for a bit before I got my legs. I felt like I was passing alot of people (of course, I was also being passed.)

It was slightly hilly, and I tried to carry some speed into each hill to help me climb it. Towards the bottom of one hill, I got pissed off. This guy passed me, and then proceeded to sit beside the girl in front of me and have a conversation. A CONVERSATION! THIS IS A RACE! Ahem. Anyway, the way he was positioned, between the two of them they were blocking the lane. I slowed way down, and was thinking about just going around, even if it meant crossing the yellow line (there was no traffic in sight), but then the attack of the disc wheels started, and I was trapped. I then had to climb a hill without bringing any speed into it. It (temporarily) fried my legs, and I couldn't get enough speed to pass them, so I just spun and waited for an opening.

In reality it probably only cost me a couple of seconds, but it ticked me off. He should have been penalized, but there were no course marshalls around.

After that incident, I basically sat behind (no drafting, more like following) this guy in black shorts & no shirt. His pace was very close to mine. We jockied here and there, but mostly I followed him to the end.

Transition area was at the bottom of a nice downhill. I HATE it when they do that.

I think I geared pretty well. I never used my granny, and I spent alot of time (especially downhills) in the big/big ring. (I know, I should know more about my gear ratios.)

This was the fastest average speed I have ever maintained. I could have ridden harder, I should have gone around the blocking guy. Maybe I should have stood to climb. Overall, I'm happy with my average speed, and my bike time was better than my reasonable goal time.

Got off the bike before grillmaster caught me!! ;)

I moved pretty well. Shaved 30 seconds of my last race T2 time by knowing what I was doing.

Found my rack spot pretty well, threw the bike on the rack. Whipped off helmet and shoes. Put on socks, pulled on shoes (via Yanks), grabbed hat & belt and started running.

I was focused. Without being able to a) run sockless and b) take my feet out of my shoes ahead of time, I don't think I could speed this up much more.

Ugh. Right out of the gate my legs were jello. I ended up walking for a minute or so (to the water station & to drink) to try and get my legs. A girl ran by me and encouraged me--was very nice of her, and it helped alot.

I really wanted to run the whole run, but I just couldn't do it. The 10 minute run segments weren't happening either. I walked the water stations as well. I put on a good sprint to the finish, and passed a guy at the end.

My endurance is lacking. I don't breathe heavy, but I just can't perform with my legs. I need to get into the gym and work the legs.

I think that the HRM training plan is working, but it's going to take a while to see some significant improvements.

Got a fruit punch energice. VERY tasty. Walked around for a minute, then plopped onto the ground. Stood in line for one of the 8 massage therapists. After 15 minutes, realized there was only 2. Bailed. Changed out of my javelin uniform, and headed home.


Me. I just have alot more training to do. I think next season I will see some significant improvements.


Pretty nice race. The course was good, and they had lots of the locals out with water stations on the run. The post race food was minimal (just fruit and cookies, and I don't eat fruit), and pretty much just water to drink.

Could have used some sports drink on the run, and maybe a little more food would be nice. Dri-fit windshirt is a very unusual schwag, and will probably get alot of use once the weather turns cooler.

All in all, I would likely do this race again.