Reston Sprint Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Horrible. Didn't even know the race was starting and then the next thing I knew the guy 2 slots in front of me was leaving the wall. Totally wasn't prepared to go. Swimming clockwise in a pool when you have been swimming counterclockwise for 23 years is a little challenging. Passed the first person around the 100 mark and then another by the 150, passed the third at the 200m and actually flipped on top of him, I was able to avoid actually kicking him and pushed off on either side of his body but I still felt horrible about it. I just wasn't anticipating that someone with one of the top seeded times (and built like a swimmer) to stop on the wall. Kept going and let up the last 50m so that my heartrate would drop before getting out of the pool.

I'm not sure I want to race anymore tri's that involve a pool swim.

Struggled getting wetsuit down but managed to have it to my waist by the time I got to my spot. Jogged slow because I tend to run too fast in transition and then I can't get in control of my heartrate or breathing. Tape didn't stay on my heals during the swim, so pulled some of it off while putting bike shoes on. Struggled getting bike out of the row because another competitor was semi-blocking the end. Maneuvered around him and then let one of the guys I swim with come out of T1 ahead of me. I knew he would pass me within 10 feet on the bike, so I figured it was faster to do it now then later.
OA 8/ AG 3

The roads were wet, so I just told myself to slow down around the turns, that's all you can really do. Can't control the weather, you can only control yourself. Pushed the bike and climbed out of the saddle on all three roads of each loop. I like getting out of the saddle and it takes some pressure of my lower back. Eased a little on the second lap and then hammered the third. Luna passed me during loop two and it was great to see her flying by. Had some traffic on the third loop but nothing too bad. Much improved from last year and overall pretty happy with this part of the race.

Keep biking. Need to work on climbing and longer rides. Would eventually like to go aero but I still feel like I'm not ready; mentally or physically.

Confused of how close we could get to transition before dismounted the bike, the vol. didn't say anything so I think I dismounted a little early. Racked bike w/o a problem. Shoes off and ripped off the already falling off tape. Shoes on, helmet off, grabbed visor and race belt on the way up to T2 exit. Saw Sarah on here way out and cheered for her! (One of my favorite moments from the race). Looked for the "water stop" at the T2 exit, it wasn't there. Told myself I could get water at mile 1, so not to worry.
OA 7/ AG 4

Nothing.

Exited T2 with one other guy, he and I seemed to be running the same pace, so stuck with him. Saw Luna a bit up ahead and she looked strong, just wanted to keep in time with her. My breathing was all over the place, heading up the first hill knocked it way high and had to calm myself down. Starting feeling the heal rub and bleed but what are you going to do? Wasn't going to let a blister keep me from finishing the race. Was looking forward to mile one to get some water, no luck, NO WATER. Ugh. Turned right and just ran up the hill and kept reminding myself to try and stay in control and stick to the plan. Half way through felt the fatigue in the legs setting in but pushed it out of my mind and dug in harder. Knew that there were some really fast women on the the course and because of the staggered swim times, you don't know how fast everyone is racing. Pushed the last half of the race hard and sprinted the last 50ft or so to the finish.

Run more and more often.

Walked around and caught with up friends and my dad :). Also got to see Sarah in T2 and finish the race, awesome!! took of my shoes, finally :)
Hung out till the end of awards, had a team photo and then went to a great bbq for the rest of the afternoon. :)


I'm really disappointed with the swim start and lack of water on the course. I know that we all do this sport because we love it but I also find is discouraging that there was such a large error to some peoples start times. This is a sport that can separate a finish/place by one second, so every second really does count. Plus, how is it fair to those competitors who were in a way penalized for a disorganized start or those who were in a way given an advantage because their race started at the right time? (i'm pretty sure the side i was on, the "odd" side started on time)

And the lack of water? Really? I know running a race is a large undertaking and things are always bound to go a little a rye but not having water is a big thing to some of us. As much as I love being able to race in our backyard and as great of a time as I had out on the course, I'm not sure I want to do this race again next year.

On a more positive note: I really need to thank all the BTers, RMSTers, TeamFeXY, the Luna Chix and of course Dan for all of the support, advise and encouragement that I've been given over the last year. This is the first race that I can gauge my improvements on and I honestly don't think I could have gotten as far as I have without all of you. I feel truly fortunate to have such a great group of people in my life.