Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon - Sprint Race - TriathlonSprint

Terrible. This was my first open water swim and it showed. My adrenalin was pumping during the 3+ min of treading pre-start. I stayed near the back to avoid the mayhem of the start, but with the current sweeping us all away from the starting line, it was hard not to stay near lot's of people (125 in my wave). I just couldn't get it together so did the backstroke for a while. Didn't feel too bad as I saw quite a few people either getting assistance or dropping out.

Everytime I calmed down and began to crawl again, the lead swimmers of the wave behind would catch up. I tried to stay out of their way, hence I swam quite a bit of extra distance, especially on the cross-river legs. Also, considering my slow pace, and being on my back for quite a bit, I took quite a few waves/splashes in the face. Schuykill water tasted better than expected ;)

Bad cramp on my right calf half-way on first leg and then even worse cramp on left calf on the final leg. Getting out of the water was tough with two cramped calves.

#1 more open water practice
#2 prepared a mental gameplan for what/ifs (e.g. side current)
#3 tried longer to push through on crawl
#4 swim longer contiguous distances w/o breaks (e.g. 500 vs. 5x100)

Very hard time with first few steps out of the water - steep sandy bank which was killer considering my two cramped calves. Had a sip of gatorade and then tried to jog to my bike. Had a hard time finding my bike. Lot's of people around, but finally found the right row. Had a gel (gu non-caffeine) and a few sips of gatorade. Was ok to run out with my bike in my bike shoes. Easy time mounting, clipping in and taking off.

#1 scope out the transition area better (e.g. walk the swim-in to my bike)

Overall, not bad, but my bike needs work. My eyeball fitting when I bought my pedals was ok, but should have paid for a full fitting. My new shifters (brake lever) worked only so-so, my fault, should have spent more time adjusting them pre-race - didn't have my front large gear ring for the entire first lap. Calves tense from swim, but maintained ok cadence. Never felt fatigued, and could have pushed harder, but wanted to be ok for the run.

#1 get a better bike fitting
#2 fix my %$@#^% shifters
#3 get aerobars

Dismount was fine, especially considering the two riders that fell right in front of me. Was able to jog to my spot (found it this time). Didn't rush things (what was the point by now?), had rest of the gel and some gatorade. Race belt was great. First brisk walk then light jog out of transition area.

#1 Do it quicker

Felt good. Kept my normal training pace (10:00). Legs felt a little rubbery at first, but calmed down after .5 mi. It got very very hot as the course was almost all in the sun, but kept cool with a few waters over my head. Could have increased pace, but again, what was the point, only goal was to finish!!!

1. More pace work
2. Wear my hat (it did no good in my bag)

Walked a bit, some stretching.


Major limiting factor obviously the swim. Need open water practice and longer distances in the pool. Bike needs some work too. Regardless, finished and that was my only goal for my first tri!!!


Great race. Very well organized. Can't wait till next year.