New Jersey Devilman Sprint Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Well, where do I start. I learned a lot. I was not expecting a great time for my first open water swim and first mass swim start. But I know I could have done better. I did feel comfortable in the water until I had people swimming sideways into me. They then would continue on their slow pace right in front of me and I had to stop. I did start in the back of the start and even waited a few seconds to start going. I feel the swimmers that were around me though were much slower than me and definitely threw off my entire swim. I could not get any rhythm started at all. I had to breast stroke a bunch to let others out of my way and all and all just never got moving until the last turn. I did start more on the inside left of the group and will not make that mistake again.

1 - Still start in back till I get comfortable in OW, but would rather stay way to the outside of the buoys, rather than close to them. Everyone converges to the inside lane once the swim gets underway. I feel I could have gotten into a rhythm better this way.
2 - Work a bit more on breathing techniques. Once I got moving I felt good breathing every two strokes to my left, but think it can only be beneficial to alternate sides more.

I feel a good portion of my problem was not having any experience in the OW or swimming with others in the OW. But still feel my placement in the pack was the biggest factor.

Was a rather long run after the swim to transition area. I ran almost the whole time, only stopping pulling wetsuit top off and to grab some air. There is room for improvement but I am happy with the first official attempt.

1 - Practice more taking a wet wetsuit off, rather than a dry one (much easier dry).
2 - Work on running a bit faster with the bike. It did not help that the run to the mount line was gravel and weeds.

Felt good on the bike, definitely do not have my legs yet. Ended up making up a lot of ground on the bike after a poor swim. Was able to stay in aero position for a large portion of the ride.

Not much, once I get more miles in my legs over the next couple weeks, my pace will get better

Really happy with this transition. Had my socks rolled up and went on pretty good. For some reason I took my sunglasses off and put them on my towel, only to have to put them back on.

A better dismount, but honestly did want to fall if I did not have my legs under me.

Felt real good leaving the transition area and started smoothly getting the legs moving. Around mile 1 I had to stop and stretch out just above the knee. I think I was just not hydrated enough or not fully stretched before the race. Something to think about. I did cramp up a bit in the hamstrings around mile 3 and got plenty of water back in me at the water station. Continued to the finish ok.

1 - Stretch before the race starts better.


For training from now on, I plan to run between half a mile to a mile after each ride to get the legs more used to the transition

Just did stretching. Also took in as much water as possible. I got called into work earlier than expected and had to get on the road. Ended up stretching more at work here and there, as well as when I got home much later that night.


- Experience
- Nutrition or fluids


I have heard stories about the lake, but had no issues with it. The lake exit was only one at a time, but did move pretty quick. Would compete in the event again. It is a larger sprint than the normal sprint distances.