Swim
Comments: I am a decent swimmer so I was pleased. With 10 sec intervals, I thought that would be enough time to keep everyone mostly seperated but the RD didnt count on the person doing the breastroke by the 3rd lap. We were stacked up 5 deep waiting to pass. (Please try to submit an accurate time when registering for a pool start). Finally did pass her and was running up on other people so for the last 3 laps just stayed in line and coasted. Swim time could have been quicker had I not had to do that. What would you do differently?: Get in front of the breaststroker. Considering that I have only swam twice this year, I am pleased. Wasnt tired at all. Transition 1
Comments: Didnt realize this was so slow. I took the time to dry off, put a shirt, socks and shoes on. I guess I forgot this was a race and had no sense of urgency. This was also my second tri ever and my goal is to finish, so really I wasnt sweating it. What would you do differently?: Practice. Get in a hurry. Is this where I need to say HTFU? Bike
Comments: Keep in mind I am riding a clunker. A 1983 throwback that I was riding when I met my wife...when I was 15 years old. (Thats right, Im old school). The course was described as "gentle rolling hills" and "moderately hilly". Two words...my arse. Maybe about a half mile was flat and the rest was hills. And it was a loop course so whatever was down was up on the way back. Going in, I really thought I was a lot stronger on the bike but you cant tell it. I do need to increase frequency and intensity of training. That was a given and this course brought that out. There were a couple large hills and one killer with about 1-2 miles left that just spent me. And to top it off, when I finished the last big hill and caught my breath, I switched from small ring to big ring and my cable snapped. So I am in the small ring until that is fixed. What would you do differently?: Train more. Especially on hills. And I really need to look at getting a new bike. Eventually the cost of repair will exceed the cost of a new one. Transition 2
Comments: Coming into T2 was just glad I didnt have to climb another hill. Just decided to catch my breath, get a drink and settle down. Took a few seconds to stretch hammies out a bit. All I really had to do was rack my bike and put belt on but still took too long. What would you do differently?: Practice. Run
Comments: My legs were fried from the get go. Tight, tight, tight. I really should pay attention to training plans and do bricks. The course was good and not too difficult. There was only one hill that had to be done twice. I walked a couple times on this hill. I also had to walk just to catch my breath about 1/2 mile into run. I noticed this on the bike too. I have a hard time settling into a good pace. The finish was in a shaded park and was nice. What would you do differently?: Not walk on the course. I just have to get more consistent with training. I know that is what it all comes down to. Post race
Warm down: Walked around, drank Gatorade and water. I did have a section of a turkey sandwich and a banana. So I had that going for me. What limited your ability to perform faster: I have been too inconsistent with training. I tried to make my own training plan and it is obvious that didnt work. And I missed too many days of training. A day here and a day there adds up. If I can finiah these races with the training that I have been doing, I can improve greatly if I pick a plan and stick to it. And I REALLY need to look at getting a new bike. Event comments: This was only my second tri and at this stage my goal for these things are simply to do my best and have fun. As training improves and I get more races under my belt, I expect better results. I can control the training immediately and will. The races will come and performance will improve. With haphazard, inconsistent, on the fly training plan, I got what I deserved. Finishing 16/18 in age group and not beating anyone in the next 2 older age groups, I have my work cut out for me. I am realistic enough to not expect a podium, but I can improve. On a side note, thanks to the volunteers. This was a small race but everyone was very supportive. Last updated: 2009-02-02 12:00 AM
|
|
United States
Set Up Events
75F / 24C
Overcast
Overall Rank = /
Age Group = 40-44
Age Group Rank = 16/18
Woke up 4:30ish. My daughter had a dance competition in Raleigh so my wife and her we leaving the house at about the same time, which made getting up easier.
Just basically stretched and hung out. Talked to people around me. I have only swam twice this year and none within the past 6 weeks so I wanted to save everything for the race. After talking to people and being warned about the hills on the bike route, I think I made the right decisions.