Black Bear Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Great swim. Started on the buoy line, 2nd row. I saw one or two guys break away and go ahead and I just stuck with my feet. Drafted for about 500 or so and then it got broken up as we started the angle for the shore.

Swim was 4s slower than last year, but last year's time was aided by some wind and current. Plus last year's time was just swim, and this year's included a very short run to the TA mat. Was very happy with this swim. Execution was near perfect.

Nothing.

Off with wetsuit. Sunglasses on, gel and edurolytes into pocket, helmet on and out of transition. Looonng run to the mount line with the time counting toward the bike split.

Nothing.

eh...a so-so ride. I forgot how tough this course was...even the rollers during the first six miles or so required me to spend a lot of time in my easiest gear (39-23). The plan was to ride the first half at or slightly below FTP. That was ok, but I was suffering a bit at the end. Second half power was ~20w lower. Now part of that is more downhills (and coasting) but I am sure part was just not being 100% today.

Tough to compare to last year as they moved TA, which (a) included a long run in/out into your bike time and (b) increased the course slightly. I was +3:37 slower this year. If I had to guess, I'd say the course was about 90s to 2m slower this year given the above. IMO, the rest of my time difference was due to performance difference.

EQUIPMENT:
Bike - Trek Eq9
Front - Hed Jet 60
Rear - Mavic Open Pro w/ PT and wheelcover (RD was rubbing when in 39-23)
Gears - 50/34 crank w/ 11-23 cassette
Aero helmet

NUTRITION:
Had about 16oz of water on the ride via aero bottle. Took one endurolyte and one Hammer Gel near the end of the ride.

- Run a larger cassette. Used an 11-23 w/ a compact crank (50-34) and on some of the bigger/longer hills my cadence was <70 for over a minute straight. Really wish I had noted what setup I rode last year so I could compare.

Good transition. Nothing to really note.

Much better run than last year, but still didn't feel like I nailed it. I left transition alone but had one guy ~40yds in front and another about 40yds back. I was having some mild sidestitch type of cramps...similar to last year, but not nearly as bad. It's weird b/c I never get them and now its twice on this course. I think a hard hilly bike may have somethign to do with it, but who knows for sure.

So the guy from behind caught me right before mile 1. Another guy passed me at the turnaround (he was in the wave ahead of me an wee leap-frogged a bit on the bike) and a 3rd flew shortly after the 2mi mark. I tried to hang with him but that just induced severe cramping so no luck. I just cruised on in. No one was really around me. I didn't wear a watch so I don't have any splits, although based on Laura's splits the mile-markers were off anyways. I prob slowed a bit at the end, but nothing too bad.

Oh, I had no idea until Laura finished but the course was way short of the advertised 3.4mi. They changed the course quite a bit from last year b/c of the new TA, but still advertised 3.4mi. Turns out it was 5k. Didn't effect my race, but wanted to throws that in there in case I want to look at the results later and I am wondering why there was a huge time difference b/t years.

EQUIPMENT:
Ran in my Brooks Racers..used body glide and vasoline and had no issues going sockless.

Nutrition:
Took two cups of water on the course...a small gulp from each and the rest onto head/face.

- Figure out a way to not get these weird side-stitch cramps.

Light stretching and waited for Laura to finish.


Hard to say for sure, but I'll definitely try a different cassette if we do the sprint again next year. Besides that, I pretty much performed to my current level of fitness.

Overall it was a solid race. I am tough on myself and always strive for the perfect race, but I can't complain with AG hardware. It was fun day and it was nice that my parents, along with Laura's parents and brother and sister were all able to watch and support us.


Started ~15min late b/c of traffic getting into the park. Luckily we came from the other direction and I like to get there early so we didn't have any issues.

Love the venue being its a state park. They have a full bathrooms and showers. (I actually had no wait to use the bathroom...a first for a tri for me) Picnic tables, grills, and even a concession stand for family/spectators.