TRI for FUN Sprint Triathlon #1 - TriathlonSprint

Swim started fine, then quickly fell apart. I can't swim in the first place, so OWS was a little shaky. I thought I had a good rhythm planned, but stroke is so off, I had to site every 5-6 strokes, which through my stroke and breathing rhythm off and I couldn't keep up with my breathes. Consequently, I did freestyle for about 1/2 the time and side stroke for about 1/2 the time.

I need to practice swimming a lot more, especially OWS and siting.

Passed my rack and had to come back. My left calf cramped up when I was getting into my bike shoes. I stretched it out on the ride.

Overall, I paced well, passed a few people, was passed by a lot of people (product of being in the first wave). I didn't push too hard as my legs felt okay for the run, but I maybe could have pushed a little harder.

Felt good for my first tri and first time riding a bike in a race. Continue improving bike times with more time in the saddle.

Kind of slow. Legs felt weird after jumping off bike.

Practice transition more.

Legs stiff and tight for first quarter to half mile. I felt great about 1.5 mile turnaround. I passed a few people and only a few passed me (they already passed me in the bike!) Had a kick for the last 200 meters. Knees didn't hurt.

Continue to improve run pacing. After years of running marathon pace (8:00 min/mile) my body just slips into that pace naturally. I need some faster intervals/tempo runs to lower the pace for shorter races like this.

I was very hungry after I finished--I've never been hungry after a running race! Grapped some granola and yogurt, talked with family, ate some more granola and pasta and bananas and juice and water. Stretched a little, did a lite jog for a few hundred yards. Went home.


1) Swim ability and confidence
2) Bike training volume and intensity.
3) Run intensity.


Overall, it was a great experience for my first foray into triathlons. After investing in a bike, I'm glad I like it. Now I can ramp my training up again.